In Vietnam’s rapidly evolving digital journalism landscape, visual storytelling has become increasingly vital. Among the pioneers shaping this transformation are a new generation of photojournalists who have left their mark through distinctive styles and compelling perspectives.

As digital platforms and smart devices proliferate, Vietnamese newsrooms have had to adapt. Visual content is now a key driver of engagement and effective communication.

Research shows that readers decide within seconds whether to continue reading a story. A striking photo, a well-designed infographic, or a short video can instantly convey information and boost audience interaction. As a result, visual content is more than just support - it is essential.

In many cases, a powerful image speaks louder than words. Over the past five years, editorial teams have heavily invested in photo, video, and graphic editing departments and in acquiring state-of-the-art photography gear.

In an age where news updates by the second, photojournalists must act swiftly to capture defining moments. A great news photo is not only timely but also authentic, emotionally resonant, and rich in context.

Today’s photojournalists in Vietnam cover a wide range of topics, from major political and social issues to natural disasters, pandemics, cultural events, sports, and daily life. What sets a photo apart is not just the scene itself, but the depth of insight behind the lens.

Modern photojournalists are celebrated not just for documenting events, but for their artistic composition, use of light, and unique perspectives. It’s no longer about who captures an event first - but who captures it best.

Many renowned Vietnamese photographers have distinguished themselves through emotional storytelling and powerful portrayals of sensitive social topics.

Nguyen Thanh Khanh: Passion and persistence behind the lens

Nguyen Thanh Khanh, once a viral sensation in the photojournalism scene, made waves early with emotionally charged “masterpiece” images.

A graduate of Hanoi’s University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Khanh has the looks of an actor and the grit of a field reporter. His journey began as an intern and freelancer before securing a staff position at Tuoi Tre newspaper.

Speaking to VietNamNet on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Revolutionary Journalism Day in Vietnam, Khanh recalled his early days as a student photographer. In 2010-2011, he captured the iconic image of Hoan Kiem Lake’s sacred turtle with an injured leg - a photo that received high praise and marked his arrival in the field.

Now, 15 years later, the Hai Phong native has covered countless events. In September 2024, during Typhoon Yagi, he was assigned to Quang Ninh. Trapped in Cam Pha at the storm’s peak, he and his driver sat helpless in their car as power poles toppled and debris flew.

Barely resting a night after returning to Hanoi, Khanh was dispatched to La Nhu village (Lao Cai), recently devastated by a flash flood. He stayed there for three months, documenting the village’s journey from ruin to recovery.

“I witnessed both utter despair and heartfelt joy as La Nhu rebuilt. That emotional journey is unforgettable,” he said.

In 2018, while covering a deadly earthquake in Lombok, Indonesia, Khanh took shelter under a seemingly intact house. Minutes after he left, it collapsed. “Had I stayed seconds longer, I might not be here,” he recalled.

Despite the risks, Khanh insists he finds joy in his demanding work. “Being a photojournalist means constant movement, immense effort - but that’s my happiness. It’s what I love and what I live for,” he said.

For Khanh, a powerful image must stir emotion in both the viewer and the photographer. “I don't chase every photo competition. I know my lane and choose my battles wisely.”

This year, Khanh received the prestigious National Press Award’s A prize - an honor few in his field achieve.

Nguyen Tuan Huy: The soldier with a camera

Among Vietnam’s younger photojournalists, Nguyen Tuan Huy of People’s Army newspaper stands out. A graduate of the Academy of Journalism and Communication, he officially began his journalism career in 2019.

Balancing duties as a military officer and journalist, Huy frequently covers disaster zones, capturing urgent rescue missions by Vietnam’s armed forces.

His photos of military drills and training exercises have earned wide acclaim. He won the National Press Award’s B prize in both 2023 and 2024, along with numerous other accolades.

One of his proudest moments was covering the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory in 2024. He meticulously planned every detail - routes, angles, equipment - to capture the pageantry and the public’s emotion.

Despite the hardships, Huy says, “I feel proud to serve both as a soldier and a journalist. My passion keeps me going, even when I have to fund my own assignments.”

His goal: “to produce images that combine technical excellence, emotional depth, and societal value.”

Pham Ngoc Thanh: From tech graduate to editorial powerhouse

Pham Ngoc Thanh, an early 8X-generation journalist at VnExpress, began in IT. In 2005, as online journalism emerged, he joined To Quoc newspaper and later switched to photography.

Now with 18 years in the field, Thanh edits and oversees major news visuals at VnExpress. He also develops content strategies for national coverage and media campaigns.

He’s covered major disasters, including the toxic fire at Rang Dong Light Bulb Company in 2019. “I didn’t have protective gear and inhaled mercury vapor. I feared for my health - and still do,” he admitted.

During the La Nhu flood, he was haunted by the scene of dozens of homes buried and lives lost. “The smell of death and mud lingered long after I returned,” he said.

Despite this, Thanh thrives on the high-pressure environment. “A good photojournalist must be observant, self-reliant, and have both time and financial backing,” he noted.

Thanh has spent over 1 billion VND (about $39,000) on premium Leica gear, likening it to “buying a luxury car to drive a taxi.”

“Photography changed my life and mindset. To stay ahead, photojournalists must innovate constantly,” he affirmed.

Tran Thanh Dat: The late bloomer with boundless passion

Known as “Dat the Carp,” Nhan Dan newspaper’s Tran Thanh Dat entered photojournalism in his late 30s.

A graduate in fashion design, he began by developing film in a lab at Vietnam News Agency. Over time, he became enthralled by photojournalism and taught himself to shoot.

After several years freelancing and studying journalism, he officially joined the profession in 2016. Since 2021, he has been at Nhan Dan.

Covering everything from politics to sports, Dat says the role now demands multi-skilling. “We must shoot photos, write, and even produce videos.”

He emphasized patience and perseverance: “To tell a complete story, you must follow it through. A great photo series captures the whole picture.”

A defining moment came when Dat joined Vietnam’s rescue team in Turkey after the 2023 earthquake. Living in a makeshift tent, enduring sub-zero temperatures, he learned survival before storytelling.

He described another nerve-wracking moment in Myanmar when tremors forced an emergency evacuation mid-rescue.

“I’m still in love with this job,” he said. “When news breaks, my heart races. I’m always ready, gear in hand, waiting for the call to action.”

Hoang Ha