• Filled with emotions during the graduation photoshoot season.
  • The village prohibits photography because viewers will… suffer.
  • Working together to do good.
Photography is Do Minh Chau's passion.

From experience, Chau realized that the greatest thing about photography doesn't lie in a technically perfect picture, but in its value in preserving time, because some moments only happen once in a lifetime.

The idea of ​​taking free photos for those in need didn't come from the beginning. One day, Chau happened to hear from a friend about a couple in difficult circumstances who couldn't afford wedding photos. Wanting to help them preserve this important memory, Chau decided to take photos for free. During the process, learning more about the struggles behind their story, Chau was deeply moved. The completed photo series is not just a photographic product, but also fulfills the simple dream of the subjects.

After that experience, Minh Châu decided to share this activity on social media. Words of encouragement and new stories gradually came her way. What started as a spontaneous act, offering free photography to people in special circumstances, gradually became a philanthropic endeavor that Châu persistently pursued.

According to Chau, the most difficult aspect of creating these photo series lies not in the equipment or techniques, but in approaching the subjects. Each situation has its own story, and some cases are quite sensitive. Many are elderly, have never posed for photos before, and are hesitant about makeup... Some have poor health and difficulty traveling, so the photoshoot can only take place within the family setting.

The subject, who has a special situation, was photographed by Do Minh Chau. (Photo provided by the subject)

It was empathy that bridged the gap between Chau and the subjects. With sincerity, Chau spent a lot of time talking to understand the circumstances, personalities, and desires of each person. As a result, the smiles became more natural, and the eyes more genuine. It is this authenticity that gives value to the photographs.

“ What is most valuable is that creating a commemorative photo album for those in special circumstances is very difficult. Through each trip, I realize that there are still many small dreams that need help,” Minh Chau shared .

Currently, in addition to her passion for photography, Minh Chau is a teacher at Bac Lieu High School in Ca Mau province. Although her teaching job takes up a lot of her time, Chau always tries to manage her time effectively to maintain her volunteer activities. For Chau, photography is not only an art but also a way to spread positivity in life.

Often, creating a photo series is challenging due to the subject's availability or travel constraints. Sometimes the setting is just a small courtyard, a simple house, or a familiar road in front of the home. But it is precisely these simple spaces that evoke genuine and intimate emotions.

This simple, happy moment was captured by photographer Do Minh Chau.

To date, Chau has created many photo series for various occasions; however, not all of them have been published. Out of respect for privacy, many families wish to keep these images within the confines of their homes. This makes Chau appreciate the value of her work even more.

Each time she hands over a completed set of photographs and sees the joy shining in the subject's eyes, Chau clearly feels that the meaning of photography transcends the boundaries of art . It is about connection, sharing, and preserving irreplaceable moments.

Do Minh Chau's journey continues, with simple images that nonetheless contain many human stories. For Minh Chau, the most wonderful thing about each photograph is not just the beauty of the image, but the memories it preserves. No matter how much time passes, when looking back, that happy expression remains as vivid as if it were yesterday.

Thuy Duong

Source: https://baocamau.vn/bo-anh-tu-trai-tim-a126726.html