From the streets to the factories

A different kind of assignment

A few weeks ago, I stepped away from the streets of Saigon for a different kind of assignment. An old friend invited me to photograph inside clothing and footwear factories, documenting the people and the process behind the products.

Different world, same eye

At first, it felt like entering a completely different world. No chaotic intersections, no fleeting scenes on street corners, no waiting for the perfect alignment of people and light. Instead, there were production lines, repetitive gestures, textures of fabric and rubber, and the constant rhythm of machines echoing through the workshops.

But very quickly, I realized that the essence of what I love about photography hadn’t changed at all.

It’s still about moments

Even in a factory setting, it was still about moments. Small gestures, concentration in someone’s eyes, hands moving with precision after years of experience. Nothing was staged or manufactured for the camera, and that is exactly why I enjoyed it so much. Whether on the streets or inside a factory, I’m always searching for authenticity. Real people, real environments, real moments that exist for only a fraction of a second before disappearing again.

A push to document more unfamiliar environments

Changing settings felt refreshing creatively, but the approach stayed the same: observe, wait, and document life as it naturally unfolds. I’m hoping to have more opportunities like this one in the future as I really enjoyed the change of scenery and documenting an unfamiliar environment.