I’m Wes Marsala, an American photographer currently based in Vietnam.

My photography is centered around people, places, and the moments that happen when the two come together. I’m drawn to everyday life — people at work, on the street, in their communities, or simply going about their day. Much of my work comes from being present, paying attention, and seeing where a place takes me.

Living and traveling abroad has shaped the way I see and photograph the world. I studied sociocultural anthropology at UC Davis, and while I didn’t become an anthropologist, the curiosity behind it never really left me. I’ve always been interested in people, culture, and how we live. Photography became a natural extension of that curiosity.

More recently, I’ve been looking for ways to bring that approach to work with nonprofits, ministries, and organizations serving communities around the world. I’m interested in the people behind that work and in making photographs that help others better understand the places, communities, and stories connected to it.

For me, the strongest photographs are the ones that make you stop for a moment. They show you something worth noticing and give you a reason to stay with the image a little longer.

That’s the kind of work I strive for.

• Prints available upon request