From the lighthouse at Dai Lanh cape, Tortorelli operated a drone to capture, as he described it, “the stunning array of colors that adorned the sky”.
“As I watched the live feed from my drone, the scene unfolded before my eyes like a dream,” said Tortorelli, who shared a photo of the sunrise with his 9,000 Instagram followers @with.b3n.
“In that moment of serenity, a sense of gratitude filled my heart for the privilege of witnessing such an awe-inspiring morning.”
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| A photo taken by Benjamin Tortorelli of Mui Dien lighthouse in Phu Yen Province, south-central Vietnam. |
That July sunrise was not Tortorelli’s first photograph from Phu Yen.
In fact, the 35-year-old photographer’s Instagram is filled with photos of Phu Yen landmarks that he has captured during his seven visits to the province. These include snapshots of the Tuyet Diem salt fields and O Loan Lagoon.
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| A bird’s-eye view taken by Benjamin Tortorelli of farmers working on a salt field in Tuyet Diem salt village, Phu Yen Province, south-central Vietnam. |
A new journey
Tortorelli’s first visit to Vietnam was 12 years ago as part of an internship program connected to his master’s degree in international business.
“During my search for an internship, I had two appealing options – one in the U.S. and another in Vietnam,” he recalled.
“Though I was initially leaning toward the U.S., I realized that going to Vietnam would offer me a chance to experience the wonders of Asia.”
While Tortorelli expected his time in Vietnam to be exciting, he didn’t anticipate the profound impact it would have on him. This led him to accept a full-time marketing manager position in Vietnam after completing his internship.
“I was drawn to the vibrant energy, incredible culture, and warm-hearted people of Vietnam. Without hesitation, I embraced this new chapter and decided to make Vietnam my home,” he said.
“Since then, Vietnam has become more than just a workplace for me, it’s a place I hold dear to my heart. It’s where I found a sense of belonging.”
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| A supplied photo of Benjamin Tortorelli |
Vietnam from above
When he’s not working, Tortorelli is busy honing his photography skills, particularly in drone photography – a hobby he picked up only a few years ago.
The photographer stated that operating a drone allows him “to capture Vietnam’s landscapes from remarkable perspectives that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible.”
“Vietnam has become my ultimate inspiration, and capturing the beauty of this extraordinary country has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” he admitted.
“Each photograph tells a story of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and kind-hearted people, making Vietnam incredibly special to me.”
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| A bird’s-eye photo taken by Benjamin Tortorelli of Con Dao Island, southern Vietnam. |
Tortorelli’s love for Vietnam is evident in his photos and is well-received on his Instagram page, with numerous Vietnamese users commenting on each photo about how special it is to see their country’s beauty through the eyes of a Westerner.
“It’s an honor to be able to share the genuine beauty of Vietnam in a way that resonates with those who call it home,” Tortorelli said.
Even users outside Vietnam have expressed how his photos have inspired them to explore hidden gems during their own travels.
For some, Tortorelli’s photos act as a virtual gateway to Vietnam, allowing his followers to discover and connect with a land they may not be intimately familiar with.
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| A photo by Benjamin Tortorelli capturing Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City at night |
During his travels, Tortorelli has visited cities throughout Vietnam, capturing hundreds of photos along the way.
Some of his most memorable experiences include visiting Cao Bang Province in northern Vietnam, being ‘stranded’ in central Vietnam for six months during the COVID-19 pandemic, and witnessing the daily hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.
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| A photo of Trung Khanh District in Cao Bang Province, northern Vietnam by Benjamin Tortorelli |
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| A photo by Benjamin Tortorelli capturing Nhon Hai Village in Quy Nhon City under Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam |
However, Tortorelli’s favorite region in Vietnam is the central part.
“There’s something enchanting about the central region that deeply resonates with me,” he said.
“It offers a perfect harmony of tranquility and picturesque landscapes, making it a dream for any photographer.
“The warmth and kindness of the locals have left an indelible impression, and I consider Phu Yen my second home.”
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| A bird’s-eye view taken by Benjamin Tortorelli of farmers catching fish in Yen Islet, Phu Yen Province, south-central Vietnam |
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| A photo by Benjamin Tortorelli capturing Vuc Hom waterfall in Phu Yen Province, south-central Vietnam |
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| A bird’s-eye photo taken by Benjamin Tortorelli of farmers drying chilies in Quy Nhon City under Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam |
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