(CLO) Have you ever wondered what would happen if there were no photojournalists? Who would be the ones to capture historical moments? Who would be the ones to tell forgotten stories? They are the soldiers on the information battlefield. They don't just take pictures, they tell stories...
I am always impressed by the dedication, courage and sense of responsibility of photojournalists - the storytellers with images. They are the ones who are not afraid to face danger, not afraid of difficulties to bring us the most authentic information and the most vivid images of life.
From horrific natural disasters to hotspots rife with unrest, from touching stories of kindness to shocking incidents, wherever there is an event, there are photojournalists.
Journalist Pham Ngoc Thanh and journalist Nguyen Hoai Nam.
Photos of pain and resilience in natural disasters
In late October 2020, storm No. 9 caused terrible devastation in the central provinces. In Tra Leng commune (Nam Tra My district, Quang Nam province), a flash flood wiped out a residential area.
Recalling the horrifying scene that year, journalist Pham Ngoc Thanh - photo editor of Vnexpress Online Newspaper said: "Night fell on Tra Leng, the rain still did not stop. I huddled in a thin raincoat, trying to squeeze through the twisted tree trunks, the sharp and slippery rocks. The flashlight in my hand flickered, illuminating the heartbreaking scene of devastation and destruction. 14 roofs - once the homes of many families - were now just flat land."
Journalist Pham Ngoc Thanh - photo editor of Vnexpress Electronic Newspaper.
The next morning, the sound of people calling for help echoed through the rain and wind. Local people and soldiers, regardless of the danger, dug through every tree root and rock, hoping to find even the slightest ray of hope.
Ngoc Thanh raised his camera, trying to capture these moments. The muddy faces, the tired, worried eyes of those searching for their loved ones. The photo will say it all, about the devastation of the natural disaster, about the pain of great loss, and about the resilience of the people here and the efforts of the soldiers of the People's Army to search for victims.
The tragedy has passed more than 4 years, but photojournalist Ngoc Thanh cannot forget the story of Ms. Ho Thi Hoa, 20 years old, of the M'Nong ethnic group, and her journey back to her village. She walked 30km of forest road from early morning to late afternoon and 7 relatives, including her young son, were lying under the rubble.
"When the rescue team found her father's body, I witnessed the moment when Hoa quietly wrapped betel leaves and areca nuts in her father's shirt pocket. It was a hasty funeral, without any fanfare.
I couldn't hold back my tears. As a photojournalist, I have witnessed many heartbreaking scenes. But Hoa's story and her determination touched my heart, making me understand more deeply the cruelty of natural disasters and the extraordinary strength of human beings," Ngoc Thanh recalled.
Precious footage of the terrible flash flood in Lang Nu.
Typhoon Yagi in 2024 must have left a deep impression on the minds of the Vietnamese people with its terrifying scenes and great sorrow. Among them, the flash flood disaster on September 10, turned Lang Nu village, Phuc Khanh commune, Bao Yen district into a flat land, swept away and completely buried 37 houses at the foot of Con Voi mountain.
Photojournalist Ngoc Thanh arrived at the tragic scene in time, capturing the devastating images of the flash flood and the soldiers' efforts to search for victims.
In that devastated and ruined scene, hundreds of soldiers of Military Region 2 did not fear danger, wading in mud to search for the bodies of the unfortunate victims. The soldiers had to soak themselves in water and mud, using toothpicks to probe each location, looking for victims in the rubble. The search work encountered many difficulties due to the complex and dangerous terrain, but with a sense of responsibility and courage, the soldiers still persevered, making every effort to search for the missing people.
Ngoc Thanh was there, wading through the mud, soaking himself to record the real and touching moments of the soldiers, from the drops of sweat falling on their muddy faces, to the determined eyes searching for victims. He said: "I want my photos to not only be documentary footage of the soldiers' efforts, but also a deep gratitude to the sons of the Fatherland who did not hesitate to sacrifice and endure hardships to protect the lives and property of the people."
