Manh D. Vu
With a unique blend of design and photography expertise, I capture the beauty of buildings, spaces, and humans, producing captivating images that bring architecture to life
I am open to both photography and videography work, available to travel around, but mainly in Italy
PERSONAL
Aesthetic Shortfilm
Driven by a love for cinematic beauty, I specialise in crafting visually captivating short films and videos that pay homage to iconic cinematic styles while infusing each project with my own creative flair…
/Videography
/Cinematic
/Interior
>/ Inside Venetian Elegance
As an architect living in Venice, I’ve always been fascinated by its palazzos, each one a world of its own. Palazzo Dandolo, now known as Hotel Danieli, is one of those places that has always stayed in my mind. I first saw it in The Tourist, and since then, I’ve been curious to experience it in real life.
This video is a collaboration with Hotel Danieli, inspired by the film’s cinematic and luxurious atmosphere. Once a historic Venetian Gothic palace, the Danieli remains a masterpiece of elegance, rich in detail and history.
A place that continues to inspire—and a reminder that there is still so much to discover behind the doors of Venice.
/Videography
/Cinematic
/Portrait
>/ A day in Milan
On a day in Milan, my friend, Alisa, and I planned to visit an architectural site for the video shoot. But unfortunately, the site is no longer open to the public without permission. It is a pity that we travelled a long way to be there. Alisa decided to walk around, take some pictures, and sketch a bit. I improvised with a short video on the way back to the city centre.
At the end of the day, everything still ended happily, and somehow we forget about the unlucky.
Just try to enjoy the little things…
/Videography
/Cinematic
/Vlog
>/ In the Footsteps of Carlo Scarpa
I finally got my hands on the Sony ZV-E1, a camera released last year that has quickly become an ideal choice for video creators. Having always wanted a camera dedicated to video-making, I found the FX3 too costly and bulky for travel. The ZV-E1, however, offers the same sensor as the FX3, but in a smaller, lighter body—making it a more convenient and affordable option.
To test its capabilities as a travel camera, I filmed a vlog for a day in Venice with my friend Alisa. For this video, I kept things simple—shooting entirely handheld without a gimbal or log profile, and relying on S-Cinetone for a cinematic look, also no external microphone. I applied only minor post-production adjustments for exposure and stabilisation, and overall, I’m quite satisfied with the results. The ZV-E1 performs well even for casual vlogging, proving to be both versatile and user-friendly.
Interestingly, Alisa had been seeking advice on a vlogging camera, expressing concern that using expensive equipment might detract from the experience of travel. I gave her my Sony A7IV to try while revisiting Fondazione Querini Stampalia, one of Carlo Scarpa’s architectural masterpieces, which I recorded on my channel. While she enjoyed using it, I believe the ZV-E1 may be a more suitable option for her needs, and perhaps this video will help her make that decision.
Documentary
Guided by a passion for uncovering hidden stories, I am also interested in documentary filmmaking. Aim to illuminate the diverse tapestry of human experience through compelling storytelling and immersive exploration, offering audiences a window into captivating worlds and untold stories…
/Documentary
/Architecture
>/ The Earth Village
The short documentary that I made before I left Vietnam. Like it is destiny, luckily for me, I had a lot of opportunities to be a part of social projects for the minority groups in the North of Vietnam. From my bachelor’s thesis, I realised that the people over there, even though they are still in poverty, all really care about preserving their culture.
When I returned to Vietnam, it was a pleasure to work with 112 Architects Office, and Mr Son Vu took me to Nam Dam, where they have been assisting people here in building their village. The story was told through the interview with Mr Ly Ta Danh, the chief of Nam Dam Village. In Nam Dam, the Dao Ethnic people here recognise the importance of cultural identity preservation. The identity is using the Rammed Earth wall in their architecture, which is a sustainable and natural material; all are handcrafted by the traditional technique without additives.
They make the convention and regulations to ban selling land to outsiders and forbid building different from Dao Ethnic architecture. When successfully protecting the traditional Dao village landscape, Nam Dam becomes a tourist attraction. And developing the homestay service brings great economic benefit to the Nam Dam village, helping to reduce poverty.
Architecture
Exploring architectural wonders worldwide, I also try to capture the beauty and stories behind each structure. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, it invites viewers on a visual journey through the rich tapestry of the built environment…
/Videography
/Architecture
>/ Fondazione Querini Stampalia
Enter the world of a genius Italian architect, Carlo Scarpa, at Fondazione Querini Stampalia in Venice. The masterful designs start with the stunning interplay of light and shadow. Natural light gets into the interior spaces and casts a warm glow on the walls.
Scarpa shows his skill and creativity in intricate details and the use of materials. The stunning staircase that leads from the water level to the building floor is truly a piece of art, with elegant curves and graceful lines that seem to flow effortlessly upward.
The way Scarpa keeps using Venetian terrazzo, a traditional material, is unique, modern, and particularly striking. And to the courtyard, Scarpa creates a serene oasis in the heart of Venice. Every element was well-designed to make a harmonious and inviting space. It is the perfect harmonisation between the new architecture and the old buildings of Venice.
/Videography
/Architecture
>/ Olivetti Showroom
There is no doubt that Carlo Scarpa is a genius architect. The Olivetti, a retail store in Venice, particularly the design of the store’s centre staircase, is a stunning example.
The staircase floats in the air, suspended by a thin thread of metal that defies gravity. The steps are made of intricately carved marble, creating a sense of weightlessness and elegance. The railing is a delicate lattice of metal rods, adding to the impression of lightness and transparency.
After ascending the staircase, the view constantly changes, revealing new angles and vistas of the store below. The space around the stairs is transformed by its presence, creating a sense of fluidity and movement. It is a true masterpiece of design and a testament to Scarpa’s creative vision and technical mastery
