Let's take a tour around Vietnam and discover hidden paths through amazing photos of VnExpress Photo Contest 2014. These are the 30 greatest ones of the category “Moments of Life”.
“Vượt lũ” (Overcome flood) – Nguyễn Thành Luy
“I shot this photo in one time going for composing from Hậu Giang through An Giang province. When approaching Ngã Bảy – Phụng Hiệp floating market, I encountered a child who was swimming in the flood stream. He moved from house to house. On his head, there was a brass containing a dog. I was really touched about this very beautiful and humane image. I stopped and shot. Although the image is so simple, it actually deeply impresses on me. When I posted this photo on my Facebook, many overseas people got it and said that the boy was a citizen of their country. Because of this, via VnExpress photo contest, I want to officially introduce a beautiful image from my country – Vietnam to everyone.”
“I shot this photo in one time going for composing from Hậu Giang through An Giang province. When approaching Ngã Bảy – Phụng Hiệp floating market, I encountered a child who was swimming in the flood stream. He moved from house to house. On his head, there was a brass containing a dog. I was really touched about this very beautiful and humane image. I stopped and shot. Although the image is so simple, it actually deeply impresses on me. When I posted this photo on my Facebook, many overseas people got it and said that the boy was a citizen of their country. Because of this, via VnExpress photo contest, I want to officially introduce a beautiful image from my country – Vietnam to everyone.”
“Ngoạn mục” (Spectacular) – Ngô Đình Hòa
The author shot this moment in the windsurfing competition "PWA World Cup Muine - Vietnam 2011", which was taken place from 25th February to 5th March 2011 in Mũi Né, Phan Thiết city, Bình Thuận province by Professional Windsurf Association (PWA). The athlete in the photo was performing for the category of Freestyle. He surfed from off-shore to inshore and made somersaults on high.
The author shot this moment in the windsurfing competition "PWA World Cup Muine - Vietnam 2011", which was taken place from 25th February to 5th March 2011 in Mũi Né, Phan Thiết city, Bình Thuận province by Professional Windsurf Association (PWA). The athlete in the photo was performing for the category of Freestyle. He surfed from off-shore to inshore and made somersaults on high.
“Điệu múa trên biển” (The dance on sea) – Đinh Quang Thọ
In early morning, beefy men, who played a role as bread-winners in family, gathered together to catch shrimp, fish and crab along the edge of the sea. They carried along nets tied together by two bamboo sticks to create a tool like a big butterfly net. One group consisted of from 5 to 7 people, who together exploited at the same place, then moving to another place while sun was rising. Their postures of taking nets down the sea then pulling up and putting fish into baskets in the front were carried out continuously like dances on the sea.
In early morning, beefy men, who played a role as bread-winners in family, gathered together to catch shrimp, fish and crab along the edge of the sea. They carried along nets tied together by two bamboo sticks to create a tool like a big butterfly net. One group consisted of from 5 to 7 people, who together exploited at the same place, then moving to another place while sun was rising. Their postures of taking nets down the sea then pulling up and putting fish into baskets in the front were carried out continuously like dances on the sea.
“Chân dung mẹ” (Portrait of mother) – Mai Lộc
This photo was taken at a Bana ethnic minority’s village – Pleiphun village, Pleiku city of Gia Lai province in a trip that visited cultural villages of Central Highland’s ethnic groups. The image of a mother, who had a kind-hearted face and seemed to being expected something, made a strong impression on the author. “Because of limited time, there was no chance for me to ask her name. Since then, I have not had yet any occasion to return Pleiphun village. I just hope that she has still lived happily and healthily with her offspring and villagers.”
This photo was taken at a Bana ethnic minority’s village – Pleiphun village, Pleiku city of Gia Lai province in a trip that visited cultural villages of Central Highland’s ethnic groups. The image of a mother, who had a kind-hearted face and seemed to being expected something, made a strong impression on the author. “Because of limited time, there was no chance for me to ask her name. Since then, I have not had yet any occasion to return Pleiphun village. I just hope that she has still lived happily and healthily with her offspring and villagers.”
“Chăm chú” (Scrutiny) – Vũ Hồng Tâm
The Chăm old man was immersing in holy, jubilant and boisterous space of Kate festival, which was hold at Chàm tower in Ninh Thuận province. He scrutinized and concentrated to observe happenings before his eyes and surrounding. Sacred rites and bewitching dances of dancers who were sublimating into the dance, all offered to deities.
