Réhahn's "100 Iconic Portraits" is a remarkable compilation that transcends the boundaries of traditional photography, offering an intimate glimpse into the souls of people from around the globe. Known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, Réhahn has spent years building trust and forming connections that go beyond the camera lens. His approach to photography is deeply rooted in respect, patience, and an understanding of the cultures he immerses himself in. Whether in the bustling streets of Havana or the remote villages of Vietnam, Réhahn's portraits resonate with a universal appeal, highlighting the shared humanity that binds us all.

Born in Normandy, France, and now a long-time resident of Vietnam, Réhahn has dedicated his career to documenting the diverse cultures of the world. His work has been recognized internationally, with his images featured in prominent media outlets and his "Hidden Smile" portrait becoming a cultural symbol. "100 Iconic Portraits" is a testament to his artistic journey, showcasing a diverse array of emotions and stories from different cultures. Each portrait in this collection is not just a photograph but a narrative that reflects the beauty, dignity, and resilience of the human spirit, making Réhahn one of the most compelling photographers of our time.

Your portraits are often described as capturing the soul of your subjects. How do you establish such deep connections with the people you photograph, especially when language or cultural barriers exist?

It all starts with respect and patience. When I meet someone, the first thing I do is spend time with them, even if there’s no shared language. I’m not in a hurry to take a photo. I want them to feel comfortable around me, and that means getting to know them on some level. A smile, a gesture, or simply sharing a moment in silence can break down many barriers. I also try to learn a bit of the local language wherever I go. Even just a few words can make a big difference in building trust. When I’m in Cuba, for example, it’s natural because I speak fluent Spanish. Vietnamese has taken a bit longer to master, but now I can hold conversations easily. This doesn’t always help me if I am in very remote villages in Vietnam, where people speak different languages and dialects. However, even if I don’t speak the language, I’ve learned to use body language, facial expressions, and time to build rapport. Once that connection is there, it’s easier to capture something deeper than just the surface.

“100 Iconic Portraits” showcases a range of emotions and stories from different cultures. What was the selection process like for choosing the final 100 images for this compilation?

It wasn’t easy! I’ve photographed so many incredible people over the years, and each portrait has its own story. The final selection came down to the images that carried the most emotional weight for me, and also for the people who have connected with my work over time. I wanted to include a balance of cultures, emotions, and stories so that each portrait could stand on its own but also contribute to the bigger narrative of shared human experience. Some photos were obvious choices, like Madam Xong’s ‘Hidden Smile,’ but others were more subtle, chosen for the quiet power they convey. One of my favorites in the book was the one that I chose for the cover—“Krishna III.” This is a photo that I took in Varanasi, India, several years ago. I met this little boy and his brother, and they immediately touched my heart. In India, it is common for children to dress up like the god Krishna because of a popular kid’s cartoon, and the vibrancy of the blue and red paint on the child’s features is quite striking. I remain in close contact with “Krishna” and his brother. They are part of my Giving Back project.

You’ve traveled to many countries, photographing diverse cultures. How do you approach capturing the essence of each place while maintaining authenticity in your work?

For me, authenticity comes from immersing myself in the culture as much as possible. I don’t just fly in, take a few pictures, and leave. This is why so many of my photographs are centered around just a few countries. I spend time in each place, sometimes weeks or even months, or in the case of Vietnam—years, trying to understand the rhythms of daily life and the people who live there. It’s important to be respectful and sensitive to the culture I’m photographing. I try to capture moments as they naturally unfold because that’s where the real essence lies. The rest is about my personal aesthetic. I’m not a city guy. I love pastoral scenes in art and I live in the countryside. My vision of Vietnam, for example, is not about the megacities and fast development. It is about the ongoing artisanal, agricultural, and cultural traditions in places a bit further off the grid. This doesn’t mean that I try to capture an authentic vision of every aspect of the country, from gritty city life and industrialization to rural scenes. I choose to focus on what I’m personally drawn to and what fits with my vision as an artist.

Madame Xong’s Hidden Smile has become a cultural symbol, even presented as a diplomatic gift. Can you share what this portrait means to you personally, and why you think it resonates globally?

It was one of those rare moments when everything just aligned perfectly—the light, the setting, her shy yet radiant smile. She was hesitant at first to show her face fully, and I think that’s part of what makes the image so powerful. There’s something universal in her gesture, something that speaks to people from all walks of life. I believe it resonates because it’s not just about her hidden smile, but the vulnerability and strength behind it. For me, it symbolizes the quiet beauty and dignity of the human spirit. In addition, it was one of my first professional photographs and it brought an amazing person into my family. Madame Xong has become my surrogate grandmother. We’ve supported one another through many trials and tribulations. We share the same birthday (the day, not the year, of course!) and we spend each year together. Her presence in my life has been an immeasurable gift.

Many of your iconic portraits depict older individuals, highlighting their wisdom and beauty. How does this concept of “Ageless Beauty” influence your perspective on beauty in photography?

I’ve always been drawn to the stories etched in the faces of older individuals. There’s a depth, a richness to their expressions that you just don’t find in younger faces. Every wrinkle, every line tells a part of their life story. I think beauty in photography isn’t about youth or perfection—it’s about authenticity, and there’s something profoundly beautiful about a person who has lived a full life. ‘Ageless Beauty’ is really about celebrating that—showing that beauty doesn’t fade with age; it evolves.
I wanted to create a counterpoint to all the images we see constantly in advertisements, on social media, etc. If you just spend your time scrolling through Instagram, you might think that everyone on earth is forever young and happy. But so much of what is out there now is about selling a certain reality to people that is largely unattainable. Ageless Beauty aims to celebrate authenticity. We all get older, but that’s a good thing! Our wrinkles are simply an external manifestation of all of our memories, so why should we hide them?

From the vibrant streets of Cuba to the sacred rituals in India, your work spans a broad cultural spectrum. What have been some of the most surprising or profound moments you’ve experienced during your travels?

There have been so many moments that have taken me by surprise. One that stands out was during a trip to Kontum, Vietnam, where I spent time with a man, A Dip, who was the last person in his ethnic group who could still play his tribe’s traditional music. He invited me into his world, and there was an incredible sense of camaraderie and connection. I returned to visit him many times until he sadly passed away in 2023.
Another time, in Cuba, I was photographing a man named Daniel, whom I’d approached simply because I liked his pink shirt. I learned that he had lived in Vietnam after the end of the American war to build a hotel, which was a gift from Fidel Castro to the country.
These moments remind me that no matter how different our cultures may seem, countless universal connections are there if we pay attention.

Vietnam plays a central role in your career and artistic journey. How has living there shaped your creative vision, and what do you find uniquely inspiring about photographing its people?

Vietnam has become my second home. Living in Hoi An for so many years has allowed me to form deep relationships with the people and truly understand the nuances of the culture. There’s a sense of openness and warmth in the Vietnamese people that makes photographing them a special experience. They’re proud of their heritage but also humble, and that balance is something I try to capture in my portraits. The landscapes, the light, the everyday life here—it’s all been a constant source of inspiration for me. Vietnam has given me a sense of belonging that I hadn’t found elsewhere, and that sense of home comes through in my work.

You’ve mentioned that a great portrait comes from a great interaction. Could you share an example from 100 Iconic Portraits where an unexpected connection led to an extraordinary photograph?

One of the portraits in 100 Iconic Portraits is of an elderly woman in Havana, Cuba. When I first met her, she was sitting on the street, smoking a massive cigar. She barely acknowledged me at first, but when I asked her for a photo, she told me that she would trade for one. I gave her a Cohiba cigar, which is the most famous cigar brand in Cuba.
I sat down nearby, and we just smoked and chatted with one another in Spanish. There was no rush. Eventually, I took her portrait, and the result was a photograph that captured both her strength and the softness in her expression. That connection took time, but it’s one of the most memorable interactions I’ve had. The woman’s name was Elva. I visited her every time I returned to Cuba. She passed away in 2015, but this encounter remains vibrant in my mind.

With your gallery and museum in Vietnam, you’re more than a photographer—you’re also an art curator. How do you curate spaces that evoke the same emotional depth as your images?

Curating a space is very similar to creating a photograph in many ways. It’s about setting a tone, creating an atmosphere where people can feel something as soon as they step inside. When I curate my gallery or the Precious Heritage Museum, I think about how each image interacts with the space and with the other images around it.
It’s important for me that visitors feel a connection, not just with the photos themselves, but with the stories behind them. The layout, the lighting, the flow of the space—all of it works together to create an immersive experience. For example,

As you continue to evolve as an artist, what excites you most about the future of portrait photography, especially with the emerging blend of documentary and fine art styles in your recent projects?

What excites me most is the possibility of merging different genres and pushing the boundaries of what photography can be. I’ve always been inspired by fine art, and my recent projects have been about blending the documentary style that I’m known for with more artistic, even painterly approaches. There’s so much room for experimentation, whether it’s with light, composition, or post-production techniques. I think we’re entering a time when the lines between photography, painting, and other art forms are becoming more fluid, and that opens up a lot of creative possibilities. For me, it’s about finding new ways to tell stories and capture emotions in ways that resonate deeply, not just as photographs but as works of art. My newest Memories of Impressionism series is about this intersection.

100 Iconic Portraits by Réhahn is available on Réhahn’s website: www.rehahnphotographer.com. Each book is signed by Réhahn. For more on his work, including his Impressionist Photography, also visit his website or Instagram @rehahn_photography.