Capturing rhythm of life through artist Nguyen Van Hoa’s lens

Beginning his career as a commercial photographer, Nguyen Van Hoa, a member of the Photography Section of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, has carved out a distinctive place in photography through his creative vision and a series of prestigious awards.

Nguyen Van Hoa’s photograph “Feeding Breakfast to the Fish” won third prize at the 2026 “Dong Nai – Aspiration to Rise” Photo Contest. Photo: Nguyen Van Hoa.

For more than two decades, Hoa has traveled across many regions in search of beautiful moments. His photographs not only capture the vibrant rhythms of nature, everyday life and people but also help promote Dong Nai as a culturally distinctive locality that is integrating and developing.

From commercial photographer to passionate artist

Hoa, born in 1976, first became involved in photography through wedding photography services in Trang Bom Ward. In his early years, he focused on preserving memorable moments for families. The job also took him to many places, introduced him to people from different backgrounds and exposed him to the diverse facets of everyday life. Each journey became an opportunity to observe, explore and develop new perspectives.

It was these experiences that led Hoa to fine-art photography and photojournalism. According to Hoa, his work as a wedding photographer had greatly supported his pursuit of photography, particularly by helping him develop a command of camera equipment, lighting and camera angles. As he ventured into these fields, he actively sought out learning opportunities and attended professional development courses to enhance his technical knowledge and professional skills.

Artist Nguyen Van Hoa, a member of the Photography Section of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association.

“Outdoor wedding photography differs greatly from fine-art and press photography. Wedding photographs can be staged and retaken several times to achieve the perfect angle, whereas press and artistic photography demand authenticity, absolute accuracy and, above all, the ability to capture the decisive moment,” Hoa said.

In 2014, Hoa was admitted to the Photography Section of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association. He also became an active member of the Press and Art Photography Club under the provincial Journalists Association, now the city’s Journalists Association. Always eager to capture compelling moments, he has devoted considerable time to photography camps and field trips, traveling throughout communes and wards in the city as well as to other localities, including Da Nang, Dien Bien and Lam Dong. These practical experiences have broadened his understanding of life and enriched his creative work.

To capture moments that demand speed and precision, Hoa prioritizes investing in modern photographic equipment, regularly updates his knowledge and keeps abreast of new technologies. He believes that good equipment cannot replace an artist’s creative vision and emotional sensitivity, but in many situations, it can give photographers a better chance of capturing the moment. Above all, what matters is the ability to recognize the beauty and stories hidden behind each photograph.

Nguyen Van Hoa’s work “Medical Glove Inspection” won first prize at the 2026 Radiant Binh Minh Photo Contest.

Promoting Dong Nai’s image

Hoa’s dedication and sustained artistic efforts have earned him numerous prestigious awards. Notable achievements include third prize for “Working Together” and a consolation prize for “The Final Connection of Ghenh Bridge” in the 2016 “Railways Through My Eyes” Photography Contest. At the 25th Southeastern Region Art Photography Festival in 2017, his work “Extracurricular Class” won a silver medal. In 2024, he won first prize with “Dong Nai’s Fighter Pilots” in the “Portraits of Dong Nai Soldiers” literature and arts competition.

Pham Linh Ngoc, Deputy Head of the Photography Section of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, said: “Nguyen Van Hoa is a passionate and meticulous photographer who constantly seeks new perspectives in his work. His photographs demonstrate technical investment and emotional depth, helping introduce the beauty of Dong Nai’s land and people to the public.”

Following the administrative merger and the implementation of the two-tier local government model, Dong Nai’s territory has expanded. The diversity of landscapes, people, cultures and ways of life across the expanded area has opened up a wealth of new subjects for Hoa’s photography. He is particularly interested in projects taking shape, the changing face of rural areas, the lives of workers, and cultural traditions preserved by ethnic minority communities and residents of border areas.

In 2026 alone, several of his photographs won top awards in competitions. “Medical Glove Inspection” took first prize at the Radiant Binh Minh Photography Contest; “Feeding Breakfast to the Fish” won third prize in the Dong Nai – Aspiring to Rise Photography Contest; and “Eyes Watching the Sky” won second prize in the “Portrait of a Dong Nai Armed Forces Soldier” Photo Contest. For many consecutive years, he has received certificates of merit from the provincial People’s Committee, now the city’s People’s Committee, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in creating and promoting artistic works.

Beyond pursuing awards for himself, Hoa also uses the life experience and professional knowledge he has accumulated over many years to mentor young people passionate about photography and help them embark on their artistic journeys. For him, sharing his experience in composition, camera techniques and sustaining creative passion is a way of giving back to the profession.

Nguyen Van Hoa’s work “Extracurricular Class” won a silver medal at the 25th Southeastern Region Art Photography Festival in 2017.

On his personal Facebook and Zalo accounts, Hoa regularly posts and showcases thousands of photographs of his homeland, the country and its people, as well as places he has visited. Through these images, he shares beautiful moments and stories of everyday life with the wider community. For Hoa, each photograph he shares is also a way to help promote the image of Dong Nai as a city rich in cultural identity and undergoing change day by day.

Beyond photography, Hoa finds fulfillment in collecting antiques. His extensive collection includes more than 100 vintage clocks and watches, mainly from France and Germany, some of which are over a century old. Most operate through intricate manual-winding mechanisms rather than batteries or electricity. His passion for antiques has also led him to learn how to repair damaged timepieces himself. He regularly exchanges and trades items with fellow collectors from across the country.

Looking ahead, Hoa said he would continue nurturing his passion for collecting antiques, actively participate in creative camps and enter fine-art photography competitions both within and outside the city. His major goal, which he is determined to achieve in the near future, is to become a member of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists and help promote Dong Nai’s image among people in Vietnam and abroad.

By My Ny – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho