Just last month, I embarked on an exciting journey to Vietnam, but it wasn’t your usual sightseeing tour. It was all about photography at an event called “Crossing Bridges.” This yearly gathering brings together photographers from various Asian Photography Forums and Photography Societies for a week of networking, making new friends, and capturing memorable moments through the lens.
Let’s take a step back to understand the purpose of Crossing Bridges. It’s all about connecting with fellow photography enthusiasts from different countries, sharing knowledge, and staying updated on the latest developments in photography and imaging worldwide. It’s also a unique opportunity to form friendships with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, opening doors to lesser-known travel destinations and hidden gems that aren’t typically explored by regular tourists. The experience I’m about to share is from a participant’s perspective. I have no affiliation with the organizers, and everything I share here is a reflection of my personal experience, not that of the other participants.
Photos courtesy of Pia Mercado, Dr. Erwin Lim & Dwight Lu
My journey into this experience was made possible through my membership with IMAGES Camera Club, based in Cebu City, Philippines. This reputable and award-winning photography club, home to over 80 members, has been active since the 1980s. I officially became a member in January 2023, thanks to a photographer friend who mentored me and extended an invitation. With many familiar faces in the club, I immediately felt at home and started participating in the club’s diverse activities.
For Crossing Bridges, our group was led by our country leader and club founder, Carlito So, and consisted of 36 members from the Philippines, including 30 men and 6 women, myself included. This event has a rich two-decade history, and this year, it was hosted by the warm and hardworking people of Vietnam. Aside from our big group from the Philippines, other participants came from countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Australia.
The trip kicked off with our Team Philippines spending a couple of days in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. I relished the flavors of bánh mì and pho, all while immersing myself in street photography. The local people were not only welcoming but also fascinating subjects to capture through my lens.
Pia in action by Ryan Raymond Yu
Moreover, every single meal during our journey was a delightful experience, leaving us fully satisfied. It’s a daunting task to select just a couple of standout dishes from the plethora of delicious options. And I mustn’t forget to mention my newfound affection for Vietnamese coffee, especially when paired with condensed milk, and the unique delight of egg coffee.
From Ho Chi Minh, our group hopped on a plane to Da Nang, the official starting point of Crossing Bridges. Here, we had the chance to meet the event organizers and connect with fellow delegates. Before the official proceedings commenced, we carved out some time for exploration, relishing fresh seafood along the waterfront and capturing the enchanting sights inside the Marble Mountains caves.
A few of us were so captivated by the beauty of Huyen Khong Cave that we remained there for hours. The constantly changing natural light from above added to the allure of capturing the Buddha and the altars inside. The friends I shared this experience with were skilled photographers like Erwin Lim and Michael Siy, renowned for their relentless pursuit of the perfect shot. I gained valuable insights from them during that period.
Than Toan Title Bridge by Dr. Erwin Lim
Honestly, I was nervous as a first timer to join an event like this. So I put my heart and soul into preparing for this trip. I meticulously packed all my camera gear, chose the right clothes, and even underwent a bit of endurance training to brace myself for the challenges that lay ahead. You see, our itinerary was jam-packed, leaving no room for dilly-dallying. Most days, we had to rise before the crack of dawn, with call times at 3 or 4 AM, just to catch the bus that would take us to our shooting locations before sunrise.
It might sound grueling, but once you’re there, the experience is nothing short of breathtaking. There’s a unique thrill in capturing the first light of dawn, with no pause, as you strive to capture the perfect shot of the fisherfolk and their boats against the backdrop of the rising sun.
Photo courtesy of Brix Tan
Traveling with a large group was a unique experience. Naturally, it was impossible to form deep connections with everyone, but it was a great opportunity to better understand our fellow club members. Personally, I tend not to ask personal questions unless someone is close enough to share that information voluntarily. What mattered most to me was learning about their relationship with photography, and that served as a great starting point for conversations.
I must admit that, as someone who often travels with my female friends, it was a refreshing change to be with a group of guys who didn’t fuss about what you wore or whether you smelled good. Instead, they’d quickly reprimand you if you forgot your L-plate for your tripod or any other essential item for a successful shoot.
Photos courtesy of Pia Mercado, Kinwing Lu & Michael Jo
I found it easy to be around these experienced mentors in photography, individuals who were far ahead in the game compared to me but treated me with respect without any hint of patronization. Each day brought something to laugh about or a friendly tease to share with another member. It was a lot of fun, and it made the early wake-up calls, lack of sleep, and the physical strain of carrying our gear all day entirely worthwhile. After all, part of the joy in photography is sharing the experience with friends, isn’t it?
Initially, I hesitated to join this adventure because it spanned almost two weeks, including our side trip to Hoi An. The thought of potentially missing out on work made me apprehensive. However, I’m grateful that I decided to take a break and embark on this journey. As it turned out, I was able to entrust important matters to my exceptional team back home, and my co-director capably held the fort in my absence. Looking back, I can’t help but think about the regrets I might have had if I hadn’t taken this opportunity. This experience has not only enriched my skills as a photographer but has also made me grow just a little bit more in my craft.
Paper Flowers by Pia Mercado
Banner photo L-R: “Fisherman at the break of dawn” by Pia Mercado, “Lantern factory in Hoi An” by Rocky Roska
