I first arrived in Southeast Asia in 2012, starting in Thailand before moving through Cambodia and eventually settling in Vietnam. Five years in Hanoi and additional time in Hoi An taught me the rhythm of the streets, the quality of the light, the food culture, and the quiet corners most visitors never notice.
A South African photographer with more than a decade living and shooting across Asia, Vietnam and especially Hanoi became more than just a destination. It became home.
Over the years I’ve travelled extensively through Vietnam, including long stretches by motorbike, discovering locations and moments that rarely appear in guidebooks. Photography has been at the centre of that journey for more than 15 years, shaping how I move through cities and how I now guide others.
I started NamMads to take South Africans to Vietnam not as tourists, but as explorers with cameras. My focus is simple. Small groups. Real streets. Personal guidance. Every tour is built around helping you grow your confidence, sharpen your eye, and experience Hanoi in a way that feels honest and unfiltered.
You don’t need experience to join. Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or refining an established style, I work closely with each guest through daily shooting sessions and hands-on editing workshops.
This is not about rushing between landmarks. It’s about slowing down, observing deeply, and coming home with photographs and experiences that actually mean something.
the ultimate photography adventure!
Our mornings are built around light, calm energy, and intention. We start slow, usually waking around 06:00am, sharing breakfast together and discussing the day’s shooting plan.
This is when the city feels most honest. Soft light, quiet streets, and authentic moments give us the perfect conditions for storytelling through photography and setting the creative tone for the day.
After the morning shoot, we slow the pace and reset. We aim to have lunch around 12:00, giving everyone time to rest, review the morning, and recharge before the creative sessions.
Around 3:00pm, we move into our daily workshops running until 5:00pm, where we review images, share feedback, and work on editing and creative growth. These sessions are practical, relaxed, and supportive, helping you refine your eye and build confidence with your photography.
Evenings are about atmosphere, energy, and flow. We aim to head out from 19:00, when the city lights begin to come alive and the streets shift into a completely different rhythm.
This is the time to photograph Hanoi at night, capturing movement, colour, and real street life while experimenting creatively. The focus is on slowing down your observation and capturing feeling and mood rather than just the scene in front of you.
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