Journalist - NSNA Sy Minh: "Journalism has given me wings"

(Baonghean) - Ho Sy Minh (pen name Sy Minh, Minh Yen) is currently a reporter for the News - International Department of Nghe An Newspaper. As a journalist, Sy Minh is also a photographer (member of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists), "owning" up to 81 awards from the International Gold Cup to large and small awards in the region. He has just been awarded the title E.VAPA/G - Outstanding Photographer by the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, and has also received the national B prize for the photo work "Overcoming Fate" in the campaign to create and promote literary, artistic and journalistic works on the theme "Studying and following the moral example of Ho Chi Minh". The following conversation will help readers visualize the "path" to journalism and the successes of a photography artist.

- Mr. Sy Minh, it is known that before becoming a journalist, you were a famous photographer. What "attracted" you to journalism?

- Before working as a journalist, I was a "photographer". Because my brother was a photographer, I also had a passion for photography, so I decided to "invest" in that passion of mine. After being taught by him, I registered to take many photography and filming classes in Hanoi and then started my own career in photography. I became a contributor to Nghe An Newspaper from 1990 - 1991. At that time, journalist Van Hien of Nghe An Newspaper came to my house to visit, look at the photos and he quietly asked to... publish a few photos in the newspaper. Gradually, I learned how to take press photos, how they are different from art photos, and what kind of mindset is needed to take press photos. I felt interested, learned more about newspapers and also registered to study part-time journalism university classes from 1996 to 2000. In 2001, I officially became a photojournalist for Nghe An Newspaper and my life also took a new direction with many interesting things...

- So, what has journalism brought you? In particular, how has it influenced your passion for photography?

Journalist Sy Minh received the award "Studying and following Ho Chi Minh's moral example"

- Journalism has really brought me a lot of things and it can be said that journalism has given wings to my photography dream, my passion and the success I have now. I realize that journalism, first of all, helps me access many places, meet many people; many interesting topics of photography that I realized when I went to work as a journalist. And it trained me to quickly detect and grasp problems and topics in a timely manner (with photography, if you are not quick, the moment will pass quickly). I must say, there are many valuable photos that I have thanks to my journalism trips, which require the working perspective of a journalist.

For example, the photo “Pu Mat Primeval Forest” I got after following the Provincial Party Secretary Le Doan Hop to My Ly (Ky Son), the boat ran along Nam Non and I suddenly saw a magnificent and majestic scene when the sun was just at the right temperature. But because of work, I had to follow the group closely, and after finishing the task, I hired a boat to return to that exact section of the forest, waiting for the sun to rise at the right temperature to take the photo. The photo later won the first prize at the national level of ASEAN. Or the photos “Northwest Spring” won the national Bronze Medal, I got during a group composition trip with many artists. When I took this photo, many artists in the group must have been surprised why I stopped taking the photo, when they were feeling that the scene was normal, nothing special…

The photo that won the Japan International Gold Cup, capturing the Vinh market fire, was also "guided" by my journalistic eyes. Not only that, journalism also helps me to constantly update information and innovate myself because I know that if I stop and become complacent, I will be outdated. Therefore, I am quite proficient in technology and am willing to invest in new and modern photography equipment. There are many moments that, in order to capture them, in addition to being fast, sensitive and talented, good equipment is also very necessary. I also find that journalism helps me have a more alert and meticulous eye, because creative people are easily carried away by passion and always follow it. Thanks to journalism, I know how to value time, set a goal for myself and pursue that goal. Honestly, when I get a satisfactory photo, the feeling of happiness is hard to describe, just like when I discover a good topic and to pursue it, I am willing to forget to eat and sleep...

- Can you tell us a little about the photo that was awarded the B prize in the recent campaign to create and promote literary, artistic and journalistic works on the theme "Studying and following the moral example of Ho Chi Minh"?

Work "Overcoming fate" - National B Prize.

- It was also journalism that brought me this precious topic. A colleague told me about a typical character in Huong Khe (Ha Tinh). Born with both arms paralyzed and both legs clubbed, Son (character's name) still studied and worked on his own. Not only did he help himself, he also opened many carpentry training classes to help war invalids and the disabled. People came to him to learn the trade and also to learn a lesson about perseverance. More than 100 workers have jobs, which means more than 100 people have risen up to overcome their fate, more than 100 people have more faith in life.

I was moved when I went to Mr. Son's house and saw those disabled people (some missing arms, some missing legs, some missing voices, some missing eyes...) standing together, complementing each other to create a product. I struggled for a long time, taking pictures but could not get a satisfactory photo, enough to express Mr. Son's determination and my admiration for him. Then, in a minute when Mr. Son sat at the table to teach his children to study, I was so lucky to capture the moment with magical light, the light that I thought, if I succeeded, would bring a metaphor for the determination and heart of that person to this life. The photo "Overcoming Fate" won the award, it was an honor for me, but not only that, it also inspired me to love people, love life more. I did not think that my own "character" would bring me so many things!

- Mr. Sy Minh, the title E.VAPA/G - Outstanding Photographer can be considered the highest title that a photographer wishes to achieve. Surely, now, you can smile, "stop", and "rest"?

Working at Nam Sung Vina Textile Factory

- As I have said, in journalism or photography, stopping means accepting backwardness.

Many people have told me that Sy Minh has won too many photography awards, so he should stop. But why should he “stop” because I do photography and journalism not to win awards but to live. Photography and journalism are my reason for living. They have marked me in this life. I will continue to pursue my passion until I feel that my strength has truly run out!

- Thank you journalist Sy Minh for this interesting conversation!

Thuy Vinh(Perform)