Zine #15 - Hanoi

Hanoi is a city I keep coming back to (for work!). I’ve been to Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long Bay too, but Hanoi is the one I visit most.

Over the years I’ve watched it change. More tall buildings, new highways, a bigger airport. But the city itself, its culture, its stories, the way people live, still feels the same. In a good way.

That’s what makes walking around with a camera here so much fun. There’s always something happening. Early in the morning, the elderly are out exercising in the parks and vendors are busy setting up their stalls. In the evening, the night markets come alive. And in between, there’s the constant stream of motorcyclists, everyone heading somewhere to take care of their business.

In 2025 I found a used Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 at a vintage camera shop in Hanoi, so it felt right to bring it back to the city where I bought it. I paired it with my 28mm f/2.8 AI-S, and sometimes the 35mm f/2.8 AI. Small, manual, and easy to carry for a full day on foot.

The photos from these walks are in the zine: Hanoi.

I’m sure I’ll be back soon. The city will probably look a little different again, but I have a feeling it’ll still be the same Hanoi.