I took this photo of a street vendor when I was in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam last November – I was on a rickshaw at the time, which is why it’s not as focused as it should be. She was waving to us and beaming as we rattled past.
You see street vendors like this all over the city. The hat the old lady is wearing is a traditional conical hat, known as a Non La, and she’s selling lottery tickets. The stool she’s sitting on looks very uncomfortable to me, and bear in mind it’s extremely humid in Ho Chi Minh – it was at least 85F that day.
But what I wanted to capture was the expression on her face – because she has a lovely, genuine smile. She has lived through the Vietnam War and the Fall of Saigon, and her life probably hasn’t been very easy, I’m guessing. But she looks happy, doesn’t she?
*This is my entry for The Gallery and the theme this week is ‘happy’.
What a great shot. She looks happy to me in that moment.
That’s a great picture and a really lovely thought provoking story too
Great pic – I agree! Can’t see many British street sellers looking that happy!
what a fantastic shot of a passing moment full of expression xx
She does have a happy smile! Food for thoughts…
She really does look happy!
Ahhh – its one of those passing moments in life that really make you stop and reflect. She does look genuinely happy. Very peaceful face.