The Chăm old man was immersing in holy, jubilant and boisterous space of Kate festival, which was hold at Chàm tower in Ninh Thuận province. He scrutinized and concentrated to observe happenings before his eyes and surrounding. Sacred rites and bewitching dances of dancers who were sublimating into the dance, all offered to deities.
“Bay” (Flying) – Lương Trung Kiên
The ingenuity of the Oriental woman along with the soft silk made a circle rolling from down to up. This brings a feeling of flying in wind.
The ingenuity of the Oriental woman along with the soft silk made a circle rolling from down to up. This brings a feeling of flying in wind.
“Hoa rừng” (Jungle flowers) – Trần Văn Túy
“The photo was shot in a district of Đăk Nông province. The Mong girls was talking after working time. Natural smiles on their lips were like forest flowers on early sunshine. So I caught this loving moment of life.”
“The photo was shot in a district of Đăk Nông province. The Mong girls was talking after working time. Natural smiles on their lips were like forest flowers on early sunshine. So I caught this loving moment of life.”
“Đường hàn của những người thợ LILAMA” (Welding lines of LILAMA’s workers) – Nguyễn Đăng Hồng
“I snapped the photo of the workers at LILANA 18-3 factory of Joint-Stock Company LILAMA 18 belonging to Vietnam Machinery Erection Corporation, who engaged in the manufacture of oil drilling rig’s bases serving for offshore petroleum exploration and exploitation. Oil drilling rig’s bases include round, long, thick and very heavy steel tubes. Under hot sunny weather, these workers welded absorbedly, grinded and joined steel tubes with high-demand techniques under strict supervisor. They had to confront with beat and toxic welding fumes. This is the hardest work which I have ever seen. They are worthy of honor."
“I snapped the photo of the workers at LILANA 18-3 factory of Joint-Stock Company LILAMA 18 belonging to Vietnam Machinery Erection Corporation, who engaged in the manufacture of oil drilling rig’s bases serving for offshore petroleum exploration and exploitation. Oil drilling rig’s bases include round, long, thick and very heavy steel tubes. Under hot sunny weather, these workers welded absorbedly, grinded and joined steel tubes with high-demand techniques under strict supervisor. They had to confront with beat and toxic welding fumes. This is the hardest work which I have ever seen. They are worthy of honor."
“Nghề truyền thống” (Traditional craft) – Dương Hoàng Hạnh
This photo was shot in the house of family Mr. Năm Mến in Bình An hamlet, Bình Lãng commune, Tân Trụ district of Long An province. The whole family earns living by the traditional craft of making drums.
This photo was shot in the house of family Mr. Năm Mến in Bình An hamlet, Bình Lãng commune, Tân Trụ district of Long An province. The whole family earns living by the traditional craft of making drums.
“Hồng hạc tung cánh” (Flamingo wings) – Nguyễn Ngọc Hải
The photograph is about a synthetic circus artist in a performance at Thảo Cầm Viên music stage, Hồ Chí Minh city in 2011.
The photograph is about a synthetic circus artist in a performance at Thảo Cầm Viên music stage, Hồ Chí Minh city in 2011.
“Quyết liệt (Drastic) – Huỳnh Thu
The photo was snapped in a Buffalo Race festival at Tà Miệt, Tri Tôn, An Giang province in 2013.
The photo was snapped in a Buffalo Race festival at Tà Miệt, Tri Tôn, An Giang province in 2013.
“Cào don trên sông Trà Khúc” (Raking mud to get “don” (a kind of mussel) on Trà Khúc river) – Nguyễn Văn Thương
“Quảng Ngãi – my hometown, the Central Vietnam, a Vietnam’s piece of intestine, has underwent many natural calamities as well as harsh climate, but many generations have still been laborious and diligent to do everything, just only expecting that next generations will be better. The image of parents raking mud to get “don” on Trà Khúc river was recorded in music, poetry, painting and photography. This is a beautiful image about sacrifice of parents for their children, and faithful affection between the husband and the wife; no matter what life happens, still be together forever, join hands to create happiness."
