The sea and islands of our homeland through the lens of a photographer.

(GLO) - The national art photography competition and exhibition "Homeland on the Shore of Waves" is an artistic platform to honor the natural beauty and people of Vietnam's coastal and island regions, while also spreading the message about the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland.

The 3rd National Art Photography Competition and Exhibition "Homeland on the Edge of the Waves" - 2025 is organized by the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, in coordination with the General Political Department 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 agencies.

Photographer Nguyen Minh Quang (center) receives second prize in the single photo category with his work "Sea Caves - New Tourism Potential". Photo: Provided by the photographer.

The competition organizers received over 15,000 entries from more than 3,500 authors from 34 provinces and cities nationwide. From these, 150 outstanding works were selected for display at the exhibition; among them, 22 excellent works were awarded prizes.

At this competition, Gia Lai province was honored to have two photographers win awards. Specifically, the work "Sea Caves - New Tourism Potential" by photographer Nguyen Minh Quang (born in 1978, currently living and working in Quy Nhon ward, member of the Photography Branch (under the Gia Lai Literature and Arts Association), member of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists) won second prize in the single photo category; the photo series "The Journey of Developing Marine Sports" by photographer Nguyen Phuoc Hoai (born in 1986, working at Vietcombank Quy Nhon branch) was awarded a consolation prize in the photo series category.

Photographer Nguyen Minh Quang stands beside his work "Sea Caves - New Tourism Potential," which won second prize in the competition. Photo: Provided by the author.

Unable to hide his excitement, photographer Nguyen Minh Quang shared: “The ‘Homeland on the Edge of the Waves’ competition is a prestigious platform that brings together talented photographers from all over the country, and it is also an opportunity for every Vietnamese citizen to better understand, love, and be more conscious of preserving and protecting the sea and islands of our homeland.”

Speaking about his award-winning work, Quang said: "I wanted to showcase the unique beauty of coastal caves, including Tam Thien Dong cave (in the sea area of ​​Quy Nhon Dong ward). The photograph was taken in the summer when the tide receded deeply, revealing the cave. We had to brave the waves many times by boat to reach the cave. On some days, the waves were so big we couldn't get in, so we had to turn back. After 4-5 trips, I finally got a satisfactory photograph."

By participating in the "Homeland on the Edge of the Waves" competition, photographer Nguyen Minh Quang hopes to introduce the beauty of the caves in Gia Lai province to everyone. Photo: Provided by the photographer.

For Quang, the photograph "Sea Caves - New Tourism Potential" not only celebrates the pristine beauty of Vietnam's islands and seas but also conveys a message calling on everyone to join hands in preserving, exploring, and developing the immense potential of the homeland's seas and islands. Quang said: "In 2023, I participated in the 'Homeland on the Edge of the Waves' competition but didn't win any awards. Therefore, this year's result is a great source of pride and motivation for me to continue creating and contributing."

Notably, along with his success at the "Homeland on the Edge of the Waves" competition, this very work by Quang also had the honor of winning first prize (jointly among 20 entries) 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.

Photographer Nguyen Phuoc Hoai (center) receives an honorable mention in the photo series category for his work "The Journey of Developing Marine Sports". Photo: Provided by the photographer.

Also included in the list of winners, photographer Nguyen Phuoc Hoai received an encouragement award for his photo series "The Journey of Developing Marine Sports". In his introduction to the work submitted to the Organizing Committee, Mr. Hoai wrote: "Gia Lai province is gradually asserting its position as an attractive destination for marine sports, attracting domestic and international tourists. Regularly organized marine sports events, along with the natural beauty of the sea and islands, have created a unique mark for Quy Nhon tourism."

The photo collection comprises eight works, capturing vibrant moments from prominent marine sports competitions, such as the 2023 International Sailing and Stand-Up Paddleboarding Championship, the 2024 F1H2O International Professional Motorboat Race, and the Aquabike World Championship. Created in 2024, the collection impresses with its characteristic blue ocean color scheme, combined with images of Quy Nhon, Ghenh Rang - Tien Sa, and athletes showcasing their skillful techniques, conveying a sense of both power and vitality.

Hoai said: “Gia Lai province has the advantage of beautiful coastal areas. If invested in and exploited in the right direction, marine sports tourism will certainly develop further. Participating in the competition gives me the opportunity to learn and exchange ideas with many experienced photographers from all over the country.”

The photograph "The Journey of Marine Sports Development" by photographer Nguyen Phuoc Hoai. Photo: Provided by the photographer.

Besides the two award-winning works, six other works by photographers from Gia Lai were also selected for display at the exhibition, including: “Nha Trang Salt Harvest” (Photographer Ngo Huy Tinh); “Con Chim Island - A Precious Gem in Thi Nai Lagoon” (Photographer Phan Minh Tho); “Exciting UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship and UIMF1H2O World Championship (Photographer Nguyen Tien Dung); “Co May Bridge - Seagulls Soaring” (Photographer Le Van Vinh); “Quy Nhon Port - The Gateway to the Blue Sea of ​​Central Vietnam” (Author Nguyen Phan Dung Nhan); “Making Fish for Traditional Fish Sauce” (Author Nguyen Van Thanh).

Each entry in the competition offers a unique perspective, contributing to the portrayal of the beauty of nature; the working and productive lives of fishermen; the efforts to safeguard maritime sovereignty and islands; the dynamic development of tourism and marine sports in Vietnam; and exemplary individuals and advanced models in socio-economic development and the protection of the nation's maritime sovereignty and islands.

The "Homeland on the Edge of the Waves" competition and exhibition is not only an artistic playground but also contributes to introducing and promoting the potential, beauty, and people of Vietnam's coastal and island regions. With the results achieved, photographers from Gia Lai have added impressive colors, affirming their love for the homeland and pride in their hometown through each emotionally rich work.

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