Hà Nội Noir

Hà Nội Noir

Hà Nội Noir is a collection of monochrome photographs made in the streets and alleys of Old Hà Nội. Most were shot from the hip.

The photographs were made using a Leica M9 and a Voigtlander 40mm lens, and with a Fuji X-T1 and a Zeiss 12mm lens. All photographs are © 2014 Tewfic El-Sawy. All text and images appearing on this web site are protected by United States and international copyright laws.

Ambulatory vendors crisscross the streets of Old Hanoi where the best produce is sold and bought.

Gossip is part of the transactions, and no sale is completed without the exchange of tidbits.

Traditions often collide in the Old Quarter where young women pose for photographers.

Lottery vendors are popular with all classes.

Elders are revered in Viet Nam, but their advice on modesty is not always followed.

Daily life goes on in the streets; whether it’s petting cats, thinking of a hair cut or bringing supplies to a store.

Haggling and sampling the wares is commonplace.

Stylish Ha Noi residents also share the streets with those of more traditional taste.

Vendors carry news of new borns, weddings, birthdays, illnesses, deaths…and other information.

Drink vendors take a break. In the bucket, there’s the điếu cày, or farmer’s water pipe.

Early morning, Hoàn Kiếm Lake welcomes those who come to do morning exercises, or just to people-watch.

Reading newspapers with a fan in hand at Hoàn Kiếm Lake

The traditional Vietnamese nón lá (leaf hat) has been used for over 2500 years.

Hang Ma street is where stores gaudy decorations make a brisk trade for the Tết Trung Thu festival.

Stylish young women congregate around Hang Ma during the Tết Trung Thu festival.

Children arguing and playing in a commune near West Lake.

Dancers at Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Songs such as Tom Jones’ Delilah (sung in Vietnamese) are favorites.

Young woman in traditional wedding attire on Hang Ma street during the Tết Trung Thu festival

An elderly lady helped onto a cyclo during a wedding party in Old Hanoi.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists vie for space on the narrow streets.

Everyday life is conducted in the streets and alleys; even a bowl of ice cream is an occasion to gossip.

A Hanoian beauty at Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

http://vimeo.com/107587447