“Quảng Ngãi – my hometown, the Central Vietnam, a Vietnam’s piece of intestine, has underwent many natural calamities as well as harsh climate, but many generations have still been laborious and diligent to do everything, just only expecting that next generations will be better. The image of parents raking mud to get “don” on Trà Khúc river was recorded in music, poetry, painting and photography. This is a beautiful image about sacrifice of parents for their children, and faithful affection between the husband and the wife; no matter what life happens, still be together forever, join hands to create happiness."
“Sếu nhập bầy” (Crane joins flock) – Đoàn Văn Hồng
This is the image of red-crowned cranes on a field. Cranes are symbolize for beauty of natural landscape. They are also an attraction to domestic and abroad travelers at places where they inhabit.
This is the image of red-crowned cranes on a field. Cranes are symbolize for beauty of natural landscape. They are also an attraction to domestic and abroad travelers at places where they inhabit.
“Chân đạo” – Phạm Thanh Châu
"Long Sơn large house, so-called Ông Trần temple, located in the eastern flank of Mount Nứa, belonging to Long Sơn island commune of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu province. On an occasion visiting Long Sơn large house on 21st day of 12th month (lunar calendar), I witnessed an original cultural atmosphere that has maintained today. On this day annually, the Sino-Vietnamese teachers (ông đồ) at Long Sơn wear black “ao the” and “khan xep” (a kind of turban), come into the large house and write “liễn”. Before sitting on sedge mats spread in the middle of the rear house for grinding ink, splitting red paper and putting down brush pens in writing, everyone solemnly lined in the shrine and incensed to “kỉnh” (worship) the Mister (Ông Trần) of this large house. In the main court, regarding the moment of the Sino-Vietnamese teacher, who was sitting meditatively and reading on a plank put very closely the court’s wall in sunbeams shining down through chinks of the ceiling’s tiles; and immersing in fragrant incense smokes; all equivocally offered me a feeling that is both ethereal and spiritual. I startled and woke up, hurried to put my camera up and caught this space, this moment."
"Long Sơn large house, so-called Ông Trần temple, located in the eastern flank of Mount Nứa, belonging to Long Sơn island commune of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu province. On an occasion visiting Long Sơn large house on 21st day of 12th month (lunar calendar), I witnessed an original cultural atmosphere that has maintained today. On this day annually, the Sino-Vietnamese teachers (ông đồ) at Long Sơn wear black “ao the” and “khan xep” (a kind of turban), come into the large house and write “liễn”. Before sitting on sedge mats spread in the middle of the rear house for grinding ink, splitting red paper and putting down brush pens in writing, everyone solemnly lined in the shrine and incensed to “kỉnh” (worship) the Mister (Ông Trần) of this large house. In the main court, regarding the moment of the Sino-Vietnamese teacher, who was sitting meditatively and reading on a plank put very closely the court’s wall in sunbeams shining down through chinks of the ceiling’s tiles; and immersing in fragrant incense smokes; all equivocally offered me a feeling that is both ethereal and spiritual. I startled and woke up, hurried to put my camera up and caught this space, this moment."
“Lễ hội Nguyên tiêu” (Festival on 15th day, 1st month of Lunar calendar) – Ngô Quang Phúc
Every year, in the morning of the full moon day on 1st month (Lunar calendar), unicorn, lion and dragon dance teams of Chinese people in many places (the most crowded one is the Chinese group in Five district, Hồ Chí Minh city) focus on Bà pagoda (Virgin pagoda) in Bình Dương province. The highlight of the festival is the Virgin’s palanquin procession, with parades of street art and performances of traditional unicorn, lion and dragon dances of teams.
Every year, in the morning of the full moon day on 1st month (Lunar calendar), unicorn, lion and dragon dance teams of Chinese people in many places (the most crowded one is the Chinese group in Five district, Hồ Chí Minh city) focus on Bà pagoda (Virgin pagoda) in Bình Dương province. The highlight of the festival is the Virgin’s palanquin procession, with parades of street art and performances of traditional unicorn, lion and dragon dances of teams.
“Thợ hầm lò” (Coal worker) - Phạm Huy Đằng
This photo was taken when coal workers just went off coal-pits after a strenuous working shift underground at Mông Dương colliery of Quảng Ninh province.
This photo was taken when coal workers just went off coal-pits after a strenuous working shift underground at Mông Dương colliery of Quảng Ninh province.
“Quăng chài (Casting net) – Nguyễn Hữu Đính
The photography is about a fishing activity of a fisher-man on Như Ý river of Huế city.
