As I sit here, surrounded by a sea of camera gear, a mix of excitement and slight panic washes over me. Why, you ask? Well, because in just a few short weeks, I’ll be embarking on a thrilling photo workshop in the beautiful country of Vietnam alongside my trusty sidekick, my younger brother Etienne from PicsofAsia, and a merry band of both familiar faces and new photography enthusiasts. Our journey will take us on a visual rollercoaster through the wonders of North Vietnam’s rice paddies and terraces, the vibrant landscapes of Hoi An in Central Vietnam, and the captivating charm of the Hmong Villages. It’s a photographer’s dream come true, but oh, the dilemma of what to pack!
I find myself pondering the contents of my camera bag with the intensity of a detective solving a mystery. The first item on my checklist – my go-to lens, the mighty 35mm f1.4 Sigma Art lens. This gem of a lens will be securely fastened to my trusty Canon R6 mark ii, ready to capture every breathtaking moment that Vietnam throws our way. But wait, what about those sweeping landscapes that beg to be immortalized in pixels? Fear not, for I shall also toss in a wider-angle lens, a “24mm f1.4 Sigma Art lens” companion that effortlessly transitions from outdoor vistas to cozy indoor spaces.
Ah, and then comes the perennial debate, the age-old struggle between two stalwart companions – the illustrious Canon 70-200mm f2.8 lens and the enigmatic Canon 85mm f1.2. Oh, the tension, the drama! Which shall accompany me on this grand adventure? The suspense is palpable as I stand at the crossroads, torn between the allure of telephoto magnificence and the seductive bokeh of the 85mm.
And what of dear Etienne, my partner in photographic escapades? Alas, I can predict his choice with uncanny accuracy – the 35mm f1.4 Sigma Art lens, a faithful ally that never fails to capture the essence of a moment…
As I snugly pack my photography gear into the reliable embrace of my trusty Lowepro protactic 450 aw, there’s one thing I’m not signing up for – playing the role of Etienne’s personal bag carrier. Nope, not this year! No matter how much he bats those big puppy eyes at me, I’m not about to be swayed into becoming his pack mule. Sorry, bro, love you to the moon and back, but I’ve got my limits.
As the countdown to our adventure speeds up, the frenzy of preparation hits its peak – gear double-checked, excitement soaring, and anticipation at an all-time high. Vietnam beckons, promising a whirlwind of vibrant hues, intricate textures, and untold tales waiting to be immortalized through our lenses. Calling all photography enthusiasts, there’s still a chance to jump aboard this epic visual escapade! Pack your cameras, sign up, and let’s dive into the enchanting tapestry of Vietnam together. And who knows, amidst the beauty and chaos, we might just settle the age-old debate between the trusty 70-200mm and the mighty 85mm lenses. Or perhaps the camera drama will persist, adding spice to our photographic journey!