Vietnam: Elements of Culture

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Thursday, October 14, 2010 | 5 photos

We all see things differently; the way I saw Vietnam, my story of that place, might not be someone else's story. These photos are how I saw it, how I tell my story of that place.

I felt at home in Vietnam from the beginning; I fell in love with the chaotic traffic, the markets full of betel nuts and flowers and rice, the incense burning in the temples. I begin to learn more of the language; I read about the culture, beliefs, and traditions.

Each of my photos represents two elements of Vietnamese culture. These are, to me, the elements of Vietnamese culture that make it the place it is; the essential elements. It is my intention and hope that these photos convey a strong sense of place, even to someone who has never been there. I think that photography can foster understanding - and therefore acceptance - of different cultures and ways of living.

Each photo as named after the essential elements of Vietnamese culture that it represents.

A little bit about me: I love adventure, traveling, photography, writing, languages, and learning. I am always reading several books at once, and learning from everyone and everything around me. I'm curious about everything from psychology to music to physics.

I think I would be a great person to choose for this opportunity because I have more to offer then just skill - I also bring enthusiasm, a huge desire to learn more, the desire to excel, and passion for photography.

Thanks for considering my application.