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Insights From the Field

I'm Justin Mott. I've spent over 20 years shooting documentary and editorial work out of Vietnam, with more than 100 assignments for the New York Times, work published in TIME, Forbes, and National Geographic, and commercial campaigns for Fortune 500 brands. But this site isn't about my resume. It's where I teach what I've actually learned. Essays, field notes, some gear reviews, and honest lessons on photography, the business of shooting, and building a career that lasts. If you want to go deeper than the writing, that's what the community is for.

Bleu de Chauffe Travel Zoom bag at Justin Mott's home
Bleu de Chauffe Zoom Travel Bag: A Photographer's Review gear travel Jul 19, 2026
Vietnam based Photogrpaher Justin Mott posing with two Wotancraft leather pouches
Wotancraft Full Leather Portable Camera Pouch, An Honest Review gear Jun 29, 2026
Justin Mott holding a Leica SL3-P at his home in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Leica SL3-P - A Pro Photographer Thinking Out Loud (Not A Review) leica reviews Jun 26, 2026
Soulless Street Photography essays photography Jun 20, 2026
Photography print displayed on wall - building a print store that sells
Why Most Photographers Struggle to Sell Prints (And What Actually Works) business photography pro tips Jun 16, 2026
Temple in Laos - NYT assignment 2017 on the Mekong
The Spy Who Smelled Like Duty Free essays photography Jun 16, 2026
Monique with a rescued sloth at her conservation center in Suriname
Why Staying With One Story Changed How I See Photographs Jun 16, 2026
Rescued street dog at the Soi Dog Foundation rehabilitation center in Phuket
Where Street Dogs Learn to Walk Again essays photography Jun 16, 2026
Zacharia's hand resting on Najin, one of the last two northern white rhinos on Earth
Documenting the Last Two Northern White Rhinos on Earth essays photography Jun 16, 2026
Photographer on location in Hanoi - choosing the right photography workshop
Before You Book That Photography Workshop photography pro tips Jun 16, 2026
Photography essay - memorable images vs. forgettable aesthetics
The Photos You Remember essays photography Jun 16, 2026
Glass building with skypool - commercial photography licensing
Why Most Photographers Are Undercharging and Giving Away Too Much business photography pro tips Jun 16, 2026
Cambodian temple at Banteay Srei - Smithsonian Magazine assignment
The Assignment Didn't Go as Planned Jun 16, 2026
Night alley in Vietnam with railroad tracks - photography study
Why Most Photographers Improve Slowly amateur tips essays photography Jun 16, 2026
Ethnic minority woman in traditional dress - Vietnam documentary photography
3 Lenses Only amateur tips photography pro tips Jun 16, 2026
Photojournalist portrait - documentary photography
No One Owns a Story essays photography pro tips Jun 16, 2026
Photographer on assignment in Southeast Asia
The Reality of Being a Professional Photographer business essays pro tips Jun 16, 2026
Photographer portrait - getting started in photography
How to Get Started in Photography Without the BS amateur tips photography Jun 16, 2026
Five Photography Exercises That Will Actually Make You Better essays photography Jun 15, 2026
Hanoi, Vietnam Photography and Travel Guide travel Jun 15, 2026
The War That Didn't End essays Jun 15, 2026
Wander Alone: Bearing Witness to the End of a Species essays Jun 15, 2026
A Simple Composition Exercise That Will Actually Improve Your Photography amateur tips Jun 15, 2026
Wotancraft Chris Nichols bag
Wotancraft Pilot 88 Review leica reviews Jun 15, 2026
Leica M Cameras: Real-World Review reviews Jun 15, 2026
Why Your Photos Aren't Improving amateur tips Jun 15, 2026
My Unwritten Rules of Photography pro tips Jun 15, 2026
How I Use Ai For My Photography Business (It's Not What You Think) ai business technology workflow Jun 15, 2026

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