On Sept. 18, Xuan shared a series of photos showcasing iconic landmarks in the northern mountainous provinces of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Cao Bang in Vietnam. The actress announced her intention to sell these works to raise funds for those impacted by recent storms and floods.
One of the photos, titled "Peaceful sunset in my hometown," was taken from the top of Sang Nhu village in Mu Cang Chai District, Yen Bai Province, during the water-pouring season. This is when water flows onto the terraced rice fields, creating mirror-like reflections of the surrounding sky and mountains.
The photo titled “Majestic sunset on top of San Nhu.”
Xuan started exploring photography about four years ago, with guidance from several photographer friends.
At first, she concentrated on capturing landscapes around Hanoi. As her skills developed, she expanded her travels across northern, central, and southern Vietnam. Her journeys typically involved taking buses to mountainous areas and then using motorbike taxis to access remote, hard-to-reach scenic locations.
Clouds are mirrored on the terraced fields during the water-pouring season, as seen in Mu Cang Chai District.
Since starting her photography journey, Xuan has been using her Canon 5D Mark 4.
Due to the camera's weight, she often brings along a large backpack to carry her equipment.
The photo titled "Hard work" depicts a person laboring in the terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai.
Chieu Xuan studied photography during her time at the University of Theatre and Cinema. Her acting background gives her a sharp sense for lighting, composition, and color.
Now nearing 60, she finds it difficult to capture quick, fleeting moments but makes up for it with her persistence, often going to great lengths to capture the perfect shot.
A view of Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang, a mountainous province in northeastern Vietnam.
Xuan's love for photography is fully supported by her husband, musician Do Hong Quan, and their children.
The photo titled "Peaceful sunset by the happiness trees" showcases two well-known ancient trees in Y Ty Commune, Lao Cai Province, a remote northern region of Vietnam.
Alongside landscapes, the actress also enjoys capturing images of people from remote mountainous areas.
While backpacking in Choan Then Village, Y Ty Commune, Lao Cai Province, she came across a Ha Nhi ethnic mother carrying her child on her back. "It was such a touching moment—the mother was working while her child looked up at her with innocent eyes. When I began talking to her and took out my camera, she flashed a big smile. That smile brought me so much joy," the actress reminisced.
