Vietnam Coffee Culture in Focus with My Leica

Join me as I take you on a virtual journey through the vibrant coffee culture of Vietnam, captured during my New York Times photo assignment using my Leica camera and lenses.
From traditional cafes to modern coffee shops, explore the diverse and dynamic coffee scene of this beautiful country showing you my favorite photographs while giving you some tips along the way. This is what it's really like to go on a New York Times photography assignment in Vietnam from start to finish.
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[@AskMOTT]

For those who want less of me talking and more photos, I made a gallery here. www.askmottbyjustinmott.com/blog/a-hrefblognewyorktimes-travel-section-photography-24hxeny-times-travel-vietnam-coffee-cultuer-photographer-selectsa

[@jasongold6751]

I watch You Tube with my awful coffee early morning! Great vid!

[@johnmauroveenavenel4443]

Thanks Justin That was a perfect blend of great photos and interesting commentary. Hope you get all the assignments you want

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you John :)

[@ioScala]

Great video - really interesting to hear the entire process. Super mix of real life and Vietnam coffee culture in the pics. Love it.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Emmit, I try my best to balance the places in the writer mentions and how I see things as well.

[@carlseibert9015]

Actual photographer. Who can actually shoot. Talks about actual assignment. Most excellent YouTubing. I find it interesting where some of your choices were the same as mine would have been. Some were different. Personally, I would have thought "coffee shop.... Gestures.... Expressions.... Stuff in corners of the frame...". And used the rangefinders a lot. Of course, close ups suggest the SLR. 2024 Carl would think about using just one body. 20th century Carl would never have had such a thought.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Carl, yeah, when I can slow down a little bit I love using my rangefinder but this shot list was a bit hectic for the time I had to shoot it. My compromise is kinda not using a zoom and slowing down with manual focus lenses but still using my SL2-S to check the shots :). Have a great day Carl and thanks for watching.

[@carlseibert9015]

@@AskMOTT Ah! Your M10 is a D variant. Understood. I have to admit to chimping more than I'd like to admit to, mostly to make sure I'm not blowing a highlight.

[@rumblestar5771]

Wonderful, love that you laid out the plan and approach to making this photo story. Please continue with content like this. Thanks!

[@AskMOTT]

I'm so happy this episode has been so well received, more coming soon and thanks for taking the time to comment and let me know.

[@sbutler66]

I second this, really enjoyed the process and presentation

[@goldfinch2283]

Really nice images! I read the story in NYT 👍👏. Useful advices, thanks! Just subscribed 😊.

[@AskMOTT]

Right on , welcome to our little photography community:)

[@ziggy149]

K - I subscribed. I'm team Leica and have been watching your channel for a couple years here and there at least.

[@Lowi]

Incredibly talented, I was happy to see you in Wetzlar

[@AskMOTT]

Happy to see you too :) , thanks 🙏

[@mikeabcable]

Another inspiring video. Thank you so much. I enjoy these videos more than gear reviews because I can't afford expensive gears. Joke aside great insight into the professional assignments and 2,500 images for one assignment ? That's impressive from amateurs' perspective.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks, Mike, I like doing these as well and then sprinkling in gear reviews is a nice balance for me. As far as 2500 shots well, i aim to shoot less to be more efficient but often i have to shoot out the bad shots to get to the good shots :).

[@benjhaisch]

Love it. Feel like I need to start doing more jobs like these during the off season of weddings.

[@AskMOTT]

The pay is :( but they sure are fun Benj.

[@robinlennon4752]

Very interesting video Justin for someone like me who doesn't have an idea of the assignment process. Like you my favourite is the guy sitting with his coffee beside his bike. Great content, thanks.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Robin, I'm still bitter they left that shot out ha ha but oh well.

[@Festgriff]

Just found your channel. Nice and interesting to watch. Keep it up.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Lee and great to have you here in our little photography community we are building.

