Each beautiful photo of Dong Nai - a tribute to the homeland

A familiar figure in the Southeastern region's photography community, photographer Nguyen Van Thuong, Member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA) and a frequent judge at numerous art photography contests in Dong Nai, is well-regarded by colleagues and peers for his dedication, passion, and creativity.

Photographer Nguyen Van Thuong (far left) presents the first prize to the winner at the closing and award ceremony of the “Dong Nai entering a new era 2025” photo contest. Photo: My Ny

Beyond his impressive artistic achievements, he is also regarded as a “torch bearer” who inspires generations of photography enthusiasts in Dong Nai, contributing to the enrichment of the province’s cultural and artistic life.

Dong Nai – a land of inspiration

Speaking about his connection with Dong Nai photography, Nguyen Van Thuong shared that for many years, the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association has regularly collaborated with localities within and beyond the southeastern region to organize creative camps and art photo contests, fostering an environment for artistic exchange and creative development.

“Thanks to these activities, I have had the opportunity to accompany the Dong Nai photography movement by participating in judging and evaluating artistic and tourism photography contests. The dynamism, creativity, and passion of fellow artists in Dong Nai have given me great inspiration and motivation to continue creating and exploring fresh perspectives on this land and its people,” he said.

According to Nguyen Van Thuong, Dong Nai is one of the provinces with the most vibrant and dynamic photography movements in the region. Notably, following the provincial merger, the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association took the lead in launching the “Dong Nai entering a new era” photo contest as a significant milestone that marked a turning point and gave a substantial boost to the local photography scene. This initiative has not only brought artists together but also sparked their creative spirit, encouraging them to explore and capture the beauty of their homeland through the lens.

Building on this foundation, Dong Nai photographers have shown great solidarity and eagerness to learn, continuously producing works of high artistic value. Many photos have transcended local boundaries, winning prestigious awards at provincial, regional, national, and even international levels, affirming Dong Nai’s position on Vietnam’s photography map.

Speaking about his creative inspiration, Nguyen Van Thuong shared that the diversity of Dong Nai’s land and people is a unique advantage.

“It lies in its geographical richness, with places that tell their own stories, such as Hoa Lu International Border Gate, Cat Tien National Park, Long Thanh International Airport, along with rivers, lakes, waterfalls, craft villages, and industrial zones. Above all, it is the warmth and energy of Dong Nai’s people. Every smile and every glance can become a frame full of emotion for a photographer,” he expressed.

Photographer NGUYEN VAN THUONG was born in 1969 in Bao Loc, Lam Dong. Throughout his artistic career, he has garnered over 100 awards, both domestically and internationally. He has also held numerous solo exhibitions in Lam Dong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, helping to promote and spread the image of Vietnam’s land and people.

Keeping the flame of passion, creativity, and dedication

In addition to judging photo competitions, Nguyen Van Thuong frequently holds talks and workshops to share his creative experience with young photographers. He expressed his confidence and high expectations for the new generation of Dong Nai photographers, who are dynamic, innovative, and confident in their mastery of technology.

According to him, a truly beautiful artistic photograph does not persuade viewers solely through technical skill, but also through the message and emotion it conveys. Works about Dong Nai, he emphasized, should be able to “speak”, telling profound stories about the province’s people, life, culture, and history.

To improve the quality and influence of artistic photography contests, he suggested focusing on two key elements: creating opportunities for exchange and learning through field trips and themed contests that offer inspiration and experience-sharing; and promoting the use of technology in communication and publicity to bring artistic works closer to the public.

“Combining art photography with tourism and culture will help spread the image of Dong Nai more widely, both at home and abroad,” he noted.

Amid the rapid advancement of digital technology and artificial intelligence, Nguyen Van Thuong emphasized that Dong Nai’s photography community must proactively embrace modern trends to enrich their creative work. However, he also noted that while technology is a powerful tool for artists, authenticity remains the core value, serving as the main element that gives each work its soul and lasting vitality.

With that mindset, he particularly highlighted the role of young photographers in continuing and advancing the province’s artistic photography tradition. As one of the veterans in the field, he hopes that the younger generation will sustain their passion and continue to capture and spread the beauty of their homeland through each photograph.

“The Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association has done an excellent job of fostering connection and creating a creative space for artists. I hope my fellow photographers will continue to keep the flame of passion burning and stand united in building a stronger photography movement. Let every photo not only be a work of art, but also a heartfelt tribute to Dong Nai, the land where we live, create, and dedicate ourselves,” Thuong said.

By Cam Thanh – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho