
Royalty in Hanoi
One of the most interesting chapters of my career as an international photographer came during an official visit of Willem-Alexander, then Crown Prince of the Netherlands, and his wife Máxima, to Vietnam. They arrived with a high-level delegation of Dutch ministers, creating opportunities for dialogue and cultural exchange.
At the time, I was working for the Dutch Embassy in Hanoi as a professional photographer, responsible for documenting official events and diplomatic meetings. My camera accompanied me into some of the most prestigious settings, including sessions with the Prime Minister of Vietnam and the President of Vietnam. This kind of diplomatic photography required not only technical skill but also sensitivity, timing, and discretion — capturing formal protocol while revealing moments of humanity and connection.
Two years later, Willem-Alexander and Máxima would be crowned King and Queen of the Netherlands, making these photographs even more historically meaningful.
Looking back, this experience deepened my passion for documentary photography. It showed me how a photographer can bear witness to history, turning fleeting moments into visual records that will be shared, remembered, and preserved. Today, as a professional photographer based in Porto, Portugal, I continue to bring that same commitment to my work — whether in event photography, commercial assignments, or documentary projects.