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| Photographer Hoang Quoc Vinh |
This award is part of the 2024 Vietnam Artistic Photography Contest, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in collaboration with Hanoi City People's Committee, Thua Thien Hue Province People's Committee, and Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists. He said, "Upon hearing the news, I am deeply moved and feel honored that my affection for dreamy Hue is recognized."
Could you elaborate more on your award-winning photo collection "Complex of Hue Monuments "?
This photo collection is the result of a two-year-long journey of creation when I moved from Gia Lai to Hue to study for a level 1 specialist training course in Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, HueUniversity.
The days of living and studying in Hue were significant to me. After class, I seized every opportunity to wander around Huế, interact with the people, and immerse myself in its traditional culture. This collection was born from that cherished aspiration.
You are known as a healthcare worker, so what led you to photography?
I was fortunate to be led by my father into the path of photography since high school. However, for various reasons, this passion had to be put on hold.
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| The photo collection "Complex of Hue Monuments" by photographer Hoang Quoc Vinh received the award for outstanding artistic work on Hue |
It wasn’t until 2019, when I had the chance to travel to many places, that I suddenly realized that the landscapes and life in each place have their unique beauty and distinctiveness. Such settings evoke indescribable emotions. It is like something destined to happen. My inherent passion for photography led me to capture those moments because I believe that each moment that passes will never return, and it is even priceless to each of us.
You’ve previously won another photography award for a work about Hue. It seems you deeply love this land and have spent much time traveling back and forth to create your works.
Honestly, my professional work keeps me quite busy. The two years of studying in Hue were my "golden time." Regardless of rain or shine, I took advantage of the hours from 4 to 7 am and 5 to 7 pm to roam around Hue and “hunt for” photos.
And any unforgettable memories during your stay in the Ancient Capital?
There are countless memories of Hue. But the most unforgettable for me isn’t photography; it’s related to my healthcare profession.
It was during the heavy flood in late 2023 when the entire Hue City was deeply submerged, and many areas were cut off by floodwaters. At that time, a pregnant female colleague went into labor. She was staying in a rented room like me and had no family nearby. With no other options, another colleague and I quickly hired a motorboat to get her safely to the hospital.
Compared to many places you've visited for creation, what is the uniqueness of Hue, which creates a distinctive angle through your lens?
Each province and city has its distinct characteristics. For Hue, I find that all cultural activities, festivals, and events carry a unique Hue style. The time I spent living, studying, and creating in Hue was truly wonderful. This land is truly a land of culture and heritage. It boasts royal festivals and architectural marvels like temples and mausoleums that cannot be found anywhere else.
I've heard that Hue is set to become a centrally-governed city in the short run. I love this land and hope to return often to experience the atmosphere, appreciate the beauty, and witness the transformation of the beloved Hue.
What challenges have you faced in your pursuit of photography in general and works creation in Hue in particular?
As I mentioned, time is significant to me. In addition, the support of my family and friends is indispensable. They are my source of motivation for creation.
As for Hue, one challenge is creation during the rainy season. Some photos taken in Hue’s rain are stunning, but everything has its price such as the equipment affected to some extent.
If you are considered one of the "ambassadors", who brings the image of Hue to friends both domestically and internationally, what will you think?
Honestly, I don’t dare to claim to be an “ambassador” because Hue land has many predecessors who have brought the image of Hue to all 5 continents. I am just a small grain of sand, also a later generation, and my simple wish is to introduce the image of Hue in particular, and of Vietnam in general, to the world so that everyone can know.
Do you have any advice for young people who aspire to pursue artistic photography, and could you share your experience of capturing the landscapes in Hue?
Many paths lead to photography. I believe that learning from predecessors, observing how they capture moments, and listening to their experiences are invaluable for anyone in pursuit of this art form. And I’d like to add: whatever you do, passion is essential.
As for my experience of creation in Hue, it's simple. Aside from carefully preparing your equipment, you should make the most of your time, and gather information about the destination and the weather conditions at the location you want to shoot. Luck is also an essential factor, and that's it!
The Complex of Hue Monuments consists of historical and cultural sites constructed under the Nguyen Dynasty’s directive from the early 19th century to the first half of the 20th century in the Ancient Capital of Hue. It was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site on December 11, 1993. The Complex of Hue Monuments in Hue is divided into groups of structures, including both those outside and inside the Imperial City of Hue.
Thank you for the conversation!