Suggesting more directions for photography

In the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam's Cultural Industries with a Vision to 2030 approved by the Government, photography is a field with many advantages, chosen for investment and development. World photography was born nearly 200 years ago and has been present in Vietnam for about 150 years, often as a personal activity of the photographer. However, to bring greater value and contribute to the cultural industry, connecting the team of photographers with the activities of composing, collecting, storing, exploiting, trading in photo products or creating images using artificial intelligence on a national scale and connecting internationally requires close coordination.

Photographer Huynh Van Truyen, Chairman of the Da Nang Photography Club (under the Da Nang City Art Photography Association) said that from the practical creative activities of hundreds of Club members in the past time as well as the process of learning and exchanging with photographers across the country, the idea of ​​establishing the Photography and Application Cooperative was born. This is a model that has been effective in many other artistic and social fields, but it is completely new to photography. The first discussion and connection session took place at the Hai Chau District Cultural - Sports Center (Da Nang) on ​​the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the Traditional Day of Vietnamese Photography (1953-2025), with the participation and support of many local units.

Here, speakers discussed and highlighted information about the current status and trends of photography. Photography is a combination of science and art, with functions and potentials that are both intersecting and divided into many specific types.

For example, just counting photography applied in commerce, art and communication, there is advertising photography (illustrating products or services), architectural photography (focusing on construction and architecture), event photography (recording social events and participants), fashion photography, landscape photography, wildlife photography...

Photographer Huynh Van Truyen emphasized that Vietnamese photography is not outside of global photography trends, such as using AI (artificial intelligence) to optimize light and lines, digitizing photos and trading images via blockchain, commercial photography alongside digital content creation, attracting investment from businesses... However, the problem of copying and copyright infringement still exists and is increasingly painful, photographic works are not priced appropriately, photographers are not considered an official profession, and there is no professional working environment.

Mr. Huynh Van Truyen gave an example in Da Nang, when there was a large order for beautiful local photos, no unit stood up to receive them even though the city is a famous destination for sea tourism, MICE tourism, and wedding tourism. In terms of storage, most agencies, offices, social organizations and businesses have not paid attention to the source of documentary photos, leading to a lack of photo databases.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Nguyen, Director of Ecological Community Company Limited, shared: When implementing a tourism promotion project in Quang Ngai, the unit encountered great difficulties in finding sources of quality photos, rich perspectives and copyrights. According to her, the Photography and Application Cooperative can gather and connect photographers to build a professional data warehouse, meet market demand and create output for works of art. The coordination of artists and related parties not only helps the photography community develop their careers and stabilize their livelihoods, but also contributes to preserving and promoting historical values, promoting the beauty, culture and people of Vietnam to the world.

Regarding the legal basis, the Photography and Application Cooperative received advice and support from the Green Technology Development Institute and the Innovation and Startup Department (Hai Chau District Culture and Sports Center).

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien, Chairwoman of the Council of the Green Technology Development Institute, said that the establishment of a cooperative brings many advantages as a connecting organization and legal entity, helping to protect copyright and ensure the interests of artists in service contracts. At the same time, cooperatives are an encouraged cooperative economic model, especially when contributing to cultural preservation, promoting creativity, providing opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship for young people. This model also has the potential to attract support from domestic and foreign organizations, businesses and sponsors, creating a professional and civilized environment for photographers to develop and contribute to the community. Some other delegates such as Ms. Kunzang Deachen - representative of Local Future (India), Ms. Thai Dao Viet Trinh - Head of Xom Tour tourism project also shared experiences on the connection between photography and tourism, indigenous nature in photography, organizing phototours through which to tell humane stories about traditional culture...

In the immediate future, according to Mr. Huynh Van Truyen, the goal of the Photography and Application Cooperative is to build a professional photography community, support photographers to operate legally, develop a training and career guidance system in Da Nang, and then be able to coordinate and expand with the central and Central Highlands provinces.

In addition, it is building a digital photo warehouse to enhance copyright protection and create sustainable income. The unit will promote cooperation with businesses, media and tourism organizations, apply technology to commercial and artistic photography, or in other words, create and expand the market for photographic works.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/goi-mo-them-huong-di-cho-nhiep-anh-post868895.html