For photographer Nguyen Hoai Son, each photograph both preserves memories and reflects the changes in this world natural heritage site.
Depicting the homeland through every camera angle.
Nguyen Hoai Son was born in 1993. He came to photography around 2014-2015, after a short stint working in the tourism industry. From a love of taking photos with his phone, as this trend became popular, he gradually honed his skills, joined online creative groups, and accumulated experience. In 2017, when he acquired his first Canon 6D camera, he officially pursued a professional photography career.
In the art and photography competition "Hai Phong - Faith and Aspiration for Growth" organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Hoai Son won second prize with his work "Cat Ba Green Festival - a highlight of tourism".
The photo was taken during the April 1st Fishing Village Festival, the day the people of the island district commemorate President Ho Chi Minh's visit to the fishing village. "I wanted to capture the lively, enthusiastic, and hospitable atmosphere of the people of Cat Ba, along with the characteristic activities of the festival," he said.
The photograph, taken from a high angle, encompasses the vibrant and bustling town center during the festival. With its clear lighting, rhythm, and composition, the work not only achieves a visual impact but also commemorates a milestone in Cat Ba's development in a new era – where tourism, culture, and community become a unified whole.
The other three works selected for the exhibition – “The Core Area of Cat Ba Natural Heritage”, “Pearl Island - Green Lan Ha” and “Flying Over the Heritage Area” – were all taken in his hometown. “I wanted to document the stages of development of my hometown; each photograph is a different perspective on Cat Ba,” Son shared.
For Nguyen Hoai Son, these works are not just the result of technique, but a way to preserve memories and convey feelings for the place where he was born.
Since 2018, Nguyen Hoai Son has begun to reap the first rewards through photography competitions both within and outside the city. During the period of 2018-2019, he participated in photography projects such as "Experiential Education about the National Assembly," expanding his focus to documentary photography.
During the Covid-19 pandemic (2020-2021), despite work disruptions, he continued to create whenever possible, focusing on landscape and street photography. Since 2022, he has continued to develop his career, consistently participating in exhibitions and winning numerous awards.
Preserving and disseminating heritage values.
Nguyen Hoai Son's creative trips are not simple. He recounts that there were times when he and his friends rented a boat to Long Chau Island, bringing along equipment and food, and sleeping on the boat.
"At night, I photograph the starry sky, capture the light on the sea's surface, holding the camera in one hand and swatting mosquitoes with the other. It's hard work, but when the beautiful scenery unfolds, everything feels worthwhile," Hoai Son said.
For him, those trips are part of his profession and also part of his personal memories – where the artist lives closer to nature and understands more about the people of the coastal region.
When asked about the most important element in photography, Hoài Sơn succinctly stated: “Many factors must come together – light, weather, technique, mindset, and the moment – but the most important is mindset, because each person will have a different way of seeing and choosing the moment.”
Besides Cat Ba, Hoai Son has also traveled to many other places to broaden his perspective. However, he always returns to his island homeland – a place he believes still holds many stories to tell. After each exhibition or award, what he thinks about is not the title, but how to find a fresher perspective, so that viewers can see Cat Ba in a modern state while still preserving its unique identity.
"Photography helps me build relationships, broaden my perspective, and live more positively," he said. Nguyen Hoai Son not only creates beautiful photographs but also contributes to shaping the image of Cat Ba in the public's perception. For him, photography is a continuous journey of observation; each click of the shutter is an affirmation of his love for his homeland and his belief in the value of Vietnam's heritage.
Some of Nguyen Hoai Son's awards
Second prize in the art and photography competition "Hai Phong - Faith and Aspiration to Rise Up" (2025).
Encouragement Award in the art photography contest “The Beauty of Border Guard Soldiers in Hai Phong Port City” organized by the Propaganda Department of the Hai Phong City Party Committee (2024).
Third prize in the "Ha Long - Heritage City" photo contest organized by the People's Committee of Ha Long City, Quang Ninh province (2023).
Honorable Mention in the photo contest “Biodiversity and Natural Landscapes of Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve” organized by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hai Phong (2023).
I have participated in numerous photo exhibitions both within and outside the city, including those themed around Vietnam's heritage and natural landscapes.
Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/nguoi-ke-chuyen-cat-ba-bang-anh-523312.html
