Réhahn Croquevielle, born in 1979 in Normandy, France, discovered his passion for photography during a 2007 trip to Vietnam. He relocated to Hoi An in 2011, where he has since focused on documenting the country’s cultural heritage. His career highlights include features in National Geographic and the opening of the Precious Heritage Museum in Hoi An in 2017. Known for vibrant colours and intimate portraits, Réhahn’s work captures the essence of Vietnam’s traditions with striking deep oranges and lush greens.
- Primary Genres: Travel Photography, Portrait Photography
- Primary Photography Style: Documentary (cultural documentation, vivid) – Captures cultural moments with vibrant colours and natural light.
- Key Message: Réhahn seeks to preserve and celebrate Vietnam’s cultural heritage through intimate portraits and candid moments that showcase unique identities and traditions.
Réhahn’s photography centres on Vietnam’s people and landscapes, particularly elders, children, and cultural scenes. His aesthetic stands out with vibrant colours—deep oranges, lush greens, and soft browns—that bring out textures like silk ao dai or rice paddies under golden light.
He relies on natural light, shooting at dawn or in bustling markets, and avoids flash to maintain authenticity. Using cameras like the Nikon D850 or Sony A7R IV with prime lenses (e.g., 85mm f/1.4), he captures handheld shots at fast shutter speeds (1/250s) for sharpness and intimacy. In Lightroom, he boosts contrast and warms hues, creating a rich yet natural finish. His work is presented in large prints (up to 40×60 inches), exhibitions like Paris Photo, and books such as Vietnam – Mosaic of Contrasts (2014).
For intermediate photographers, Réhahn’s style offers lessons in using natural light and colour to tell stories, akin to how the zone system manages tonal range in black and white photography but adapted for digital colour.
His approach hinges on building rapport with subjects, allowing genuine emotions to shine through in candid shots. By editing to enhance cultural vibrancy without over-processing, he shows how post-production can elevate a narrative, encouraging learners to experiment with light, texture, and subject connection.
- Accolades:
- Ranked second most popular French photographer online by fr in 2016.
- Awarded the 2018 Trophy for French Nationals Abroad by com.
- Featured in National Geographic, BBC, and Condé Nast Traveler.
- Honoured in 2018 for contributions to France-Vietnam diplomatic relations.
- Trivia:
- Learned Vietnamese to connect with his subjects.
- Enjoys pho daily.
- Has photographed over 50 of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
- Runs the Giving Back Project to support documented communities.
Lessons from this Photographer:
Réhahn’s unique approach lies in his ability to build trust with subjects, capturing authentic emotions that resonate in his portraits. His use of natural light and prime lenses creates intimacy, while subtle editing enhances cultural vibrancy without overpowering the scene. Photographers can apply his techniques by focusing on subject interaction, using light to add warmth, and refining post-processing skills to tell compelling stories. His work inspires experimentation with candid moments and a mindset of cultural respect.
Website and Instagram:
- Website: https://www.rehahnphotographer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehahn_photography
YouTube References:
- “Réhahn’s Fine Art Portrait Inspiration – In 90 Seconds” by Réhahn Photography Official – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=681gCXg3Ixo
Citations:
- Réhahn Official Website: https://www.rehahnphotographer.com
- All About Photo Réhahn Photographer Profile: https://www.all-about-photo.com/photographers/photographer/1104/rehahn
- Wikipedia Réhahn Croquevielle Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%A9hahn
- Precious Heritage Project About Réhahn: https://preciousheritageproject.com/about-rehahn/
- Réhahn Photography Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Rehahn-Photography
