Once you leave the more populated urban areas in Viet Nam, life reverts back to a simpler existence like you would much find in pretty much any county around the world. Combine that with an abundance of entrepreneurial spirit and you end up with a street scene like I found today outside Hue. A roadside barber with quite literally the minimal amount of overhead needed to attract what seemed like a steady stream of clients.

My inspiration is to always try and tell a story in a single frame. The makeshift table and especially the mirror are just what I needed since the collection of his tools is as appealing to me as the activity itself. With a tiny hint of a story element reflected in the mirror, a larger narrative emerges giving me exactly what I was looking for. Context, detail, and storyline.

A haircut and a shave here is truly 50 cents. Gratuity not included.