Through the lens: A photographer’s love story with Vietnam

Hanoi, 1992. A British photographer stepped off a plane, cameras slung over his shoulder, into a country that would reshape his story. Through his camera lens, Andy Soloman began to see Vietnam not just as another destination to tick off a list but as a land of resilience, change, and spirit.

It wasn’t just the landscapes or the culture that captured him—it was the people, their stories, and the profound connection he felt to this place. Vietnam became his muse, his home, and the foundation for a love story that continues to shape his life.

“I arrived with my cameras and my eyes and ears wide open,” Andy remembers fondly. “What I found was simply incredible. People were terribly poor, but the spirit of hope and ingenuity was everywhere.”  

It was a time of transformation for Vietnam. Emerging from hardship, the country was beginning to open its doors to the world, and in doing so, it captured his heart.

During long days exploring lively streets under a hazy sky, through foggy mountain roads, and into quaint, inviting villages, Andy found himself deeply connected to a land and a people who were forging their future with determination and grace.

This is a story about more than photographs.

It’s about discovery, love, and how one man found a calling amidst the beauty, contrasts, and transformations of Vietnam.

Falling in love twice

Just as Vietnam began to take root in his heart, life had another unexpected chapter in store for him.

One day, while visiting a local school, he met a young woman who captured him with her quiet kindness and radiant smile. She was the head of the Russian department at her secondary school and was assisting some Russians with translation that day. “She was also retraining to become an English teacher as the Russian connection with Vietnam was fading due to the collapse of the Soviet Union,” he says.

“She was a beautiful, kind, and generous person,” Andy shares.

For both of them, what started as a chance meeting evolved into something life-changing.  

In February 1994, as the streets of Hanoi hummed with quiet resolve, they were married. His love for Vietnam deepened through her and her family, who welcomed him warmly into their lives.

“It wasn’t easy for me to stay in those days,” Andy recalls. “But we found a way. My arrival in Vietnam remains the single most important thing I have ever done. It changed the course of my life.”

Thirty years later, their love story remains intertwined with the rhythm of Vietnam—its traditions, its landscapes, and the unshakable bond of family.

“The thing is, Hanoi, and Vietnam more generally, draw you in, embrace you with warmth and love, and then don’t easily let you go. I’m very happy with that!” he exclaims.

This love story, however, extends beyond personal relationships—it’s also a love affair with the landscapes, culture, and spirit of Vietnam.

An unending inspiration

From his very first days in Hanoi, the country revealed itself as more than just a place. It became the pulse of his creative life.

The 1990s in Vietnam, as Andy recalls, were “full of contrast.” While poverty was undeniable, so was ingenuity, resourcefulness, and quiet pride. His photographs became a medium through which Andy could capture these compelling stories, and more importantly, return them to the people who lived them.

Vietnam’s rugged mountains, stunning coastline, and the endless varieties of delicious food all hold deep significance for Andy. 

There are too many moments and stories that stand out, he reflects, adding, “I consider myself immensely privileged to have been able to observe and travel around the country extensively throughout the 1990s. This was a country on the cusp of huge change, so to have been able to observe, experience, and photograph the country and its people at this time was very, very special.”

One poignant memory that still resonates is the Dong Ky firecracker festival of 1994, the last year before firecrackers were banned. At the festival, locals created larger-than-life firecrackers, staging thrilling exhibitions of sound and smoke. His camera immortalized those fleeting moments.

Dong Ky firecracker festival in Bac Ninh, Vietnam. February 1994 (last year with firecrackers).

Years later, Andy shared the images online, and what followed stunned him.

Families recognized relatives in his photos. For many, these were their only visual connections to a past now transformed by time.

“My photos suddenly became a really valuable historical and social record,” Andy says. “These people didn’t have cameras, so for them, that was everything.”

This power to give back, even decades later, has kept him rooted in Vietnam. Out of all the lessons his art has taught him, perhaps none is more profound than this simple truth—photographs are not just records of a moment; they are human connections made visible.

The journey of connection through photography

To Andy, photography isn’t about passively standing back, observing, and clicking.

He calls the camera a “magic key” that opens doors to stories, relationships, and shared humanity.

“I enjoy spending time with the people I photograph, whether it’s sitting and drinking tea or just having a chat,” he shares. “And who knows how these chance encounters develop later? Sometimes, this has been the spark to start lifelong friendships.”

This approach has brought him closer to communities across Vietnam, from the busy streets of Hanoi to the serene mountains of Sapa. It’s also what has kept him coming back to the same villages and families he photographed nearly three decades ago.

“Reuniting with those I photographed years ago is an emotional experience,” Andy confides. “There are tears of joy and sometimes sadness. But above all, you feel a connection—a bond that transcends language or time.”

Through these connections, his photography transforms into something more profound than art. It becomes a way of honoring the resilience and warmth of the people Andy meets.

His photographs have become more than a personal journey—they serve as a bridge connecting people, cultures, and generations. 

“Through images crafted over 33 years, I capture not just the surface beauty of Vietnam, but also the layered stories, emotions, and cultural depth found in everyday life.” 

Vietnam’s impact beyond photography

Andy’s connection to Vietnam goes beyond the images he captures—it’s a relationship that has profoundly shaped his perspective on life and love. 

The country has deeply influenced his family’s life—his sons were both born in Hanoi, and strong ties to relatives and friends keep them closely connected. Today, Andy and his family spend several months each year in Vietnam.

“This country has been part of me for more than half of my life, and if truth be told, I am never happier than when I am in the country,” he reflects. 

Lessons in life 

Over time, Andy has come to understand that Vietnam isn’t a country you can capture in its entirety with just words or pictures.

He reflects on the countless lessons Vietnam has taught him, lessons that have shaped not only his art but also his outlook on life.

“Never be too quick to judge, and never assume you know best,” Andy advises. “As a guest in Vietnam, you will always be treated with respect and love, especially if you show an interest in Vietnamese culture and way of life.”

“My advice is simple: accept what you find and experience in Vietnam. Don’t question too deeply or overanalyze the why,” he says.

“Vietnam has a rich and long history,” Andy explains. “To truly experience it, you need to immerse yourself, spend time with people, and embrace their hospitality.”

A lifelong tribute

This fall, his decades-long love affair with Vietnam will culminate in a major exhibition titled Continuum: Vietnam. It’s not just a showcase of his photographs; it’s a tribute to the people, places, and moments that have shaped his life. From portraits of villagers Andy first met in the 1990s to striking landscapes that show Vietnam’s timeless beauty, each image tells a piece of his story.

“My work in Vietnam will never truly be finished,” Andy admits. “My passion and love for the country and its people are undimmed by the passage of time. I am truly excited about what the future may bring.”

When Continuum opens to the public, Andy invites everyone to experience Vietnam through his eyes—not just as a destination, but as a land of resilience, transformation, and spirit. 

For Andy, Vietnam is more than a chapter in his story—it is the heart of who he is. And through his lens, we catch a glimpse of not just its soul, but also his.

All photos by Andy Soloman