The photography is about a fishing activity of a fisher-man on Như Ý river of Huế city.
“Gốm quê” (Countryside pottery) – Trương Minh Điền
Mrs. Thị Đinh, whose house is in Sư Nam hamlet, Hòn Đất town, Kiên Giang province, works as a clay-pot-shaped person for a long time. This is a traditional craft transmitted from generation to generation. After the death of her husband, she has nourished alone her three children. This profession affords bare money for meals of her family. She are also received a monthly allowance from the local government. Now her eldest child has been apprenticed to earn extra income so that helping her take care of the other children.
Mrs. Thị Đinh, whose house is in Sư Nam hamlet, Hòn Đất town, Kiên Giang province, works as a clay-pot-shaped person for a long time. This is a traditional craft transmitted from generation to generation. After the death of her husband, she has nourished alone her three children. This profession affords bare money for meals of her family. She are also received a monthly allowance from the local government. Now her eldest child has been apprenticed to earn extra income so that helping her take care of the other children.
“Tung chài” (Casting net) – Trần Công
“The photograph is about fishing activities of Chăm brethren in an early morning in Minh Hòa commune, Dầu Tiếng district, Bình Dương province. In this nice morning, I was astonished when seeing the moment of two Chăm fishermen, with dark complexion (maybe this is their skin color or due to fatigue of sun and wind), casted net in a very skilled way like dancers on stage. Thank them that let me actually understand more about daily jobs of wetland artists.”
“The photograph is about fishing activities of Chăm brethren in an early morning in Minh Hòa commune, Dầu Tiếng district, Bình Dương province. In this nice morning, I was astonished when seeing the moment of two Chăm fishermen, with dark complexion (maybe this is their skin color or due to fatigue of sun and wind), casted net in a very skilled way like dancers on stage. Thank them that let me actually understand more about daily jobs of wetland artists.”
“Đón bắt” (Forestall and catch) – Nguyễn Văn Khánh
“In an opportunity that I went on a mission for Hue Festival 2006, I caught sight of fishing activities of inhabitants in Hương river when I stood on Vỹ Dạ bridge at 8h30 a.m.”
“In an opportunity that I went on a mission for Hue Festival 2006, I caught sight of fishing activities of inhabitants in Hương river when I stood on Vỹ Dạ bridge at 8h30 a.m.”
“Thợ gốm” (Potter) – Phạm Ngọc Thành
This photo was shot in Bàu Trúc pottery village of Ninh Thuận province, which is a famous pottery village of Chăm compatriots. The missy in the photo, a skilled potter of the village, was taking care of each detail for her work after putting it into a kiln. Sunlight of the afternoon shined through that exuded the mysterious beauty of the young woman and her work.
This photo was shot in Bàu Trúc pottery village of Ninh Thuận province, which is a famous pottery village of Chăm compatriots. The missy in the photo, a skilled potter of the village, was taking care of each detail for her work after putting it into a kiln. Sunlight of the afternoon shined through that exuded the mysterious beauty of the young woman and her work.
“Nắng” (Sunshine) – Phạm Việt Hùng
A sunny day on a salt field in Ninh Hòa, Khánh Hòa province.
A sunny day on a salt field in Ninh Hòa, Khánh Hòa province.
“Bứt phá” (Towering above) – Nguyễn Hiền Thanh
"The photo was snapped at an intersection belonging to the administrative zone in Hậu Giang province. The racers were approaching the destination so the race was extremely fierce. I sat down in the middle of the track, used tele zoom to shoot as the racing group was at a pretty far distance and shot following to the mode of continuity and high speed."
"The photo was snapped at an intersection belonging to the administrative zone in Hậu Giang province. The racers were approaching the destination so the race was extremely fierce. I sat down in the middle of the track, used tele zoom to shoot as the racing group was at a pretty far distance and shot following to the mode of continuity and high speed."
“Ngư phủ” (Fishermen) – Đỗ Hữu Thuấn
"This photographic work was born in a trip with fishermen engaging offshore fishing. After many days floating on sea to earn marine products, I witnessed on my own eyes many heavy hauls full of fish (but due to lighting condition was not appropriate, I could not shot). In a morning in March 2008, after a long night seeking new sources of fish, at 5a.m, after the chants from the helmsman and the captain: “Wake up… wake up…”, immediately these fishermen plunged to the bow of the ship. Each person carried out their own tasks, nobody told others, they let nets down the sea and did jobs of a fisherman. At that time, the sun just newly dawned, a great and lucky light came to me. I shot this moment only two times and my work was born."