[@paullafleur6112]

Beautiful shots! Good to hear you talking through an assignment from start to finish

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Paul , seems this video is one of my more popular ones :)

[@andreaspretali]

Thank you for this insight into your workflow and how you approach a story. Very inspiring video!

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Andreas :)

[@bernardkealey6449]

Loved the last one, thru the mirror. One reason I personally prefer film to digital - going thru 2500 shots to cull down to 100 would kill me… kudos to you Justin!

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Bernard, I shoot a lot for sure but I've also got much better as streamlining the process using Photo Mechanic so I can edit everything relatively quickly, captioning is what eats up the most time for me.

[@Ralf_Baron]

Justin, great video! Educational, Professional, and: Great Story and Pictures. You also have a marvelous way of telling that story. Thank you! Please continue that work. And yes, for me it is a trigger to reach out to you for coaching!

[@AskMOTT]

Love that Ralf, any time you're ready I'm ready to teach, hope we get to meet soon.

[@Gogogordy1]

All the coffee in VN was good, but the BEST (egg) coffee I've ever had...served in a dark, cramped upstairs shop in Hanoi VN. Salivating now.

You visited Giang coffee shop in Hanoi for egg coffee, didn't you?

[@AskMOTT]

Love an egg coffee and Hanoi is the home to the best egg coffees. My wife and I filmed a whole episode about it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmqpY2lufayBsM0

[@Gogogordy1]

@ I wish I knew the name…it was upstairs a very narrow, no handrail-equipped stairway above and near a donut shop and the water puppet theater. I have a selection of pictures of our coffees from there which are some of my favorite shots from our entire trip to VN.

[@charles_waldorf]

Your video appeared in my "New To You". Very glad I watched it. 1) Your working is outstanding. You are a great photographer. 2) My 3 favorites: the last 3 in the video. The women at the sink, the coffee in that beautiful strip of light and the barista through the glass. 3) Your line from 9min to 10:16 hit hard. It's wonderful to hear those words spoken aloud, it's as if a giant weight was lifted off me. Looking forward to following your adventures.

[@AskMOTT]

Thank Charles , that was one of the few times I had some decent light to work with that barista shot . Yeah, I sort of go through the highs and lows on every assignment .

[@craiggreville2565]

Great video - read the article today and saw you had been the photographer - great stuff and makes me want to get back to Vietnam real soon - you shots were fantastic my favourite is the one of the scooter rider in the red helmet in the foreground - cheers Craig

[@AskMOTT]

RIght on Craig, come visit or do my next workshop in December :).

having a cup of espresso from Vietnam and watching this vid. thank you

[@AskMOTT]

Right on, well, in fact I'm drinking Vietnamese pour over coffee as I type this, well not as I actually type this as that wouldn't be efficient but it's next to me :).

[@eljin00]

Thanks Justin Extremely interesting and insightful, and Your photos are nothing short of STUNNING ! You are without a doubt the quintessential photographer, and the fact that you doubt yourself "which I can't understand" really makes you a true artist.

[@garymc8956]

Outstanding!

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you Gary.

[@wearetrackclub]

Amazing shots! Love how you talked through your process. Super insightful stuff, beautifully captured. 👌🔥

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks 🙏

[@ericerickson6537]

Great story and good shots. I read the times daily and haven’t seen the story, I will look for it. Nice work.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Eric, I think the story is in print today or this week very soon :).

[@mikedesimone1783]

Wonderful insight showing what you have to do in order to get the job done ' thanks for sharing cheers from the USA.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Mike, I was hoping I didn't go too long there talking about all the details of an assignment, glad you liked it.

[@SourPlanet]

Fascinating. Just a hobby shooter so this behind the scenes chat us great. Love the shots 💪

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks so much, definitely a fun topic to shoot.

[@jakobgrubb7366]

Really enjoyed hearing about the whole process for projects like this!

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Jakob.

