Dao Tien Dat, originally from the south-central Binh Dinh Province, embarked on his photography journey in the late 1990s. Throughout his career, he has found immense inspiration in capturing the essence and beauty of people.

Dat’s photos highlight the mesmerizing beauty of Vietnamese women in their everyday routines, creating a captivating visual experience.

A Vietnamese woman makes bamboo hats. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

A Vietnamese woman makes bamboo hats. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

The photographer fondly reminisced about one of his most cherished works – ‘Nu cuoi Tay Bac so 2’ (Northwestern Smile No.2), a photograph captured during the waning days of winter over a decade ago.

I embarked on a coach journey from Giap Bat Bus Station in Hanoi, destined for the picturesque Sin Ho District in the northern region of Lai Chau Province. This memorable experience took place on a wet and rainy night of that particular year.

Upon arriving at Hoang Ho Village in Sin Ho District the following morning, Dat crossed paths with an elderly woman and her grandchild. The warmth displayed by their smiles instantly alleviated any fatigue from his journey.

A woman makes rock sugar at a facility in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

A woman makes rock sugar at a facility in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

While on a trip to central Quang Ngai Province, the photographer arrived at a rock sugar production facility where they were cordially greeted by Tran Thi Anh Nghia, the proprietor of the establishment.

He reminisced about that special moment when the first rays of the morning sun gently filtered through the rooftop and delicately traversed the intricately woven nets, creating an enchanting spectacle reminiscent of the graceful strings of a harp.

“Life is truly beautiful when one pays close attention and actively seeks out new experiences,” remarked Dat.

‘Lo Lang so 1’ (Worry No.1) by Dao Tien Dat

‘Lo Lang so 1’ (Worry No.1) by Dao Tien Dat

“Lo Lang” (which translates to “Worry” in English) is a captivating series of photographs that showcases Dat’s unwavering dedication. Through these images, Dat skillfully captures the essence of contemplation and concern among women in today’s modern society.

During a recent excursion to Bat Xat District in the scenic northern Lao Cai Province, we captured the first mesmerizing photo of this captivating series.

Young mother and baby

A sincere depiction of a young mother embracing her role, portrayed through her anxious eyes and contemplation of the future, while her baby, cradled on her back, innocently gazes at the sky above the quaint village.

‘Lo Lang so 2’ (Worry No.2) by Dao Tien Dat

‘Lo Lang so 2’ (Worry No.2) by Dao Tien Dat

“Lo Lang so 2” (Worry No. 2) revolves around the concerns of a woman regarding the uncertain future of her business amidst a struggling market economy that hindered the sale of her products.

This photograph was taken during a visit to Y Yen District in the northern province of Nam Dinh by Dat.

“Throughout the span of two decades, my extensive journeys across the nation have presented me with numerous opportunities to encounter fascinating individuals, experience profound emotions, and immortalize indelible moments,” Dat eloquently expressed.

“Through my participation in international photo contests, I have been able to showcase captivating images of Vietnam and its vibrant people to a global audience.”

‘Lo Lang so 3’ (Worry No.3) taken by Dao Tien Dat in Gia Lai Province, Vietnam in 2019

‘Lo Lang so 3’ (Worry No.3) taken by Dao Tien Dat in Gia Lai Province, Vietnam in 2019

Dao Tien Dat

With over 20 years of experience as a professional photographer, Dao Tien Dat has established himself as a highly acclaimed figure in the industry. His outstanding talent and dedication have earned him numerous prestigious awards both nationally and internationally.

The photographer has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Golden Cup of Photographer of the Year 2005 and the Gold Medal Best of Asia 2006. With over 320 gold medals to their name, they have also been awarded the First Place Award – PPD Photo of the Year 2011 by the esteemed Photographic Society of America (PSA).

He has been appointed as a member of the judging panel for numerous prestigious domestic and international photography competitions. In recognition of his exceptional talent and contributions to the field, he has been awarded certificates of merit by esteemed organizations such as the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the People’s Committee of Binh Dinh Province, and the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists.

People harvest salt in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

People harvest salt in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

Vietnamese women prepare fishing nets. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

Vietnamese women prepare fishing nets. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

A Vietnamese woman offers incense at a pagoda. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

A Vietnamese woman offers incense at a pagoda. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

Women harvest paddy in northwest Vietnam. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

Women harvest paddy in northwest Vietnam. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

Women breastfeed their children in Yen Bai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

Women breastfeed their children in Yen Bai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Dao Tien Dat

‘Nu cuoi Tay Bac so 2’ (Northwestern Smile No. 2) by Dao Tien Dat

‘Nu cuoi Tay Bac so 2’ (Northwestern Smile No. 2) by Dao Tien Dat

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