Sharing a common sense of pride

(Baonghean) - Amidst the joyful atmosphere of journalists nationwide celebrating the 90th anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - June 21, 2015), the Nghe An Newspaper editorial office has an additional reason for celebration as journalist and photographer Sy Minh (reporter in the Current Affairs - International Department) has been awarded the title of "Exceptionally Outstanding Photographer" by the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists...

The ceremony honoring journalist Sy Minh with the title of Outstanding Photographer, organized by Nghe An Newspaper on the morning of June 17th, was solemn and meticulously planned. The press center – the headquarters of Nghe An Newspaper – had been bustling with activity in the days leading up to the event. Editors, reporters, and staff members were all enthusiastic to contribute to making the ceremony honoring their colleague a dignified occasion.

It was a joyful and magnificent event, full of meaning, honoring the achievements of a journalist and photographer! That was the general feeling of the delegates and colleagues attending the ceremony. Comrade Le Ba Hung - Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Head of the Provincial Propaganda Department shared: “The large number of people present today have shown their respect for a very special event of Nghe An province, of Nghe An Newspaper; and it is a tribute to the special achievements and special title of journalist and artist Ho Sy Minh.”

Mr. Nguyen Van Ty, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists, happily stated: "The title of 'Exceptionally Outstanding Photographic Artist' - E/VAPA/G is the highest title awarded by the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists to photographer Sy Minh. Therefore, the fact that Nghe An Newspaper organized the honoring ceremony and received support from relevant provincial authorities is truly a significant event in promoting the Association's title and the artist's works to the public, contributing to the implementation of Resolution 23 of the Politburo on continuing to build and develop literature and art in the new era."

Provincial leaders visit the art photography exhibition "The Land and People of Nghe An" by journalist Sy Minh. Photo: Dao Tuan

Journalist and photographer Ho Sy Minh has over 30 years of experience behind the camera. Starting from a passion, he built his career in photography, then progressed to artistic photography and photojournalism as a professional journalist. Friends and colleagues recognize his seriousness, dedication, and creativity in his artistic work, resulting in high-quality artistic and photojournalistic photographs that are appreciated by the public and readers.

Mr. Vu Van Canh - former Head of the Organizing Committee for the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists' Emulation Campaign, who has spent many long trips living and experiencing life with journalist and artist Sy Minh, shared: “Sy Minh is fortunate to be both an artist and a journalist. His journalistic perspective ensures that each of his photographs has topical content, and his artistic qualities elevate his work to a high artistic level... And today, attending this honoring ceremony organized by the Nghe An Newspaper, seeing the respect, sharing, and concern of the editorial board for Sy Minh's success, I understand even more the advantages he has in pursuing his passion for photography.”

It's difficult to list the total number of works Ho Sy Minh has created over his decades in the field of photography, but just considering the 81 award-winning works, ranging from international Gold Cups to national and regional awards, they are brimming with the breath of life and clearly reflect current events and issues.

Deeply moved by the thoughtful attention of the organizing agency in honoring him, journalist and photographer Sy Minh shared: “Journalism has given me many experiences, both in life and in my profession. Especially when I was assigned to work in the News Department of Nghe An Newspaper, it allowed me to directly participate in many events and hot current affairs issues, greatly contributing to my understanding of reality and the demands of contemporary life on my artistic worldview.”

A close colleague of journalist Sy Minh, photographer Bui Xuan Luong, sincerely shared: "Nghe An Newspaper has 'rolled out the red carpet' for Sy Minh, because besides talent, there must be conditions to develop talent, which includes investing in facilities, modern equipment, and creating an environment for professionals to access, interact with, and experience reality to create good works"...

Attending the ceremony, everyone brought with them their affection for journalist and photographer Sy Minh, as well as congratulations to Nghe An Newspaper for gathering and creating a good environment that contributed to the development of such an exceptionally outstanding journalist and photographer. Everyone also had the opportunity to visit the photo exhibition themed "Land and People of Nghe An," Sy Minh's second solo exhibition held in his hometown, coinciding with the 90th anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day. This was a tribute to the land and people of Nghe An, and to his colleagues inside and outside the province who have supported him on his journalistic and photographic journey.