[@tonyhayes9827]

Wow man. You're a natural - that actually makes you `a great'. You got a brief and bang, it's done in 2 days! I get the feeling you must be very a very good `people person'. Kudos; it's a gift I don't have. This was good. More power to you brother.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Tony, I think I like people for small amounts of time ha ha so this is the perfect job for me :). I also think bartending for many years helped me as a photographer.

[@JanAnton]

I like your pace of talk... matches my brain. Cool story, quite inspiring.. thanks

[@AskMOTT]

Most people I talk to fast Jan so this year I've made a conscience effort to slow down :).

[@thedarkslide]

Very nice set of images, very nice use of layering in many of the images too.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks, that first spot was so much fun to layer with all the motorbikes pulling up but it was quite a crammed area for me as a larger dude.

[@timmokoenig]

Well done! Perfect start for my day, of course with a coffee... Can you please explain to me why you shot your favorite picture at ISO 1600 and 1/8000th. Was is on purpose to raise the ISO that so it has a more "grainy" look? I am a beginner and would have thought that shooting this at 1/500th-2000th would be enough and then I could lower the ISO.

[@enshongmiranda]

I've always been wondering how do people get shooting assignments for like The New York Times? Maybe you can make a video about how you got in.

[@AskMOTT]

This episode talks about this Miranda. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LLYmN_drJnfLc

[@mwales2112]

Very nice Justin.... Love the work... Thank you for sharing....

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you, as always I wish I had a little more time and better light but we take what we can get.

[@JJ_Photo]

Thanks for sharing!

[@AskMOTT]

My pleasure, it was fun to talk about.

[@richarddenise3886]

Thanks!

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Richard :)

[@richarddenise3886]

It's great to see the images from the photojournalists point of view!

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you Richard , you’re always so kind and generous :).

[@richarddenise3886]

@@AskMOTT My pleasure!

[@mikedodd4546]

Hi Justin, great insight mate, thankyou. I like the 1st and last the best. The moto is terrific - fortunately not a newer Honda Wave or something similar. Lost passport - I'd be having kittens!! I got a Wotancraft 3.5 L bag last week. Used your link but it was'nt available on their site. Contacted them & they told me to go to a dealer. Not financial enough perhaps. But it won't be my last, they are brilliant!

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Mike, yeah I freaked out for the 10 minutes it took them to find it, that would've sucked. Yeah, I loved that it was an older bike, maybe they used that image in print but it was my 1st or second favorite.

[@geoffreybjohnsonphototography]

Coffee …! Over my morning coffee I watched your video and enjoyed the comment …. Great job Justin, two days shooting and drinking coffee way to go …. As you know Malaysia has similar coffee culture so this topic resonated well with me …. Coffee in a bag to go always makes me smile ….. Thanks for sharing …

[@AskMOTT]

Coffee in bag always makes me smile as well , except for the environmental implications :(.

[@geoffreybjohnsonphototography]

@@AskMOTT good point Justin … 🤔

[@quentinnewark2745]

Great video. I am a graphic designer, commissioned a lot of photography. Great to hear your side of it all.

[@AskMOTT]

Love to hear it Quentin what type of graphic design do you do?

[@andy.schwartz]

This was great insight into the process. Are you responsible for captioning or any writing? This was fascinating. Thanks.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Andy, no writing for me as there is a reason I chose photography :). I do of course right the captions for each images but often they change them or shorten them.

[@paulbegg.photography]

Just read the NYT article, Justin; it was a fun read. You've definitely captured a lot of the vibe of those coffee shops! I lived in HCMC for 3+ years to the end of 2017, and the coffee culture definitely runs deep. One of my favourite hang-outs was the Workshop on Dong Khoi Street, which was featured in the article and is a must-see. Sadly, SB, seemed to be taking over in the more popular malls, though a lot of the traditional local spots still prevail. On the photography, I do like the effect of the prime lenses, thinking you shot these fairly open and have created some nice bokeh on several shots - finding focus on the key subject where needed. Wondering if this was the new 50mm f/1.4, a superb lens. Lots of good visuals of how have tackled this project, capturing the overall vibe and atmosphere - well done!