"This photographic work was born in a trip with fishermen engaging offshore fishing. After many days floating on sea to earn marine products, I witnessed on my own eyes many heavy hauls full of fish (but due to lighting condition was not appropriate, I could not shot). In a morning in March 2008, after a long night seeking new sources of fish, at 5a.m, after the chants from the helmsman and the captain: “Wake up… wake up…”, immediately these fishermen plunged to the bow of the ship. Each person carried out their own tasks, nobody told others, they let nets down the sea and did jobs of a fisherman. At that time, the sun just newly dawned, a great and lucky light came to me. I shot this moment only two times and my work was born."
“Thăm vó” (Visiting lift-net) – Nguyễn Văn Dừa
"This photo was taken at an afternoon when I was on my way going for composing at Tịnh Biên district, An Giang province. While motorcycling on Tà Sư bridge, I encountered a women who was visiting lift-nets with striking red color of her clothes that made me stop and snap this photo."
"This photo was taken at an afternoon when I was on my way going for composing at Tịnh Biên district, An Giang province. While motorcycling on Tà Sư bridge, I encountered a women who was visiting lift-nets with striking red color of her clothes that made me stop and snap this photo."
“Đọc sách” (Reading book) – Trần Trọng Lượm
"On a day I went for composing at a small village, when I accidentally passed across a class room, I saw a girl who was cogitating and reading with a naïve and innocent eyes looking very nice. Then I shot this photo."
"On a day I went for composing at a small village, when I accidentally passed across a class room, I saw a girl who was cogitating and reading with a naïve and innocent eyes looking very nice. Then I shot this photo."
“Đằng sau nụ cười” (Behind a smile) – Trần Trọng Lượm
"When going for composer at a small village, I fortuitously saw some children who was playing on a yard. As I stopped to take photos, I found a boy flickering inside a piece of canvas hung on a house-wall. I asked him why not played with these children but stood there. He did not answer me and just quietly watched other them playing. In the meantime, I photographed him. I thought, perhaps he felt an inferiority complex that he did not have a beautiful smile like others. So he did not dare to play with other children because he feared that he would be teased."
"When going for composer at a small village, I fortuitously saw some children who was playing on a yard. As I stopped to take photos, I found a boy flickering inside a piece of canvas hung on a house-wall. I asked him why not played with these children but stood there. He did not answer me and just quietly watched other them playing. In the meantime, I photographed him. I thought, perhaps he felt an inferiority complex that he did not have a beautiful smile like others. So he did not dare to play with other children because he feared that he would be teased."
“Nghề truyền thống” (Traditional craft) – Nguyễn Văn Hai
The photo was shot in a traditional trade village making bamboo “mê bồ” in Thới Bình district, Cà Mau province.
The photo was shot in a traditional trade village making bamboo “mê bồ” in Thới Bình district, Cà Mau province.
“Nguyện cầu” (Praying) – Tô Công Vinh
The photo was taken at Raya Hại Moslem festival of residents in Văn Lâm hamlet, Ninh Phước district, Ninh Thuận province.
The photo was taken at Raya Hại Moslem festival of residents in Văn Lâm hamlet, Ninh Phước district, Ninh Thuận province.
“Nguyện cầu” (Praying) – Phạm Nhựt Thưởng
This is the image of an old man wearing a Vietnamese traditional costume (“áo dài” and “khăn xếp”) was praying before the altar of his ancestors on first days of spring. The soul part of this photo is his profoundly deep eyes at the autumnal age. Deeply hidden in his eyes is simple wishes for being safe and sound, and happiness for his family and posterity – a seemingly small wish but exuding his humane and upright soul beauty. The image also show beautiful tradition and cultural identity of Vietnam.
This is the image of an old man wearing a Vietnamese traditional costume (“áo dài” and “khăn xếp”) was praying before the altar of his ancestors on first days of spring. The soul part of this photo is his profoundly deep eyes at the autumnal age. Deeply hidden in his eyes is simple wishes for being safe and sound, and happiness for his family and posterity – a seemingly small wish but exuding his humane and upright soul beauty. The image also show beautiful tradition and cultural identity of Vietnam.
According to VnExpress.net