The Million-Dollar Photographer: Capturing Holiday Magic and Profits

Phan Dinh Phung Street, the stretch from Hoang Dieu to Nguyen Tri Phuong Street (Hanoi), is buzzing these days with an influx of “musers” from all over. Especially during the recent September 2nd holiday, locals and tourists flocked to this spot to capture stunning photos.

On the first day of the holiday, professional and amateur photographers were busy with their schedules, thanks to the high demand for check-in photos from the “musers,” and all of this without any advertising. Those who frequently take pictures here shared that this is the busiest and most lucrative time of the year for them.

Walking along this Hanoi street during this time, one could easily spot groups of 3-5 people posing for their photographers, adjusting their poses and outfits.

Mr. Nguyen Hai Dat, a photographer on Phan Dinh Phung Street, shared that during the autumn and holidays, photographers tend to have higher incomes. On average, Mr. Dat serves 3-4 customers per day. The photo shoot prices vary depending on the customer’s needs. A single photo costs VND 20,000, while a combo photo shoot costs around VND 600,000 – 700,000 per hour. During the September 2nd holiday, the number of customers increased significantly, and the peak income could double.

The photographers are always ready to capture the moment and do not require advance bookings. Payment is only expected once the clients are satisfied with the photos. Except for those who have already booked packages, freelance photographers operating here will charge per photo.

According to regular photographers on this street, the “musers” often choose to pose with flowers or wear traditional ao dai because the street is beautiful and has the Cua Bac Church and the ancient Cua Bac relic, exuding the charm of old Hanoi.

With a constant flow of people, it’s not easy for tourists to get a perfect shot. Mr. Hoang Quoc Long Quyen, a photographer from Hanoi, shared that he has been on this street every day this week, capturing photos for his clients while guiding them on poses and capturing the perfect moments.

“I stay here until evening, until there are no more customers. This year, there are more photographers, so the income may be lower than last year. However, we are all artists, and there is never any unhealthy competition or fighting over customers,” shared Mr. Quyen.

Along the Phan Dinh Phung Street sidewalk, apart from cafes and restaurants, there are also street vendors selling fresh soursop, fresh flowers, sticky rice, and various impromptu services like photography, parking, and prop rentals for photoshoots, all thriving during this busy season.