Photographer Tran Tuan, a former reporter for the Photo Department of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), was born and raised in Hanoi. He was assigned to be a full-time photojournalist for General Vo Nguyen Giap since 1976.
During a meeting with Nguoi Dua Tin on the occasion of the 99th Anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day, June 21, sharing about his career as a journalist, Mr. Tuan could not help but feel emotional when mentioning the time he worked alongside the General.
Precious "treasure" in a journalist's life
Nguoi Dua Tin (NDT): After 35 years of working together, recording tens of thousands of photos of General Vo Nguyen Giap's work, daily life and communication. What chance did you have to have this honor?
NSNA Tran Tuan: I became a VNA reporter in 1968. In 1973, I was assigned to the Central Reunification Committee and was mobilized to the Binh Tri Thien battlefield as a reporter for the Liberation News Agency. After the country was reunified, I was assigned to build the VNA branch in Hue.
In 1976, I was assigned to take photos of General Vo Nguyen Giap during his visit to the southern provinces after liberation. Later, when I returned to Hanoi, I was assigned to become a photojournalist for VNA specializing in taking photos of General Vo Nguyen Giap.
In the first days of receiving the task of taking photos of the General, I was both happy and worried. I felt happy and lucky to be able to join the trip and take photos of the General, whom I have always respected. But I was also nervous because I did not know whether I could complete the task of taking photos of the legendary general of the nation or not. However, until now, I still feel regretful for meeting the General a bit late.
Photographer Tran Tuan - former reporter of the Photo Department - Vietnam News Agency (VNA). Photo: NVCC
Investor: During the long time you have been accompanying and working with a great personality, a national hero, what have you learned from the General?
NSNA Tran Tuan: After more than 3 decades of following the General, I don't remember how many roads I've traveled or how many places I've visited. I also can't remember how many rolls of film I've used, how many cameras I've changed, or how many photos I've taken of the General.
However, one of the things I learned and learned a lot from the General was photography skills. The General was very passionate about photography and was also very knowledgeable about photography. Many of the works I took received his comments on the lighting, composition, and even the spirit of the photo.
Investor: During the process of taking photos of the General, you must have also drawn your own experiences to be able to fully convey the spirit of the character in the photo and the story behind it, right?
NSNA Tran Tuan: For me, choosing the time to take the photo and the composition of the photo are two very important things. To have a new perspective while still conveying the spirit and meaning of a photo, every time I want to capture a moment, I always have to think in advance about how I will take that photo.
What is the foreground, what is the background, how to portray the General's image most clearly, from his clothes, gestures, facial expressions to the way he communicates with his comrades and compatriots... Every moment that has passed will never be regained. Therefore, the most important thing is still a quick photographic mindset, knowing how to capture the moment.
After 35 years of following the General, it can be said that the most precious "treasure" for me is nothing other than the photos capturing moments from work to daily life, portraying the General, a national hero who has been deeply engraved in Vietnamese history.
Simplicity makes great things
Investor: It is known that you once organized a photo exhibition with the theme "101 moments of legendary generals". What was the motivation for you to organize the above exhibition?
NSNA Tran Tuan: I had suggested to the General many times about organizing an exhibition but he had not agreed. It was only when he turned 101 that I received a smile in lieu of his acceptance.
And so, I decided to choose 101 daily photos of the General for an exhibition to express my respect and celebrate the General's 101st birthday.
Up to now, I have had 6 exhibitions in 5 provinces and cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Quang Binh, Dien Bien. To organize the exhibition, I rented a train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, then transported the exhibition to Da Nang City, to the General's hometown of Quang Binh, then back to Hanoi, transferred by large car to Dien Bien.
I myself always want to bring the image of the General, the Elder Brother of the Vietnam People's Army, to the masses.
NSNA Tran Tuan took a photo with General Vo Nguyen Giap. Photo: NVCC
Investor: Some time ago, you received the State Prize for Literature and Arts for the group of 8 works “The Simplicity of the General”. Could you please share your feelings when receiving this prestigious award?
NSNA Tran Tuan: First of all, I feel honored to receive this award. It can be said that this is a great appreciation from the State for the work I have done. Up to now, I still feel very respectful and moved to receive this award because my achievements and efforts have been recognized.
The award is like a “beautiful ending” to my career, to the journey of doing duty with the General. And throughout that journey, I only had one thought. That is to be able to preserve the images of the General in the most authentic, close and vivid way.
Investor: What is the reason you chose the photos of the General's simple, everyday life among countless other photos to be considered for the literary and artistic award, sir?
NSNA Tran Tuan: In my opinion, simplicity makes great things. The more simple a person is, the more greatness they show. Throughout his life, the image of General Vo Nguyen Giap in the hearts of the people has always been very great, a great personality respected by everyone.
As for me, during the days of wandering in the General’s footsteps, what I saw, heard, and felt the most was his simplicity. Everyone already knows about the great things about the General. Therefore, I want to present familiar, everyday images of the General.
Investor: Thank you very much for your sharing !
Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/nsna-tran-tuan-hon-3-thap-ky-theo-chan-dai-tuong-vo-nguyen-giap-a669289.html
Comment (0)