These visual storytellers are relentless on their journey of self-discovery.

(CLO) Have you ever wondered what would happen without photojournalists? Who would capture historical moments? Who would tell forgotten stories? They are the soldiers on the information battlefield. They don't just take pictures, they tell stories...

I have always been impressed by the dedication, courage, and sense of responsibility of photojournalists – those who tell stories through images. They are people who are not afraid to face danger, who do not shy away from difficulties to bring us the most authentic information and vivid images of life.

From devastating natural disasters to volatile hotspots, from heartwarming stories of compassion to sensational events, wherever there's an event, there's the presence of photojournalists.

The storytellers who tell stories through images never stop on their journey of self-discovery. — Journalists Pham Ngoc Thanh and Nguyen Hoai Nam.

Photographs depicting pain and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

In late October 2020, Typhoon No. 9 caused devastating damage to the central provinces. In Tra Leng commune (Nam Tra My district, Quang Nam province), a flash flood wiped out an entire residential area.

Recalling the horrific scene that year, journalist Pham Ngoc Thanh, a photo editor for the online newspaper Vnexpress, recounted: "Night fell over Tra Leng, and the rain continued to pour down. I huddled in my thin raincoat, trying to navigate through the uprooted trees and slippery, sharp rocks. The flickering light of my flashlight illuminated the heartbreaking scene of devastation and ruin. Fourteen houses – once the homes of many families – were now reduced to rubble."

By the next morning, calls for help echoed through the rain and wind. Local residents and soldiers, undeterred by the danger, persistently dug through every tree stump and rock, hoping to find even the slightest glimmer of hope.

Ngoc Thanh raised his camera, trying to capture these moments. Faces smeared with mud, eyes weary and anxious—these were the faces of people searching for loved ones. The photograph would speak volumes: the devastation of the natural disaster, the immense pain of loss, the unwavering will of the local people, and the tireless efforts of the People's Army soldiers in searching for victims.

More than four years have passed since the tragedy, but photojournalist Ngoc Thanh cannot forget the story of Ho Thi Hoa, a 20-year-old woman of the Mo Nong ethnic group, and her journey back to her village. She walked 30 kilometers through the forest from early morning until late evening, with seven family members, including her young son, buried under the rubble.

"When the rescue team found her father's body, I witnessed the moment Hoa quietly wrapped betel leaves and areca nuts in her father's shirt pocket. A hurried funeral, without music or fanfare."

"I couldn't hold back my tears. As a photojournalist, I've witnessed many heartbreaking scenes. But Hoa's story, her resilience, touched my heart, making me understand more deeply the cruelty of natural disasters and the extraordinary strength of humanity," Ngoc Thanh said emotionally.

Typhoon Yagi in 2024 must have left a lasting impression on the minds of Vietnamese people with its horrific scenes and immense sorrow. In particular, the flash flood on September 10th, which leveled Lang Nu village in Phuc Khanh commune, Bao Yen district, completely sweeping away and burying 37 houses at the foot of Con Voi mountain, was a devastating event.

Photojournalist Ngoc Thanh was quick to arrive at the scene of the tragedy, capturing the devastating images of the flash flood and the efforts of the soldiers to search for victims.

Amidst the devastation and ruins, hundreds of soldiers from Military Region 2 braved the dangers, wading through mud and debris to search for the bodies of the unfortunate victims. The soldiers had to immerse themselves in water and thick mud, using buoys to probe each location, searching for victims in the rubble. The search was extremely difficult due to the complex and dangerous terrain, but with a sense of responsibility and courage, the soldiers persevered, making every effort to find those still missing.

Ngoc Thanh was there, wading through the mud, immersing himself in the water to capture authentic and moving moments of the soldiers, from the sweat dripping from their mud-stained faces to their resolute, determined eyes searching for victims. He said: "I want my photos to not only be documentary footage of the soldiers' efforts, but also a profound tribute to the sons and daughters of the nation who have not hesitated to sacrifice and endure hardships to protect the lives and property of the people."

