In the bustling streets of Saigon, Vietnam, amidst the chaos of motorbikes and the allure of street food, I found myself face to face with a piece of automotive history: the Porsche 911 Dakar, one of only three in the entire country. With its distinctive design and unparalleled pedigree, this rare gem promised a journey through time and space, a glimpse into a bygone era of racing glory and adventure.
Shot against the backdrop of two iconic locations in Saigon – the majestic Saigon Opera House and the serene riverside district of District 2 – the Porsche 911 Dakar commanded attention and admiration wherever it went. It was a sight to behold, a symphony of curves and contours that spoke volumes about the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its creators.
But it wasn't just the car that made this experience unforgettable; it was the opportunity to meet with the owner, to hear their stories and share in their passion for this stunning machine. Many people would ask, "Is that "hieu.tv"?" And to them, I could only reply with a smile, for if you have to ask, then perhaps you're missing the point entirely. Not to mention, I'm fairly certain he has a name!
Over the course of 3-4 hours, I had the privilege of capturing the essence of this automotive masterpiece, from its sleek silhouette against the backdrop of the Saigon Opera House to its commanding presence near the tranquil waters of District 2. With my Nikon D780 in hand and an array of lenses including the Nikkor 50mm 1.4f, 24-120mm 4f, and 70-200mm 2.8f, as well as the DJI Mini 3 Pro for aerial shots, I was able to immortalize every moment, every angle, and every detail of this extraordinary encounter.
Some of my all-time favorite photos were born from this session, each frame telling a story of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of perfection. One photo, in particular, caught the attention of the world, gracing the front page of YOUPIC and amassing nearly 6 million views. It quickly became the most-liked photo on my Instagram, a testament to the enduring allure of the Porsche 911 Dakar and the power of storytelling through imagery.
But perhaps the greatest reward of all was the friendships forged along the way. Through this experience, I had the pleasure of making three new friends, united by our shared love for automotive excellence and the thrill of the open road. It was a reminder that, sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones shared with others.
As I reflect on this unforgettable encounter with the Porsche 911 Dakar in the vibrant streets of Saigon, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to chase history and capture the magic of a moment frozen in time. And as I look forward to future adventures, I know that the memories of this extraordinary day will continue to inspire and fuel my passion for storytelling through the lens of my camera.
A Special Thanks: to Hieu for spending the time with me that day to capture some excellent photos and to get to know one another. It was a pleasure to meet you and look forward to the next time! Oh and of course the coolest dude I met that day - I can't name him of course he's a super secret VIP of sorts. A tad short but still as I mentioned, most definitely the coolest.
If you're curious you can check out his website at hieu.tv (use the translate feature if you can't read vietnamese) or check out his YouTube Channel.
