OLD BLACK HMONG WOMEN
SAPA, VIETNAM
Image Number 810
The Hmong is one of the largest ethnic groups in Vietnam (about 1 mil. people). They mainly inhabit the mountainous area in the north near the Chinese border. There are different ethnic subgroups and they can be easily identified by their clothing. The Black Hmong are known for their craft and their traditional indigo blue clothes. The Black Hmong women's clothing is spectacular but, to avoid fading, clothing is generally aired rather than washed. This imparts to the Black Hmong a further distinctive presence.
TECHNICAL NOTES
The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 50. Exposure of 1/55th of second and aperture F4.6. 45 mm Phase One lens with focal plan shutter. The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.