Pham Ngoc Long Thien: Images that easily touch our hearts.

"An ordinary person who enjoys photography and positive things" is the self-portrait of photographer Pham Ngoc Long Thien (born in 1988) - the author who just won first prize in the photography category with his work "Vietnam - An Era of Rising Up" at the "Happy Vietnam 2025" human rights media award organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The work "Vietnam - The Era of Rising Up" by Pham Ngoc Long Thien.

Pham Ngoc Long Thien stated that his photograph, "Vietnam - An Era of Resurgence," was taken at Bach Dang Wharf ( Ho Chi Minh City) on the night of April 28, 2025, amidst the joyful and bustling atmosphere of people celebrating the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

“I captured that moment in the heart of the city, where the crowd of people were smiling, cheering, and everyone was radiant, immersed in the event. It was a happy and proud experience to be part of that atmosphere and to preserve this historically significant moment through photography,” shared photographer Pham Ngoc Long Thien.

Beautiful photos are captured in natural moments.

● As someone passionate about pursuing various photographic genres such as daily life and street photography, you must have many "secrets" to your success?

- Calling it a "secret" sounds a bit grand (laughs), but for me, candid photography is simply a connection between the photographer and life. I have a habit of "nurturing" my eyes by looking at many beautiful photos by photographers both domestically and internationally, so that the beauty seeps into me without me even realizing it.

And what about practical experience? Whenever I have free time, I grab my camera and go "wandering." I often invite fellow photography enthusiasts to stroll through the streets, exploring every alley and small neighborhood... Traveling and taking many photos naturally hones our reflexes. When I see a smile, a glance, or the figure of a worker, my finger automatically presses the shutter button before my brain even tells me to. In everyday photography, the beauty lies in naturalness and a moment that never repeats itself.

● He also photographed many natural landscapes, architectural structures, etc.

- Yes. Landscape photography is like a "big project" for me, because I have to carefully check the weather forecast, understand which season the flowers bloom in, which season has beautiful sunshine... before heading out to "hunt for photos." The most enjoyable trips are with friends and colleagues. "Learning from peers is better than learning from teachers," we go to a predetermined location together, sharing camera angles and shooting parameters. It's the same with architecture; before shooting, I usually spend time looking at sample photos from experienced photographers to learn how they utilize lines, light, composition, and form... then, when I get to the actual location, I explore my own unique perspective.

Hard work will help you go far.

● Vietnam is developing a photography movement at both professional and community levels. How can a photographer assert their ability and create images with a unique style in this context?

- As a photographer and someone who has worked in the photography industry for a long time (product specialist at Le Bao Minh Photography Equipment Distribution Company - PV), I am very excited about the flourishing development of the photography movement and the diversity of genres. Many young photographers have fresh and dynamic perspectives, which makes people in the profession like me very happy, because the more opportunities there are, the more inspiration, opportunities for exchange and learning, and the improvement of overall quality.

Personally, I believe there are no shortcuts to success in photography other than hard work. Be diligent in taking photos and tirelessly hone your knowledge of various photographic genres. When you have photos you're happy with, don't hesitate to submit them to competitions, community projects, or cultural events to gain experience and discover how much you can learn. Certainly, your presence and daily self-improvement through photography will form your most distinctive "signature."

● The photography movement contributes to conveying the image of a peaceful Vietnam, rich in identity, and strongly developing…

- Because a photograph can speak a thousand words! Through competitions and exhibitions, each artwork is a silent but powerful messenger, spreading the image of a beautiful Vietnam: beautiful in its majestic golden forests and silver seas, beautiful in its cultural identity and compassionate people, beautiful in its provinces and cities that are changing and transforming every day.

Images are the most effective international language that touches hearts. When the world sees photos of a peaceful Vietnam, radiant with hospitable smiles, they will surely feel affection, love, and a desire to visit our country. That is the pride of photographers and the priceless value of these images.

Christmas photography

● During the Christmas season, both professional photographers and young people eagerly take pictures of the dazzling festivities at night. Can you share your experience?

- Of course, we always photograph churches – the places with the most dazzling lights and decorations. The Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025 has the most beautiful lighting decorations ever, even though it's still under construction and renovation. The photographers all need to know exactly when the lights are turned on and off, at what time of night the lights are brightest, and where to shoot from – high or low, far or near – to get the best photos…

The Christmas atmosphere in 2025 at Notre Dame Cathedral (Ho Chi Minh City). Photo: Long Thien

Technically, I always carry my indispensable "companion," a tripod, to ensure absolutely sharp photos even in the dark. I use a wide-angle lens to capture the majestic grandeur and a telephoto lens to photograph the small details of the building. The most interesting thing is the exposure technique, keeping the camera still so that the iconic church appears majestic and radiant, while the people and vehicles moving around create soft, lively streaks of light. The resulting photograph will have the stillness of the ancient architecture combined with the dynamism of modern life.

● In the year of the Horse (2026), do you have any new photography projects or plans in mind?

- I will continue to be a "hardworking bee" in the new year to capture beautiful images of my homeland. I am also nurturing a project to promote national culture through photography to young people, contributing to attracting more international tourists to our country and people of Vietnam.

Thank you very much!

Trung Nghia

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202512/pham-ngoc-long-thien-hinh-anh-de-cham-vao-trai-tim-chung-ta-d141605/