Vietnam War Portraits

Striking portraits and stories of the people and relics of the Vietnam War, telling the tales of their service and experiences during the war.

Featuring modern portraits and firsthand accounts, this book offers a unique perspective on the Vietnam War, bringing together the stories of American Vietnam war veterans, southern Vietnamese war veterans and civilians.

The surreal imagery of Thomas Sanders' vivid portraits encourages the viewer to take a closer look at those who experienced the war, giving them a chance to read the haunting, inspirational, and sometimes comical stories of the individuals of the Vietnam War. Set in a surreal jungle environment, the portraits evoke the sense of darkness and uncertainty felt by those who experienced the war. Some of the portraits hold objects that relate to their role or experience during their time in the service. The objects tell a deeper story of a dark and confusing war: the common cigarette pack smoked by the vets while in the jungle; a homemade grenade made by the northern Vietnamese; and a "order to report" document – a piece of paper that changed many a life.

Vietnam War Portraits serves as a form of catharsis for the many people involved in the Vietnam War and honours them by giving them an opportunity to tell their story, bearing witness to their service, their experiences and the aftermath.

100 portraits, 44 object images

About the Author

After graduating from Cal Poly SLO in 2006, Tom Sanders moved to the Los Angeles area (Redondo Beach, CA) to start his career as a photographer. He loves surfing and the easygoing beach lifestyle. His photographic coffee table book THE LAST GOOD WAR: The Faces And Voices of WWII was published with Welcome Books/Rizzoli at the age of 25 and his book was named "Non-Fiction Book of the Year, Editors Choice" by the Forewords Review Magazine and is the youngest author to ever achieve this award.