Reviewing the atmosphere of the 30-4 Festival through the perspective of photographer Tran The Phong

Trần Thế Phong - Ảnh 1. — Photographer Tran The Phong looks at the works displayed at the exhibition on the morning of August 13 - Photo: TRI DUC

On the morning of August 13, photographer Tran The Phong organized a photo book launch and photo exhibition 50 years - Joy of Unification , at Ho Chi Minh City Book Street.

The exhibition introduces 108 out of more than 6,000 photos he took on the occasion of the recent April 30th holiday.

Photographer Tran The Phong told Tuoi Tre Online that he chose the number 108 because he liked the number.

The photos he chose to exhibit and print into books express the patriotic spirit of all generations and ages and the emotional joy he captured.

“I want to convey the historical values of the Vietnamese people, love, sharing of energy, core values through generations, to pass on the fire to today's and future generations” - photographer Tran The Phong added.

Trần Thế Phong - Ảnh 2. — Ms. Nguyen Van Quynh was especially impressed with the photos capturing the moment when many people smiled brightly during the recent April 30th Ceremony - Photo: TRI DUC

Trần Thế Phong - Ảnh 3. — Accidentally visiting Ho Chi Minh City Book Street, Nguyen Phuong Thuy (17 years old, living in Hanh Thong ward) took a souvenir photo next to her favorite photo - Photo: TRI DUC

Tran The Phong said that to get these beautiful photos, he worked for 10 consecutive days, leaving from 4am until late at night every day, sometimes staying on the street for two days.

“In those days, there were many reporters and photographers from newspapers. I had to find many angles to get special photos, only then would the photo book attract people.

For me, there are many special corners, but the most emotional location is Bach Dang wharf because this place is a place where any local can come, any photographer can come and take pictures, it's very crowded.

Every day, people come, wearing new clothes even more than Tet, red flags with yellow stars on their shirts, from the smallest children to adults, all are very happy" - photographer Tran The Phong shared.

95% of the photos in the photo book are natural moments, revealing individuality, showing smiles and optimism.

"I was impressed by the photo of a 98-year-old man. He said that in his last days of life, he enjoyed joy and happiness. His energy inspired me to take many photos.

Or the photo of disabled athlete Hong Loi. Despite his disability, he is very optimistic, motivating the soldiers" - Tran The Phong confided.

50 Years - The Joy of Reunification is the 14th book by photographer Tran The Phong, a special book because he has never taken photos of current events. Because before, he often took photos of stories of hard work, overcoming difficulties to make a living, disabilities...

He revealed that at the end of October this year, he will organize activities to celebrate 25 years of pursuing the art of photojournalism.