'The most haunting thing for me is seeing people's blank eyes...'

The Gold Prize in the Current Affairs Category of the 2022 "Press Moments" Photo Contest organized by the Journalist & Public Opinion Newspaper went to the work "The scene of the horrific flash flood in Ky Son District ( Nghe An ) that occurred in the early morning of October 2, 2022" by author Pham Duc. Behind those timely and humane press photos is the dedication and sense of responsibility of a reporter who is always dedicated to his profession, creative, and dares to think and dare to do.

Journalist Pham Duc - Thanh Nien Newspaper reporter residing in Ha Tinh received the Gold Award in the Current Affairs Category of the 2022 "Press Moments" Photo Contest organized by the Journalist & Public Opinion Newspaper. Photo: Son Hai

Over 400 km to the scene

Receiving instructions from the editorial office, reporter Pham Duc - Thanh Nien Newspaper's resident in Ha Tinh, who was then being mobilized to Nghe An to support his colleagues, immediately went to the scene. However, at this time, National Highway 7 from Anh Son District to Ky Son District was flooded and landslides, vehicles could not pass. The normal distance from Vinh City to the scene of the flash flood was about 300 km. However, Pham Duc had to take a detour, so the distance traveled was more than 400 km.

"When I arrived at the scene, it was getting dark, the whole area had lost power so everything was covered in darkness. I used a flashlight, waded through the mud to approach, interviewed people and took photos to get information to write an article that night," Pham Duc recalled.

The next morning, the scene of the flash flood began to appear before Pham Duc's eyes, "I could only imagine the severity of the natural disaster that the people here were having to endure," he said sadly.

Scene of the terrible flash flood.

Pham Duc said that the center of Muong Xen town and Ta Ca commune were devastated, mud and soil flooded into houses, burying offices, schools, and houses. Many properties of state agencies and people were either swept away or buried. Many houses were swept away by the flood or collapsed. Many people were homeless.

Pham Duc was moved: "Wherever I go, I see people's bewildered eyes, which makes me feel sorry...".

The Huoi Giang stream flowing through Ta Ca commune and Muong Xen town is still flowing turbulently, the flood water is muddy. The mountains surrounding the villages in Ta Ca commune are still experiencing landslides.

"Despite working in dangerous and difficult conditions, I always try to penetrate every corner to record everything that is told and seen. Of course, I try to have the work as soon as possible to send to the agency to update the latest information for readers. And the photo series "Latest scene of the flash flood in Ky Son district" has been published, telling readers in detail what is left after the flash flood and the very heavy damage to people in the border area", Pham Duc shared.

Putting ethics first

Photojournalists do not simply do the job of a photographer, just taking photos of events to serve the reporter's articles, but the requirement is that photojournalists must work proactively and independently, must create their own script like a photo reportage that fully reflects an event, or a special story recorded in images about colorful life.

Pham Duc is a resident reporter so all types of journalism, from photos, reports, memoirs, reflections and television must be done well, the works must always be of high quality.

"I have been working in this profession for almost 10 years now, since graduating from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication of Hue University of Sciences in 2014. During my work, I always strive to improve my skills so that the news and articles published are of the best quality," said Pham Duc.

Reporter Pham Duc (wearing a hat) quickly arrived at the scene.

According to Pham Duc, with the genre of photojournalism, the most important thing is how each photo, when viewed by readers, will help them understand the story that the author wants to convey. It is not easy for a photojournalism to fully convey the story that the author wants to tell.

Pham Duc said: "Therefore, when a hot event happens, especially a natural disaster or epidemic, I always pay close attention when I am at the scene. Moments will slip away if I am not prepared in advance, from equipment to intentions that have been "scripted" in my head."

That is to say, photojournalists must work at a high intensity. Good photojournalists are those who, in addition to working tirelessly, must also constantly learn and gain experience from colleagues at home and abroad, and update world photojournalism trends on digital platforms...

"Photojournalists must always put professional ethics first. If it is a press photo, it must be authentic. If it is a press photo, it must never be changed. Background processing must also have limits so that the stories recorded in images are always authentic and have the most value. That also means that photojournalists must be competent, have a comprehensive, in-depth, and quick perspective..." - Pham Duc believes.

Preparing to enter a new year, with the enthusiasm of a dedicated photographer, Pham Duc shared : "Looking back on 2023, Pham Duc shared his joy at receiving the highest award at the Press Moment Awards Ceremony 2022. It is a proud recognition of my career, it is also a great source of encouragement, urging me to always strive to work hard to conquer the next awards as well as contribute to the revolutionary journalism of Vietnam. In 2024, it is predicted to be another difficult year for the press, but I will try my best to complete the job well, work with the most passion, intelligence and humanity", Pham Duc expressed.

Phan Hoa Giang

Photo series "The scene of the horrific flash flood in Ky Son District (Nghe An) that occurred in the early morning of October 2, 2022":

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lan-tac-nghiep-nho-doi-post279112.html