Although he currently owns his own restaurant in the central city of Hoi An, 34-year-old French photographer Réhahn C often spends time traveling around the country, capturing the beauty of Vietnam in his photographs.
During his 2-year stay in Vietnam, Réhahn has made many trips to the North of Vietnam. His favorite place is Dong Van Market, which he calls “a rendez-vous of colors and cultures.” His most recent journey was a 15-day 2,191km trip by motorbike to the North. During the trip, Rehahn took 5,637 photos to add to his already vast collection of photographs of Vietnam.
Rehahn proudly shared with Tuoitrenews that he has taken at least 25,000 photos of the country and its people so far.
Twenty of his works featuring Vietnamese women are now being shown at an exhibit in Hanoi titled “Proud to be a woman.” Fifteen other photographs are being prepared for an upcoming exhibition at his restaurant in Hoi An. In addition, Rehahn has recently published an e-book titled “Photographic Journey,” available for free online. It is 42 pages long and includes 55 photographs of his last trip to North Vietnam.
With his love of Vietnam and passion to capture the beauty of the country, Rehahn has gathered more and more fans, including many Vietnamese. His Facebook page currently has over 13,000 followers.
Rehahn was interviewed by Tuoitrenews about his passion for Vietnam and photography.
- When and why did you decide to come and stay in Vietnam?
2 years ago, I was bored with my life in France. I was running my printing company but I realized that I was happier when I was in Hoi An in 2007 for a charity trip. Then I decided to sell everything and start a new life. Money is not the purpose of my life. I’m looking for freedom and quality of life, and I want to develop my skills in photography. I don’t want to work all my life and wake up one day with many regrets. Money is important but not the most important. I met so many poor people who are happier than the rich people in my country.
- Why do lots of your pictures focus on children and the elderly?
Children are natural, candid and generous. The portraits are always pure and full of grace, even when they are sad. The elderly are wise and their faces are marked by time; the lines are very impressive. They prove that beauty has no age.
- What interests you the most about taking photos in and of Vietnam?
Vietnam is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and a mosaic of contrasts. 54 different ethnic groups with different cultures, different colors, it’s a paradise for a photographer.
- Have you received any awards for your works?
For a photographer, the best is to be in National Geographic magazine. My “Smoking Man from Bac Ha” was an editor’s choice on the 12 of august but has not been in the magazine yet. I’m still waiting and continue to shoot. Anyway, the best award comes from messages from Vietnamese people with very kind compliments about my work.
- What are your further plans?
My most important plan is to finish my first book, “Vietnam, Mosaic of Contrasts,” with 200 photos selected from my 25,000 pictures. In the meantime, I will continue to travel from North to South, exploring Central Vietnam as well. And if I can find new places to organize further exhibitions, I will!
Đăng ký: VietNam News