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Paul, I really liked the Workshop as well. Yes it was mostly my new 50mm, I’m loving it :).

[@paulbegg.photography]

Yeah, just got the 50mm and lovin' it too.

[@journosketch]

I subscribe sir, as fellow photojourno fighting in this nowadays hard days......

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks my friend :).

[@hoagyguitarmichael]

Great video. Vietnamese iced coffee is rocket fuel. I am curious. Why is the SL better when you have less time? Especially since you seem to the shooting with M lenses in manual? Also, is that a Leitz Wetzlar 135mm? I love that lens.

[@AskMOTT]

Great question and yes that is the Leica 135 f4. My other camera is an M10D so I can't confirm i got the shot exactly how I want it it takes me a bit more time than the SL where I can confirm with the screen, hope that makes sense. I sitll love the M10D for long form documentary.

[@hoagyguitarmichael]

Got it thanks.Loved the article. @@AskMOTT

[@markusbolliger1527]

Well done Justin! I also can't understand why your favorite image has not been selected by the editor. Concerning gear I can't see a rational reason to shoot with such expensive stuff from Leica. It would have been possible with much cheaper equipment, for example with my beloved Canon R6 Mk 2, equipped with the RF 35/1.8 and the RF 85/2.0, all together for about 3'000 Dollars!!. Kind regards from Switzerland.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Markus, I just love the design and the UI of Leica so that’s why I use them, plus I love their M series lenses.

[@markusbolliger1527]

@@AskMOTT That is fine - in the film-era I also worked exclusively with Leica R and Leica M cameras and lenses. But when I entered into digital it became too expensive. And the Leica SL2(s) with lenses is heavier than it could and should be for a DSLM system. I know the reasons, it's made of metal all together, but I prefer lighter gear. So I am very comfortable with my Canon system.

[@AskMOTT]

Right on Markus, Canon makes great cameras and lenses as well.@@markusbolliger1527

[@markusbolliger1527]

@@AskMOTT By the way Justin: Another reason for Canon in my personal view is their color management. Canon cameras deliver very natural resp. neutral colors as painted in watercolors, somehow pastel-colored, not as punchy as Nikon and Leica. Maybe you would say that Leica glass produces more contrast, what you may prefer perhaps, but this is a question of personal taste.

[@hansgaber6038]

Cool story, nicely explained, great images, congratulations. I just was wondering if you have any brand or model names of the coffee machines at the beginning of your video, around 1:06. Thank you so much, and also for sharing this story.

[@AskMOTT]

Hello Hans, unforunately those are just models that my wife bought me as shelf decor, i wish that actually functioned as coffee machines.

[@hansgaber6038]

@@AskMOTT damn 🤣, makes me look like an idiot 😅, but I truly wished this were real machines, as I am addicted to such vintage stuff. I would buy such machines without any hesitation. Thank you so much, anyways, do you have some more closeup images of these ?

[@richa2495]

Hi Justin, I liked the photo looking through the shelves into the coffee cafe where the customers are in focus best. Though all the photos you shared are cool. I shoot with the 35mm Summilux most. I was trying to figure out which shots were 35mm and which were 50mm. I shoot almost exclusively with natural light too. I really liked your exposures and composition. Do you ever use any of the Summicrons ? Slightly different look. More old school Leica. Just curious. Really enjoyed your video. And I am a subscriber.

[@AskMOTT]

I use mostly Summilux for my M lenses but i also have shot with a variety of lens types. I typically shoot with a 35mm as well but recently I'm trying to mix it up and shoot more with my newly aquired 50 1.4 and I love it. I think at the end of the video I showed a few images and showed you which lenses I shot with.

