Van’s entry, entitled “The Rhythm of Time,” was honored in the press photo category at the event, which attracted over 15,000 entries from 120 countries. The nine color photos showcase the daily life and activities of the Cuban people in Old Havana and Trinidad. Van captured these images during his visit to the Latin American country in November 2022.
Some of the photos in this series have previously received recognition, including an honorable mention at the World Master of Photography Awards in Austria and a third prize at the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year in the UK – a prestigious award celebrating food photography’s art and diversity.
Experts from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy selected excellent works in various categories, such as people, wildlife, nature, advertising, and press, for exhibitions and publication in books. The winning photographers in these categories represent the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Poland.
The winners of the most prestigious awards, “Photographer of the Year (Professional)” and “Discovery of the Year (Amateur/Student),” will be announced in late October.
Van began capturing photographs in 1998 and has since won over 80 international photo prizes. Additionally, he has served as a judge at various film festivals and photo contests in Vietnam.