Unique Vietnam vehicles through the lens of foreign photographers
Many foreign photographers have come to Vietnam to take photos of these vehicles, which have been published in international newspapers. Some photographers have also launched photo books about the subject.
Here is a review the photos of Vietnam’s vehicles by international photographers.
"Bikes of Burden" by photographer Hans Kemp
Dutch photographer Hans Kemp first visited Vietnam in 1991 and he was immediately impressed by Vietnam traffic and cargo bikes.
Hans Kemp said: "I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was an incessant stream of motorbikes on the road in front of me. There were entire families on a bike, guys in suits, girls dolled up. I stood there mesmerized, intoxicated by this all-permeating scent of petrol mixed with perfume, sound, color, and motion. There was an incredible vibrancy to it all.
Kemp began settling down in HCM City in 1995. In 2000, a client requested Kemp to shoot photos about traffic in Vietnam. The more he spent time on this project, the more Kemp was attached to the subject.
He implemented this project within two years. Whenever he had free time, Kemp travelled to all regions of Vietnam, and roamed around the streets to record impressive and unique moments.
Later, Kemp compiled the most impressive photographs in the photobook "Bikes of Burden".
To catch the vehicles moving on the busy street, Kemp found Vietnamese friend who owned a Honda Cub who was willing to travel with Kemp throughout the country.
In 2005, Kemp published the photo book "Bikes of Burden" and the book immediately attracted the attention of the international photographic community.
The book includes 182 photographs recording impressive moments of cargo bikes in Vietnam. The photobook presents a vivid slice of everyday life in Vietnam through street photography.
In 2014, after nearly a decade, Kemp returned to Vietnam again to take more pictures on this topic, to prepare for the second edition of the photo book.
Though streets in the major cities there have widened in recent years and other changes in lifestyle have made cars more prevalent, Kemp said the motorbikes were still out in abundance.
“Seeing this unique species alive and kicking and swirling through Vietnam’s traffic, still vigorous and proud after so many years made me realize that they could very well be there to stay. Recalling that first day out on the pavement in Ho Chi Minh City, it was a reassuring thought indeed,” he said.
When foreign visitors find interesting books about Vietnam, "Bikes of Burden" is one of the top choices. It is from here that street photography in Vietnam became known.
Here are some new photos by Kemp:
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