The sea and islands of the Fatherland through the lens of a photographer

(GLO)- The national art photography contest and exhibition "Fatherland on the shore" is an art playground to honor the natural beauty and people of Vietnam's seas and islands, while spreading the message about the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland.

The third national art photography contest and exhibition "Fatherland on the Shore" - 2025 is chaired by the Central Propaganda and Education Commission, in coordination with the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists and many other ministries and branches.

Artist Nguyen Minh Quang (center) received second prize in the single photo category with the work "Sea cave - New tourism potential". Photo: NVCC

The contest organizers received more than 15,000 works from more than 3,500 authors from 34 provinces and cities across the country. From there, 150 outstanding works were selected to be displayed at the exhibition; of which 22 excellent works were awarded prizes.

At this contest, Gia Lai province was honored to have 2 photographers win awards. Specifically, the work "Sea cave - New tourism potential" by photographer Nguyen Minh Quang (born in 1978, currently living and working in Quy Nhon ward, member of the Photography Association (under the Gia Lai Literature and Arts Association), member of the Vietnam Photographers Association) won second prize in the single photo category; the photo series "Journey of marine sports development" by photographer Nguyen Phuoc Hoai (born in 1986, working at Vietcombank Quy Nhon branch) was awarded an encouragement prize in the photo series category.

Artist Nguyen Minh Quang with his work "Sea Cave - New Tourism Potential" which won second prize in the contest. Photo: NVCC

Unable to hide his excitement, Artist Nguyen Minh Quang shared: “The contest “Fatherland on the Shore” is a prestigious playground, a place that gathers talented artists from all over the country, and at the same time is an opportunity for every Vietnamese citizen to understand, love and be aware of preserving and protecting the homeland's sea and islands.”

Talking about his winning work, Mr. Quang said: I want to introduce the unique beauty of coastal caves, including Tam Thien Dong cave (in the sea area of ​​Quy Nhon Dong ward). The work was taken in the summer when the tide receded, the cave was just revealed. We had to overcome the waves many times by boat to approach the cave. There were days when the waves were so big that we couldn't get in, so we had to turn back. After 4-5 trips, I finally got a satisfactory work.

Participating in the contest "Fatherland on the shore of waves", artist Nguyen Minh Quang hopes to introduce the beauty of caves in Gia Lai province to everyone. Photo: NVCC

For Mr. Quang, the photo "Sea cave - New tourism potential" not only honors the wild beauty of Vietnam's sea and islands but also sends a message calling on everyone to join hands to preserve, explore and develop the great potential of the sea and islands of the homeland. Mr. Quang said: In 2023, I participated in the contest "Fatherland on the shore of waves" but did not win any awards. Therefore, this year's results are a great source of pride and motivation for me to continue to create and contribute.

In particular, along with the success at the "Fatherland on the Shore of Waves" contest, this work of Mr. Quang was also honored to win first prize and rank 20 works at the 3rd Vietnam International Photography Festival - Hue 2025, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with the People's Committee of Hue City.

Artist Nguyen Phuoc Hoai (center) received an encouragement prize in the photo series category with the work "Journey to develop marine sports". Photo: NVCC

Also on the list of winners, NSNA Nguyen Phuoc Hoai was awarded an encouragement prize with his photo series “Journey of developing marine sports”. In the introduction to the work sent to the Organizing Committee, Mr. Hoai wrote: “Gia Lai province is gradually affirming its position as an attractive marine sports destination, attracting domestic and foreign tourists. Marine sports events are held regularly, along with the natural beauty of the sea and islands, creating a unique mark for Quy Nhon tourism”.

The photo series includes 8 works, capturing the vibrant moments of prominent sea sports tournaments, such as the 2023 International Sailing and Stand-Up Paddleboard Race, the F1H2O International Powerboat Race and the 2024 Aquabike World Championship. Taken in 2024, the photo series impresses with its characteristic blue sea color, combined with introducing images of Quy Nhon, Ghenh Rang - Tien Sa, athletes performing skillful techniques, bringing a feeling of both strength and vitality.…

Mr. Hoai said: “Gia Lai province has the advantage of beautiful sea areas. If invested and exploited in the right direction, sea sports tourism will certainly develop more and more. Participating in the contest gives me the opportunity to learn and exchange with many experienced photographers across the country.”

The work “Journey to develop marine sports” by artist Nguyen Phuoc Hoai. Photo: NVCC

In addition to the two award-winning works, six other works by artists from Gia Lai were also selected to be displayed at the exhibition, including: “Nha Trang Salt Harvest” (artist Ngo Huy Tinh); “Con Chim - A precious gem in the middle of Thi Nai Lagoon” (artist Phan Minh Tho); “The exciting UIM-ABP AQUABIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP and the UIMF1H2O WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP International Professional Motorboat Race” (artist Nguyen Tien Dung); “Cau Co May - Seagulls Spread Their Wings” (artist Le Van Vinh); “Quy Nhon Port - Gateway to the Blue Sea of ​​Central Vietnam” (author Nguyen Phan Dung Nhan); “Searing Fish to Make Traditional Fish Sauce” (author Nguyen Van Thanh).

Each entry in the contest has its own perspective, contributing to depicting the beauty of nature; the working life and production of fishermen; the work of preserving sovereignty over seas and islands, as well as the dynamic development of Vietnam's sea tourism and sports; typical examples, advanced models in socio-economic development and protection of the sovereignty over seas and islands of the Fatherland.

The contest and exhibition “Fatherland on the Shore” is not only an art playground, but also contributes to introducing and promoting the potential, beauty and people of Vietnam’s seas and islands. With the results achieved, the artists from Gia Lai have added impressive colors, affirming their love for the Fatherland and pride in their homeland through each emotional work.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/bien-dao-to-quoc-qua-ong-kinh-nghe-si-nhiep-anh-post570421.html