ON THE MOVE
RED DAO WOMEN, SAPA, VIETNAM
Image Number 821
The Hmong are among 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 Dao people are a large Hmong language group in northern Vietnam. They came from China between the 12th or 13th century and the early 20th century. Women in this group are easily identifiable through a triangular red turban / scarf decorated with silver coins and red tassels. Around Sapa Hmong people dress routinely in traditional clothing, but the tourists are beginning to overwhelm them.
TECHNICAL NOTES
The image was taken with a hand held Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/650th of second and aperture F4.5. 150 mm Schneider Kreuznach telephoto lens with leaf shutter. The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.