[@gravelosophy6101]

This was a really informative video, I love getting a look at how working pros manage a project/job. One question though, what sort of post processing do you do when working on a job like this? Or are you sending raws to the editor?

[@AskMOTT]

NYT is super strict about post-processing and I respect that so only a little color correction in Lightroom.

[@harlock714]

I like that you showed your favourites at the end of the video but the links blocked the shot info and part of the images. Is there a way to clear those that I am overlooking? Thanks!

[@Tom_YouTube_stole_my_handle]

Same here. I was wondering if there was a way to block those too.

[@AskMOTT]

Totally my fault guys sorry, I always forget that. I made a gallery here for people to check with more images, sorry and thanks for letting me know. www.askmottbyjustinmott.com/blog/a-hrefblognewyorktimes-travel-section-photography-24hxeny-times-travel-vietnam-coffee-cultuer-photographer-selectsa

[@donjagoe]

Great story and really interesting take on the workflow. Any way to roughly lay out what you charged for the 4 days? ROM?

[@AskMOTT]

They have a fixed day rate plus expenses. Lets just say it's not much :(.

[@donjagoe]

@@AskMOTT lol…I’m not surprised. Great story!

[@rodneytopor1846]

Interesting story, nice images. Do you capture raw or jpeg images? Do you edit your images at all before uploading them for your client?

[@AskMOTT]

I shoot in RAW Rodney and just do light color correction and upload JPEG files to my editor.

[@rodneytopor1846]

@@AskMOTT Thanks muchly for the reply.

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you for your reply to my reply, you're not going to out-polite me today :)@@rodneytopor1846

[@kelleyb80]

Love the images. Do you lightly edit them in Lightroom before you send them to the editor or just send them as they were taken? I'm curious how it works with photojournalism. Thanks.

[@AskMOTT]

Great question Kelley, The NYT is super strict about this, which I respect, so only mild color correction in Lightroom for my assignments for them.

[@kelleyb80]

Thanks, that makes sense. @@AskMOTT

[@SamAbram-dl1mg]

I’m wondering if you have the sl2s Would you have rather use the Leica SL auto focus lenses with the SL system for this assignment?

[@AskMOTT]

No need for me most of the time but I did just pick up one SL zoom lens for video and occasionally when I need autofocus.

[@gregshawphotography8828]

How do I go about getting started as a travel Photographer? I’d love to do an assignment in The Philippines.

[@AskMOTT]

Hello Greg, I did an episode on this topic here kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LLYmN_drJnfLc

[@AskMOTT]

Got a photography question, ask me here.

[@bernardd]

Gorgeous shots. I've been to some of these locations. Your pics really captures the atmosphere. I love how you fill the frame with off focus sunlight at 6:20. That's how I feel before I have my cup.

[@gerryphilpott9766]

Curious, if you put a manual focus lens on the SL2s how does that speed up your work process? I have the visoflex for my M11 and allows me more confidence in hitting the focus when it is critical so I'm wondering what other advantages there are in the SL camera? To me it feels very heavy and I'd rather use my M, or Q3 if I need autofocus. Side note, my wife and I will be in Vietnam in September for our 30th and very much looking forward to the photography opps as well as immersing ourselves in with the people and the culture. BTW - this makes me want to get some coffee - now all you need is Seinfeld.

[@AskMOTT]

We are kindred spirits Gerry, Leica and Seinfeld :). I love the crisp EVF of the SL2s and sometimes for video or commercial work i'll use the SL lenses for autofocus so it works well for for the different types of work I shoot. I still love my M as well but not for everything. I made a free Hanoi travel guide with my wife for photography, coffee, and food( food part is coming soon). here. www.askmottbyjustinmott.com/blog/hanoi-vietnam-travel-guide-food-photography-and-more. I'm also doing a workshop in December if you want to stay a really long time :).

