POV Street Photography - HoI An Vietnam
I was in the heart of Bangkok at the Pan Pacific Norland Hotel, soaking up the city and reflecting on my recent stop in Hoi An, Vietnam. I put together this fun little video sharing some of my street photography adventures there. Hoi An is such a photogenic town with endless opportunities around every corner, especially in the bustling markets and colorful streets. Most of the shots I ended up loving were converted to black and white for that timeless feel, and I walk you through the process, a few camera tips, some funny (and slightly stressful) moments like chasing down a woman who shortchanged me, and why slow travel in a place like this really lets you capture authentic scenes.
Arriving in Hoi An and First Impressions
I switched to shooting on my iPhone for some quick clips while wandering.
Watched local women burning paper offerings right in the middle of the market.
It creates interesting light and atmosphere, even if I'm not sure if it's purely for offerings or just clearing out unwanted items.
Exploring the Busy Market
The market in Hoi An is packed with life and perfect for street photography.
Vendors selling fresh fish, vegetables, and all kinds of goods.
Shot with an 85mm lens, which keeps me a respectful distance while still getting intimate portraits.
Daytime is prime time here for natural light and candid opportunities.
Navigating the Streets Safely
Pedestrians definitely take second place to motorbikes and cars.
Listen for horns and stay alert—it's chaotic but adds to the energy.
Found great backdrops like colorful walls and buildings that frame people perfectly.
A Rookie Mistake and a Money Mishap
I made a couple of classic travel photography errors.
Forgot to format my memory card from my last Africa trip, so it filled up quickly and I missed some shots.
Gave a woman 50,000 dong for a photo expecting 20,000 back in change—she kept it all and wasn't happy when I followed her to ask.
It was only about two dollars, but it taught me to carry small bills, keep bags zipped and locked, and never leave valuables unsecured.
The whole interaction got caught on video, which turned into a good public service reminder about staying vigilant.
Camera Settings for Street Shooting
I shared a peek at how I set up my Nikon for these conditions.
Use monochrome picture control in-camera while shooting RAW so I can preview contrast and tones in black and white.
This gives me a good sense of how the final image will look without committing to JPEG.
Typical settings: ISO 250, f/6.3, 1/1000 shutter speed to freeze motion and keep everything sharp.
I carry multiple cards (120GB, 64GB, 32GB) and always format before a new session, plus back up daily to external drives.
Finding the Perfect Backdrop
Some spots just call out for portraits.
Spotted a beautiful wall and waited for people to walk by.
Got lucky with a few ladies who posed together after I asked.
Paid a bit more than planned for one bread vendor shot, but the backdrop made it worth it.
Sometimes you have to be a little sneaky—hold the camera up and hope for the best.
Wrapping Up in Hoi An
I spent time just hanging out, getting into the rhythm of the town.
Slow travel lets you notice little details and build connections.
Met a friendly 72-year-old local who chatted with me while I filmed.
Ended up with maybe 45 photos total, and three or four real keepers that I'm proud of.