Called Generals in Peacetime, the exhibit marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam People's Army (1944-2014) with 70 coloured and monochrome photos depicting the day-to-day life of Vietnamese military commanders.

Huy was fascinated by an image in which Van takes an upward angle, making him look "like a statue". At first glance, he couldn't even recognise himself.

The photos displayed at the exhibition were taken since 2009 and depict top-ranking commanders like General Vo Nguyen Giap, senior lieutenant-generals Nguyen Van Rinh, lieutenant-generals Nguyen Duc Soat, Nguyen Van Tinh, Pham Xuan The, Nguyen An and Nguyen Quoc Thuoc and major-generals Nguyen Duc Huy, Do Van Phuc, Nguyen Van Minh, Le Xuan Tau and Do Quoc An.

Through the photos, visitors see the simple life of the commanders, who are all retired and find joy in taking care of their grandchildren, playing chess, pruning bonsai and contemplating their collections of medals. Van also captured their happy moments at family meals and meetings with old comrades.

The idea of taking photos of the generals in peacetime came to Van when he photographed the late General Giap in 2009 to illustrate an article for Lao Dong (Labour) newspaper, where he is on staff.

The photo that brings Van the most satisfaction is one of General Giap after meeting soldiers and children on the 55th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory in 2009. His guests having departed, Giap looks thoughtful in the red glow of the setting sun.

The exhibition will run until May 24 at the Exhibition House, 29 Hang Bai Street, Hanoi.