Khanh Phan - proud of its centuries-old villages.

SGGP 11/06/2023 06:08

For photographers, the pride lies not only in awards, but also in the beautiful scenery of the countryside and centuries-old craft villages across Vietnam, which are known to the world .

Photographer Khanh Phan

Conquering the global photography community.

In March 2023, the world's largest aerial photography competition announced its award categories. "The Beauty of the Flood Season" in Vietnam captivated the global photography community with the natural beauty of its landscapes and the women of the riverine region.

The photograph, depicting two women harvesting water lilies during the flood season in Moc Hoa district, Long An province, was taken by photographer Khanh Phan in October 2022 and titled "Floral Dress." The work won the Grand Prize (worth $15,000) at the SkyPixel Annual Photo & Video Contest, organized annually by DJI and SkyPixel – the world's largest aerial photography community.

Photographer Khanh Phan shared: “The photograph 'Floral Dress' is special because it can be rotated in four directions. If viewed normally, the image resembles women sewing a floral dress. If rotated upside down, it looks like two women are tying a large bouquet of flowers, the flowers seemingly blooming. When rotated horizontally, the image tells the story of women decorating a veil with layers of vibrant flowers.”

Khánh Phan shared: “During a trip to Long An to take photos during the flood season, I took a picture of two women harvesting water lilies and titled it 'Flower on the Water,' a different angle from 'Floral Dress.' That day, the wind and storm were very strong, and my colleagues who were with me all left, but I stayed. The next day, the sky was still dark and cloudy, and I was starting to feel disappointed. But at 8:30 a.m., the sky suddenly cleared and the sun came out. Thanks to the help of the local people and two new friends I met for the first time, I was able to take the picture 'Flower on the Water' with the water clear and calm. Every time I take pictures like that, I feel more appreciative and loving towards Vietnamese women in their work, the grandmothers and mothers throughout the Vietnamese countryside who, despite their hard work, still possess a unique beauty.”

Positive energy from Vietnamese beauty

Khánh Phan turned to photography during difficult times in her life, and now, after more than seven years behind the camera, she has received numerous major international awards. For her, it's a form of therapy that helps her overcome life's challenges and spread positive energy through each colorful photograph.

Khánh Phan shared: “I came to photography when I was a bank employee and went through a difficult period in my life. In 2019, I went to Siena Tuscan, Italy to receive my first major award in my photography career. Among the many beautiful photos sent from all over the world, the photos taken in Vietnam were truly special and attracted international attention. We have valuable material in photography, namely people at work, especially in traditional craft villages. I was born in a rural village in Thai Binh , so this image has been with me since childhood, very familiar and dear. Therefore, every time I press the shutter, I don't need to think too much about the subject; I always focus on capturing the scenery and culture of Vietnam in the places I travel through.”

A beautiful photograph requires the artist's meticulous effort; each shot is a creative process involving choosing the angle, composition, and weather conditions… And the second creative step is post-production. The beauty of each photograph is not only confined to visual art, but also conveys a message that the author puts into it. “Photography is not just about capturing what we see, but also about capturing what we feel and create. I travel to many places and experience different cultures, meeting the people in the lands I visit. These trips enrich my knowledge, and I capture many beautiful moments and touching memories that have fueled my passion,” Khánh Phan shared.

As an "outsider" who ventured into photography, Khánh Phan's seemingly random beginnings have allowed him to create photographs in his own unique style, free from rigid rules. Khánh Phan expressed: "For me, photography is the fastest way we can convey and spread the beauty of life, and throughout history, there have been photographs that have even changed the course of world politics."

The journey to bring Vietnamese photography or art to the world stage is a story that requires time and effort, but when Vietnamese artists care about and are concerned with the heritage, identity, and traditional values of the nation, they will surely become an impressive color in the flow of world art.

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