[@gerryphilpott9766]

@@AskMOTT Would love to stay much longer, but then I'd lose the job that allows me to buy Leica and watch Seinfeld. But thanks for the link on Hanoi. That will be our last stop and very much looking forward to the entire trip.

[@AskMOTT]

Right on Gerry, if you need any more help or info about your trip direct message me and I"ll do my best. @@gerryphilpott9766

[@gerryphilpott9766]

@@AskMOTT Will do, thanks!

[@jamesmorton81]

images appear soft and blurry. this the Leica look ?

[@ikechadmedia3116]

Question. When doing assignments like this. Do you discuss with NYT that you will be vlogging about it? Is it in your contract? I’m asking because as someone who does some commercial work. I’m not sure how to approach the convo about posting bts for some projects.

[@AskMOTT]

It's a great question, Ike, the short answer is no because I don't film myself or vlog while I"'m actually shooting my assignment as I don't think that is fair to them. I only talk about the assignment after it's shot and published and since I own the rights to my images no issues with talking about them.Hope that makes sense.

[@timothylua5885]

are photos being sharp a requirement in your style of shooting?

[@AskMOTT]

Yes, absolutely but they might not look that way alway on KZbin.

[@franklindavit]

Hi ,I want to leave in asia ,iam in Los Angeles now I like photography as a hobby ,I want to eat side money ,question how did you become popular for newspapers to pay you for pictures ?

[@AskMOTT]

I don't encourage you to eat any sort of money Franklin, not good for you. To be short and honest I never want to discourage anyone for trying to get in with larger newspapers but if it's just a side thing for you it's quite competitive to get in with editors as the list is long of talented people that do it full time and editors are all about trust and reputation. Not impossible, but not easy.

[@franklindavit]

@@AskMOTT thank you for answering in detail I meant ear not eat 😂

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

It appears that you used "M" lenses on your SL2, not auto-focusing SL2 lenses! Why don't you just put an EVF on your M camera? It would be a lighter - i.e. less heavy - setup at least.

[@AskMOTT]

I like the M for long form documentary and I like using it as is and I prefer my SL2S for assignments and I don’t mind the extra weight for that type of work.

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

Thank you, @@AskMOTT

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

"Usually interior light is quite gross." You actually say that in your video, but you didn't mean it, right? I can imagine a NY Times editor saying something like that, but NOT a professional photographer.

[@AskMOTT]

Not sure what you mean exactly but yes I do mean that normally overhead fluorescent light sources like w have here in Vietnam are pretty gross and hard to shoot in.

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

@@AskMOTT , can't you sit near a "street-side" window and use the available sunlight? My photos aren't NY Times-worthy for sure, but I've taken many, many "coffee shop" photos from inside the shops. For you, the lighting has to be perfect?

[@AskMOTT]

@@Gravitys-NOT-a-force I most certainly do use window light as much as possible however often times the action like a barista making a coffee or in once situation the lady crewing her coffee in a dark backroom is ok and I made it work but ideally I want as much beautiful natural light as possible is what I'm trying to convey. Thanks for your question.

[@Gravitys-NOT-a-force]

Thanks for your response,@@AskMOTT

[@JJ-gm4ck]

uhmm..isn't the photographer not the camera. your title (my leica) suggest you are nothing better then your tool. or aka a tool yourself.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks JJ, I hope tomorrow is better than today for you.

[@JJ-gm4ck]

@@AskMOTT Your failure to respond directly suggests you are delusional. My day is fantastic yesterday and tomorrow. because I know I don't need a label on my camera to make photos excellent.

[@AskMOTT]

I've stated clearly dozens of times on my channel it's not the camera it's the photographer but if you're not familiar with how SEO works here you go. When you mention keywords that you're audience is interested in you're more likely to get more views which is a good thing, except sometimes when you get aggressive people who call people delusional and tools, but normally the good outweighs the bad. . @@JJ-gm4ck

[@JJ-gm4ck]

@@AskMOTT You put LEICA in your title man. What you say and what you do are opposites.