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The picture perfect
Photo tours demand expertise, flexibility,
understanding and patience only a fellow enthusiast like Nguyen Huy Son can
offer.
It can be, and is, called many things - photo travel, photo fieldtrips, guided
photography tour, specialized travel and photo workshops. But it is basically a
journey of discovering a nation through your own lens – figuratively and
literally.
And whatever the discoverer’s interest is – landscapes, people’s portraits,
historical landmarks or sites, or a combination of many things – Nguyen Huy Son
can be a friend and guide on the journey. This is his livelihood.
The forty-year-old Son started out as tour guide in 1996, but the idea for tours
focused on photography flashed through his mind when he started to learn the
skills from his uncle, a senior photographer.
After three years, in 1999, his new tour was first presented. Immediately it
drew lots of attention, especially from foreign guests, such as travel
photographers, photo journalists and television production crews.
Since then, many other noted Vietnamese photographers like Huynh Ngoc Dan or
Thai Phien have designed their own photo tours, but Son is still holding his
own.
That he has “survived” several years of competition shows his photo tours meet
clients’ expectations. The fact that Son is a professional tour guide fluent in
English gives him an edge over other photographers, and he does not find it
difficult to make the tour an attractive one.
Vital ingredients
“Backpack, camera and heart - these are three indispensable parts of my
photo tour. I want to give my customers the best native Vietnamese images
possible,” said Son.
In Son’s photo tour, there are no limitations or strict schedules or set
routines. Your moods and needs are priority. Son keeps in touch, understands
your wishes through daily emails, and gets you to the right locale at the right
time with the right lighting for the best photo opportunities. He works along,
but Son’s connections with well-known firms offering transportation and
accommodation serve him, and his customers well.
“No matter what level of experience the tourist has, the trip is always fun and
useful, with life’s tiny lessons captured on your way through the lens.“
Son provides detailed consultancy about the best months to travel, best time to
shoot and specific local events that will bring you home with unique photos and
memories lasting a lifetime.
“My tour is open to every walk of life, any person who has real passion in
photography and travel. Usually, for each tour, I guide groups of ten or under,
the less the better.”
“Most of my clients have basic knowledge of photography, some of them are
extremely professional. Good discipline, respect for each other and sharing the
journey’s fruits always make for a happy ending.”
Son also works in association with a government-owned tour company, Ho Chi Minh
City’s Ecotour. This ensures safe financial arrangements. The length and
location of each photo tour depend on the client’s wishes, including the
subjects covered and the region visited.
Time to settle
Son ruefully admits the constant journeying over the last decade has taken
him away from a family life.
At 40, he feels the need for it. “It’s time for me to turn into a man with a
cozy home to return to.”
Besides being a noted photo tour operator, Son is a proficient photographer in
his own right, having exhibited abroad in California, with numerous national
photography awards under his belt including: third prize for Vietnam Tourism
Photography Contest in 2005, first and third prize for Vietnam Tourism
Photography contest in 2004.
At present, Son is working on a “top secret” plan and intends to broaden his
photo tour by linking it with bird-watching and bike tours.
TOUR INFORMATION
The cost could be at least US$1,000 for a week-long tour all inclusive –
accommodation, ground transportation, food, on-vehicle snacks and bottled water;
and airport transfers.
More details about Son’s photo tours can be found at www.vnphotoguide.com.
Source: VietNamNet/Thanh Nien |
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