The ceremony honoring outstanding artists and the photo exhibition "Land and People of Nghe An" dedicated to journalist and photographer Ho Sy Minh left a very positive impression on delegates, colleagues, and friends. Comrade Pham Thi Hong Toan - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Editor-in-Chief of Nghe An Newspaper, shared: “The fact that journalist and artist Sy Minh is honored as one of the five exceptionally outstanding photographers nationwide on this occasion is not only an honor and pride for Comrade Sy Minh personally, but also an honor and pride for Nghe An Newspaper, the Nghe An Photographers Association, and the Press Photography Club of the Provincial Journalists Association. With the achievements he has made, the knowledge and skills he has accumulated, we hope that journalist and artist Sy Minh will continue to contribute and serve the public, the cause of journalism and art in general. Nghe An Newspaper is ready to create conditions for journalist and artist Sy Minh to hone his skills, to be worthy of the honored title, and worthy of being a reporter working at Nghe An Newspaper, which is developing into a Heroic Unit in the period of reform.”

Minh Chi

* Mr. Vu Quoc Khanh,Chairman of the Vietnam Photography Association: "Journalism provided Sy Minh with favorable conditions to pursue a career in photography."

“The title of 'Exceptionally Outstanding Photographer' is a prestigious honor for a photographer. To date, only 20 out of 1000 members of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists have been awarded this title. Some years only one person receives it, and in some years the whole country doesn't receive it at all. This is because, according to the standards of the Association of Photographic Artists, to be awarded this title, a member must have achieved the titles from AVAPA to EVAPA and then EVAPA/G. AVAPA is for a photographer, EVAPA is for an outstanding photographer, and EVAPA/G is for an exceptionally outstanding photographer.”

Notably, to be awarded the title of "Photo Artist" and subsequent honors, members of the photography association must have a collection of 20 photographs, judged by the Executive Committee of the Photography Artists Association; these photographs must also have received awards from prestigious photography organizations in and outside the region. After further effort, the artist must have a collection of 15-20 unique photographs that are not duplicates of previously submitted entries, and also have won awards in the same year at prestigious national and international photography festivals. The Executive Committee of the Photography Association will then evaluate and consider awarding the title of "Exceptionally Outstanding Artist." Each award must be granted every 7 years. Therefore, a talented photographer may strive their entire life and still not achieve this title. Photographer Ho Sy Minh has favorable conditions to pursue this title because, as a photojournalist, he has had the opportunity to travel extensively, experience, and capture many moments and the essence of life. Therefore, in his work, the concept of artistic photography is very relatable, yet it conveys many messages about life."

* Mr. Tran Duy NgoanChairman of the Nghe An Provincial Journalists Association: "Artistic photography must first and foremost have journalistic value."

“The awarding of the title of 'Exceptionally Outstanding Photographer' to photographer Sy Minh is not only a source of pride and honor for the members of the Nghe An Photography Club, but also good news for journalists in the province. For over 20 years of dedicated work, Sy Minh has made significant contributions to photojournalism in the province. In his photographs, journalism and art blend and spread. His art is imbued with journalistic qualities, while simultaneously prioritizing artistic merit; for example, the photographs 'Fire' and 'Vietnam-Laos Friendship' won international awards, and the photograph 'Overcoming Fate' recently won the B prize in the 'Learning and Following the Moral Example of Ho Chi Minh' competition. These photographs are truly valuable historical documents and timely moments, journalistic works with great influence. We hope that in the future, Sy Minh will continue to be a leading figure in photojournalism in the province, capturing valuable moments and conveying them effectively.” "Many of his photojournalism works contain highly propagandistic messages."

* Mr. Nguyen Thanh HaiChairman of the Nghe An Provincial Photography Association: “Sy Minh’s example of hard work has helped us learn many valuable lessons.”

“I have known Mr. Sy Minh for over 20 years and am particularly impressed by his passion, talent, and artistic work ethic. In each of his works, the artistic element is revealed; it's not just about colors, light, or the central figure, but each photograph conveys the event, the issue at hand. The awarding of this title to photographer Sy Minh once again allows us to learn from him his creativity, work ethic, and determination to pursue his dreams and concerns about his profession. In our professional activities, we are guiding our members towards new paths and styles in artistic photography, creating artistic works with journalistic value and journalistic works with artistic value. Hopefully, in the not-too-distant future, photography in our province will produce new faces with the potential to create a generation of skilled photographers, succeeding and continuing the achievements of artist Sy Minh.”