Story about reporter and photographer Hoang Dung

Photographer Hoang Dung with documentary photos taken during the war

At the age of 17, Nguyen Ngoc Thanh began participating in revolutionary activities, and then became a war correspondent. During the fierce years of the resistance war against the US, amidst the “rain of bombs and bullets”, reporter Hoang Dung always stayed close to the soldiers, participating in battles to promptly record historical moments.

In 1969, during a business trip, he was injured (3rd/2nd class disabled soldier). He recounted unforgettable memories: Reporters had to dig trenches and shelters with soldiers. During the flood season, the precious camera had to be carefully protected in a machine gun ammunition box, and he had to make his own lights to take pictures at night. All just to get the most realistic and vivid pictures of the battlefield.

He was not only a reporter but also the first photographer of Dong Thap province. He devoted his youth to the resistance war against America and created many photographic works of high historical documentary value. After 1975, he worked at the Information and Propaganda Department of the Department of Culture and Information of Dong Thap (now the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism). In 2004, he held the position of Head of the Association of Photographic Artists of Dong Thap province. In 2012, due to family circumstances, he quit his job.

The war is long gone and he is over 80 years old, but he still remembers clearly the years of arduous and challenging work. He always worries about having the most authentic photos of the war to serve as valuable documents until today.

Photographer Hoang Dung shared: “Today’s generation of journalists has it easier than reporters during the war. War is harsh, the line between life and death is unpredictable. Equipment and cameras are not modern and are lacking. Therefore, today’s journalists, especially young reporters, must make more efforts to commit themselves and practice true journalism.”

Returning to normal life, reporter Hoang Dung continued to pursue his passion for photography. He constantly traveled everywhere, from urban to rural areas to create artistic photos. His works won many awards at the national, regional and provincial levels. Notably, in 1987, reporter Hoang Dung was officially recognized as a Photographic Artist.

In 2019, Photographer Hoang Dung launched the photo book “A View of the Homeland Through the Years” published by the Vietnam Writers Association Publishing House. The book not only introduces emotional war photos but also includes artistic photography works and memorable memories in his career journey.

Mr. Nguyen Dac Hien - former Standing Deputy Secretary of Dong Thap Provincial Party Committee, commented: "During the war, reporter Hoang Dung followed closely with the soldiers, participating in the battles against the forts. Up to now, reporter Hoang Dung still keeps many valuable documentary images, especially photos of the people's rally celebrating the victory, the atmosphere of the country being liberated".

Mr. Hoang Dung's journey from a brave war correspondent to a talented Photographer is an inspiring story of determination, passion and unceasing dedication to life and art. He is not only a witness to history but also a person who contributes to preserving the golden moments of the country through his lens.

DUONG UT

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/huong-sen-dong-thap/chuyen-ve-nguoi-phong-vien-nhiep-anh-gia-hoang-dung-132517.aspx