The treasure of Ta Phin

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Sunday, October 17, 2010 | flickr photos

Set in a valley thirty minutes from Northern Sapa, Vietnam, the village of Ta Phin is alive with the daily life of the Red Dao, Black Hmong and Kinh people.

I travelled to this rural area of Vietnam seeking inspiration, peace and a much needed respite from the demands of raising two small children under five. My plan was to indulge myself and re energize my spirit, capturing the best images I could along the way.

The truth of what I returned with, was so much more.

The beauty of the landscape enthralled me, but it was the strength of the women that truly struck at my heart.
Their work ethic and daily struggles with the basic routines we take for granted humbled me.

Village women work all day, alongside the men, harvesting crops and carting wood, all with their babies in tow.

They supplement their meagre income through handicrafts and garments sewn from hemp, selling to tourists who visit the village.

Girls as young as six are taught the art of embroidery...it is the daily work of the Dao. Women sew on the way to the fields, the markets and even while cooking. They seek to improve their English to converse with tourists and sell their work.

Winning the scholarship to mystical Bhutan would enable my professional and personal growth.

With no formal training, I have sought inspiration from photography, reading and practicing, always seeking to improve.

This incredible opportunity would allow me to capture images that not only educate people, but inspire them to explore and seek out other cultures through travel.

I want to convey to people the beauty of travel and how it can enrich, inspire and re energise ones soul.