Ngoc Thanh's photographs have touched the hearts of millions, moving the entire nation with the courage and compassion of the soldiers. He believes that these images will spread positive messages about patriotism, solidarity, and the unwavering will of the Vietnamese people in the face of natural disasters.

The lens penetrates every hotspot.

Throughout his journey with the camera, photojournalist Nguyen Hoai Nam of VietnamPlus Online Newspaper - Vietnam News Agency, has continuously captured authentic and emotional moments of life. Twice receiving the A Prize at the National Journalism Awards is a testament to his talent and dedication to his profession.

"When photographing events and incidents, I always focus on symbolic moments that best express the spirit and content of the story. It could be a glance, a smile, a handshake, or a small but meaningful action. I always try to observe and feel the event with my heart, so that I can capture those special moments and tell the story in the most authentic and profound way," Hoai Nam said.

To achieve this, he always has to meticulously prepare technically, choosing the right camera angle and lighting. At the same time, he also has to hone his observational skills, judgment, and ability to capture the moment. "During the shooting process, I always maintain high concentration, adapt flexibly to unexpected situations, and constantly explore and innovate to create unique and impressive photographs," Hoài Nam said.

During his career, the most memorable trips for photojournalist Hoai Nam were those he took to various hotspots with journalist Vo Manh Hung from VietnamPlus online newspaper.

2023 was marked by a cross-country wildlife trafficking expedition and a trip documenting the devastating effects of landslides. To obtain the most authentic footage, Hoai Nam and his colleagues had to face countless difficulties and dangers.

The infiltration into the "lair" of wildlife traffickers is a perilous journey. Reporters must sneak through the shadows, navigate deep, dense forests, and confront cunning and aggressive smugglers. A single misstep could cost them their lives.

2024 was also a challenging year for Hoai Nam, as he and his colleagues traveled throughout the southwestern provinces of Vietnam to report on illegal sand mining, a pressing issue causing a serious shortage of materials for transportation infrastructure projects.

Hoai Nam recalled: "To get the most authentic and vivid footage, we had to face many situations that had never happened before. During the day, we hired vehicles to 'scout' the area, investigating illegal sand mining activities. At night, when everything was shrouded in darkness, we would 'spy' to record images of those who were 'plundering' national public assets."

Working at night, in remote and desolate areas, always carries inherent risks. Reporters constantly face the danger of being discovered or threatened by aggressive sand thieves who are ready to use violence to protect their "interests."

Moreover, these photographers also had to face harsh weather conditions, treacherous terrain, and living conditions. Long days spent traveling in dilapidated vehicles, sleepless nights spent "hunting" for photos, wore down the strength and spirit of dedicated reporters like Hoai Nam and Vo Manh Hung.

"However, above all, we remain steadfast in our journey. Because we understand that behind the footage and photographs lies the responsibility of journalists to reflect the truth, speak out in defense of justice, and contribute to the sustainable development of the country," Hoai Nam shared.

And with everything I've witnessed, from horrific natural disasters to the harsh challenges of working in hotspots, I truly admire and respect photojournalists. They are not just people who capture moments, but also storytellers – stories of courage, sacrifice, and humanity. Stories written with light, with camera angles, with captured moments.

The difficulties and dangers they faced were immense. They had to wade through mud, confront perils, and witness heartbreaking scenes. However, they always persevered and bravely overcame everything to complete their mission.

I believe that, under any circumstances, true photojournalists will always maintain their passion, constantly striving to bring the public the most authentic information and vivid images. Because it is not only their responsibility, but also their noble mission.

(CLO) Have you ever wondered what would happen without photojournalists? Who would capture historical moments? Who would tell forgotten stories? They are the soldiers on the information battlefield. They don't just take pictures, they tell stories...

Comment (0)