Ah, Vietnam! . As a photography enthusiast, there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in a new environment with your camera poised, ready to capture the essence of a place. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to lead not one, but two photography workshops in Vietnam. However, Mother Nature seemed determined to teach us a lesson about adaptability and resilience as she unleashed torrential rains and swirling winds upon us. What could have been a damp squib turned into a delightful dive into the unexpected – especially when it came to learning how to photograph while holding an umbrella!
Weathering the Storm: A Unique Challenge
After the gloomy weather of our first workshop, I was absolutely buzzing with excitement for our second workshop in North Vietnam with our beloved return customers, Hector and Dorrie! I just knew that our luck would turn around this time! The vibrant landscapes and rich culture were calling us, and I could already envision the inspiring moments we’d create together. However, little did I know that we would soon find ourselves reprogramming our entire workshop! The saga began when Typhoon Yagi wreaked havoc in the northern region, drastically altering our plans with its aftermath. With roads closed due to landslides and floods, our dream of photographing the stunning rice terraces in the north had to be put on hold. But not to worry! We quickly pivoted southward to Central Vietnam, where the weather was much more cooperative, and a whole new adventure awaited us!
Now, let me tell you, the first day of our workshop in Hanoi was nothing short of a slapstick comedy. Picture this: we gathered in a handicraft village, ready to embark on our photographic journey. But instead of a picturesque sunrise, we were greeted by a torrential downpour that made it feel like we were participating in a wet T-shirt contest! Our feet were soaked, our cameras fogged up, and even our trusty lens wipes were rendered useless, as they too had succumbed to the humidity.
As we trudged through the streets, we witnessed the local kids expertly fishing in the flooded roads, while frogs threw a pool party like it was the hottest club in town. The irony of it all? We were supposed to be capturing the beauty of Vietnam, yet all we could focus on was not dropping our cameras into the water!
But the real challenge was yet to come. Armed with umbrellas in one hand and cameras in the other, our brave participants took on the task of photographing the chaos around them. I mean, who knew that capturing the perfect shot while simultaneously trying to prevent your umbrella from turning inside out could be so exhilarating? It was like a scene from a slapstick comedy where everyone was trying to balance their gear while dodging raindrops.
The Umbrella Chronicles: A Lesson in Adaptability
Despite the challenging conditions, our guests embraced the chaos with enthusiasm and laughter. I watched as they contorted their bodies in the most creative ways to hold their umbrellas while snapping photos. Some went for the classic “umbrella under the arm” pose, while others opted for the daring “let’s see how far I can stretch my arm without having big drops from the umbrella just in front of my lens” technique. The results? Unique and fabulous shots that could only be captured in such absurd circumstances!
After our drenched escapades in Hanoi, we made the executive decision to head south to Central Vietnam. Leaving behind the dream of rice terraces for another trip (never again during a La Niña year, I swear!), we set our sights on Nha Thrang. The weather forecast promised a slight reprieve, but as we arrived, it was clear that we hadn’t escaped the rain entirely with a few showers who gave us amazing light as you can see below.
Now, let’s fast forward to our time in Hoi An, where I found myself typing this blog post while my shoes were attempting to dry out from our morning photo session. It’s as if the weather gods were playing a cruel joke on us, saying, “You thought you could escape the rain? Think again!”
But nothing, I say, nothing was going to stop us from capturing the beauty of this ancient town. We woke up before dawn, splashed through the flooded alley of the market, and took pictures between the raindrops like true warriors of the lens. Sure, we had to shorten our photo sessions, but the enthusiasm of our guests was unwavering. After all, as the Vietnamese saying goes, “As long as you’ve eaten rice, we’re good to go!”
A Call to Action: Help the North Recover
While we laughed and made the best of our situation, it was hard to ignore the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi in the north. The damage was extensive, with rice terraces washed away and communities facing a long road to recovery. It’s a stark reminder that while we were busy capturing the beauty of Vietnam, many were dealing with the aftermath of nature’s fury.
So, dear readers, if you ever find yourself in a position to help, consider supporting the recovery efforts in Northern Vietnam. Whether it’s through donations, or simply travelling there now, every little bit counts.
Conclusion: The Joy of Unexpected Adventures
In the end, our Vietnam photography workshops turned out to be an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, creativity, and a healthy dose of resilience. The rain may have tried to steal the show, but it only added to the charm of our journey. As we captured the beauty of Vietnam through our umbrellas, we also learned that sometimes, the best memories come from the most unexpected challenges.
So, the next time you find yourself caught in a downpour, remember: it’s all about perspective. Grab your umbrella, hold your camera tight, and embrace the chaos. After all, who knows what unique moments you might capture when life throws a little rain your way?
It is time for us to wear our raincoats for our “shorten” afternoon session… as long as we can reach the maybe flooded village!