Thanks to the rapid changes in technology and tourism, photography has become an attractive profession with many exciting experiences and high income. It's also a career that attracts a lot of interest from young people. So how do you start your journey to becoming a travel photographer? Join Travellive as we follow Ngo Huy Hoa (37 years old, Hanoi) to find out:

Ngo Huy Hoa, also known as Hachi8, was a master's graduate in architecture and practiced for five years before abandoning his career to pursue travel photography. Years later, after this turning point, he eventually became a renowned travel photographer in the industry.

"With my passion for photography and my love for travel and backpacking, I gradually shifted my focus... It was a long process," shared Ngo Huy Hoa.

When he started out, nearly 30 years old, Ngo Huy Hoa didn't have much experience or knowledge in photography, only a burning passion for travel. With a small amount of savings from his time as an architect, he decided to buy equipment and go to forums to learn from experienced photographers.

Many people struggle for half their lives before discovering their passion, but only a few dare to start learning from scratch to pursue their dreams. Fortunately, Ngo Huy Hoa is among those few.

Ngo Huy Hoa shared his photos on long-standing photography forums to ask for advice. At the same time, he collaborated on photojournalism and photo exhibitions. During that period, his travel schedule was very busy, with many months spent away from home.

With dedication and passion, he produced his first photo book about his cross-Vietnam experience, titled "Footsteps in Vietnam – 4 Extremes and 1 Peak." The book was published on his 30th birthday, marking two years since he entered the field of photography.

Travel photography requires traveling to many different locations, allowing for very natural experiences. These could include multi-day trekking in high mountains, sailing on the open sea, paragliding, paddleboarding, driving across the country... experiences that others rarely get to have.

But travel photography isn't all rosy; it also has its gray areas and challenges.

This is a job that demands creativity and great inspiration. Photographers must constantly travel to capture beautiful images, sacrificing their personal lives in the process. Therefore, travel is no longer simply for relaxation; it's when work begins.

Furthermore, it's always necessary to update to new equipment and better technology. Flying a drone is both easy and difficult; easy because of the freedom of movement, but also carries many unexpected risks.

"I've crashed my drone so many times I've lost count; in fact, I crashed it three times at the end of 2021. Adverse factors for drone filming include strong winds, signal loss, and unexpected obstacles," shared Ngo Huy Hoa.

To become a travel photographer, the first quality is a passion for photography and high standards for the job. For Ngo Huy Hoa, the harsher the weather conditions, the more spectacular and unique the scenery becomes.

Young people who want to take beautiful photos must be extremely diligent and creative to find a successful path. This simply involves waking up very early and choosing twilight scenes for their shots. Photographers must travel to places few dare to go, either by hiking or driving for days on winding mountain roads. This is the second quality required.

Nowadays, many young people and everyone else can easily buy and own equipment. However, travel photography requires young people to be more proactive than simply using technology. Scenes that are vibrant and convey emotion come from genuine experiences. It is this proactive approach that makes all the difference.

"Go, experience, and fill your mind with positive emotions. It is these experiences that will create a quality life for you, no matter what you do," shared Ngo Huy Hoa.

Infobox:Ngo Huy Hoa, an Aquarius, has favorite foods: french fries and betel leaf rolls. His favorite quote is: "A happy person is not someone who has everything, but someone who always strives their best for everything they encounter in life." His favorite book is "Alone in the Ocean." He previously collaborated with Travellive magazine on the Amazing Tour Türkiye event.