Ngoc Thanh’s photos have touched the hearts of millions of people, moving the whole country with the bravery and kindness of the soldiers. He believes that these images will spread positive messages about patriotism, solidarity and the resilience of the Vietnamese people in the face of natural disasters.
Lens penetrates every hot spot
On his journey with the lens, photojournalist Nguyen Hoai Nam - VietnamPlus Electronic Newspaper - Vietnam News Agency, has continuously recorded authentic and emotional moments of life. Twice being honored with the A Prize of the National Press Award is a testament to his talent and dedication to the profession.
"When taking photos at events and incidents, I always focus on the iconic moments that best express the spirit and content of the story. It could be a look, a smile, a handshake, or a small but meaningful action. I always try to observe and feel the event with my heart, so that I can capture special moments and tell the story in the most authentic and profound way," said Hoai Nam.
The series of articles "Devastating disasters from natural disasters, landslides: As long as there is destruction, there will be pain!" by the group of authors Vo Manh Hung and Nguyen Hoai Nam won the A Prize of the 18th National Press Awards - 2023.
To do that, he always has to prepare carefully in terms of technique, choosing the right camera angle and lighting. At the same time, he also has to train himself in the ability to observe, judge and capture moments. "During the process of working, I always keep myself highly focused, flexibly respond to unexpected situations, and constantly explore and create to create unique and impressive photos," said Hoai Nam.
During his work, the most memorable trips for photojournalist Hoai Nam were the business trips to many hot spots with journalist Vo Manh Hung - VietnamPlus Electronic Newspaper.
2023 marked by a trip on the theme of transnational wildlife trafficking and a trip documenting the devastating devastation of a landslide disaster. To get the most authentic footage, Hoai Nam and his colleagues had to face countless difficulties and dangers.
The journey into the den of wildlife traffickers is a risky one. Reporters have to sneak through the dark, deep forests, facing cunning and ruthless smugglers. Even the slightest mistake can cost lives.
Photojournalist Nguyen Hoai Nam - VietnamPlus Electronic Newspaper - Vietnam News Agency.
2024 is also a challenging year for Hoai Nam, when he and his colleagues "wander" around the provinces of the Southwest to reflect on sand bandits, a burning issue that is causing a serious shortage of materials for traffic works.
Hoai Nam recalled: "To get the most realistic and vivid footage, we had to face many situations that had never happened before. During the day, we rented a car to "scout" the area, learning about illegal sand mining activities. At night, when everything was dark, we "lurked" to record images of those who were "embezzling" national public assets."
Working at night, in deserted, deserted areas, always carries risks. Reporters always face the risk of being discovered and threatened by aggressive sand bandits, ready to use force to protect their "interests".
Not only that, photographers also have to face harsh weather conditions, rugged terrain, and living difficulties. Long days of traveling on old cars, sleepless nights to "hunt" for photos, have worn down the strength and spirit of dedicated reporters like Hoai Nam and Vo Manh Hung.
"However, above all, we still persevere on our journey. Because we understand that behind the footage and photos, there is the responsibility of journalists in reflecting the truth, speaking up to protect justice, and contributing to the sustainable development of the country," Hoai Nam shared.
And with all that I have witnessed, from the horrific natural disasters to the harsh challenges of working at hot spots, I truly admire and respect photojournalists. They are not only the ones who capture moments, but also the ones who tell stories - stories of courage, of sacrifice, of humanity. Stories written with light, with camera angles, with moments.
The difficulties and dangers they faced were not small. They had to wade through the mud, face dangers, and witness heartbreaking scenes. However, they were always persistent and brave in overcoming everything to complete their mission.
I believe that, no matter the circumstances, true photojournalists will always keep the flame of passion burning, constantly striving to bring the public the most authentic information and vivid images. Because, that is not only their responsibility, but also their noble mission.
Hoa Giang
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nhung-nguoi-ke-chuyen-bang-hinh-anh-khong-ngung-nghi-tren-hanh-trinh-dan-than-post332463.html
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