The talented trio of young photographers, Hoang Ngoc Khanh, Nguyen Thao Tien, and Hoang Tue Lam, are set to represent Vietnam at the International High School Students’ Photo Festival Exchange in Japan. Hailing from different high schools across Hanoi, these individuals have a passion for capturing powerful stories through their lenses.
On Saturday afternoon, the group met with professional photographers at the headquarters of the Department of Fine Arts, Photography, and Exhibition under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. This enriching encounter served as a prelude to their upcoming journey to Japan, where they will compete against 23 teams from the host nation and 21 other countries.
Leading the trio is photographer Nguyen Khac Hieu, a veteran of the first edition of the festival in 2015. Vietnam has consistently sent students to represent the country in all nine editions of this prestigious contest, and their efforts have borne fruit. During the second festival exchange, the Vietnamese team clinched the first prize for the entire group, with one of their members also securing the third prize. Vietnamese students have continued to impress, bringing home several awards from subsequent editions.
The success of these young photographers is a testament to the ‘For a Future Generation in Vietnamese Photography’ project, masterminded by professional photographer Nguyen Ba Han. Han has dedicated a decade of his life to this initiative, aiming to create a platform that fosters the development of young Vietnamese photographers and encourages them to focus on storytelling through their images.
Han shared his insights on the state of Vietnamese photography, noting that the community is aging and many practitioners adhere to outdated styles. He emphasized the importance of capturing stories rather than merely creating wall art to stay relevant in the global photography scene. Vietnam, with its wealth of captivating tales, provides endless inspiration for photographers to create impactful and meaningful work.
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| A glimpse into the world of Vung Vieng Fishing Village, captured by the three Vietnamese students. This album will be presented at the festival in Japan, showcasing the beauty and serenity of daily life in this quaint fishing village. Photo: Thao Tien / Tuoi Tre |
International photographers have also been drawn to Vietnam, inspired by the country’s rich tapestry of stories. American student Justin Maxon, for example, documented the life of a woman living with AIDS and her young son, capturing their experiences of homelessness along the Red River in Hanoi. His powerful images earned him the 2007 World Press Photo award.
In contrast, Vietnamese photographers have traditionally focused less on such intimate and meaningful storytelling. However, a new wave of young photographers is emerging, eager to delve into the art of storytelling through their lenses. One notable example is Maika Elan, whose real name is Nguyen Thanh Hai. Her photo album, ‘Pink Choice,’ sensitively portrayed the daily lives of gay couples in Vietnam, earning her the first prize in the ‘Contemporary Issues’ category at the World Press Photo 2013.
Nguyen Ba Han’s project to select and mentor high school students for the International Festival in Japan is a testament to his dedication to inspiring the next generation of documentary photographers. Under his guidance, these students have developed their unique voices and learned to convey powerful messages through their images.
This year, the trio will present their artworks depicting the tranquil fishing village of Bai Tu Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. Their photographs will capture the warmth and camaraderie of the fishermen, offering a glimpse into a world of peace and beauty.
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| Photographer Nguyen Ba Han, a driving force behind the success of young Vietnamese photographers, captured here by his son, photographer Nguyen Ba Minh Hien. |
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| A glimpse into Maika Elan’s award-winning ‘Pink Choice’ album, showcasing her exceptional talent and sensitivity in capturing intimate moments. |
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