“Photography has become my life…”

QTO - Having just returned from the 31st North Central Regional Art Photography Festival held in Nghe An with the only gold medal of the festival - the photo series "Bridges connecting the two banks of Quang Tri", photographer Le Duc Thanh continues to be busy with new trips and plans. Quang Tri Newspaper reporter had an interview with him about this meaningful award and the opportunities and challenges for photography after the administrative boundary merger.

Báo Quảng Trị•17/10/2025

That's right! The gold medal at the recent North Central Regional Art Photography Festival was the first "departure" of Quang Tri photography after "coming home" (laughs). Therefore, it brought me and my colleagues many special emotions. At the festival, the Quang Tri delegation had 10 authors participating with 20 works on display, of which the Organizing Committee awarded 1 gold medal, 1 bronze medal and 1 consolation prize. This is the motivation, the "spiritual medicine" for art photographers to continue "fighting" on the path that is still full of difficulties and challenges. At the same time, it contributes to strengthening the solidarity, attachment, exchange and sharing among artists in the province.

The theme of this festival is “Land and people of North Central Vietnam in the new era of development”. This is a difficult topic because it is not easy to convey the messages through photography in a creative and artistic way. Initially, from mid-2024, I planned to take a meaningful photo series about Hien Luong Bridge. I have made many trips to “take” satisfactory photos.

Right after the province’s merger, the idea of taking pictures of bridges connecting the lands in the new provincial capital was born in me. The bridges at this time no longer only served the purpose of transportation, but also became symbols of solidarity, cohesion, connection and integration between the lands. And the rise of the bridges on the historic rivers is proof of the image of a steadfast Quang Tri, ready to enter a new era of development.

(Laughs) It is impossible to describe all the hardships and difficulties I went through when taking this meaningful photo series. As for the photos of Hien Luong Bridge and Gianh Bridge, I went more than 10 times to get a satisfactory photo. Many times I had to return empty-handed because I did not have the right time and place. The photo of An Lac Bridge over Hieu River is an unforgettable memory. The time of taking the photo was in the late afternoon, but when I took the photo, it was raining heavily, I thought: It must be fate, I will have to make another appointment. But as soon as the rain stopped, I discovered that the puddles of water on the stone pavement were a mirror reflecting the bridge, I decided to choose an angle and take the photo. And it was thanks to the reflection of the water after the rain that made the image of the bridge more sparkling, magical, as if carrying a message, a new vitality. As for Nhat Le Bridge 2 and 3, I cannot count the number of times I came here, from the beginning of construction until throughout the process of completing the bridge. And to get a beautiful and satisfactory photo for the festival is a long process of pondering about the shooting angle, light, pose, scene...

In particular, after completion, selecting typical photos for the photo album is also very difficult, because "weighing and measuring", choosing takes a lot of time and effort, especially when there are many high-quality photos, full of meaning. From many photos taken, I only filtered to choose 6 photos for the contest. The HVC photo is the most accurate answer for this effort and hardship.

It can be said that this is a "golden opportunity" for Quang Tri artists on the journey to conquer new heights. With a wide open geographical space, forests, seas, plains, diverse cultural colors, rich folk cultural and artistic life, artists will find many new topics, inspiring characters, unique content... However, the difficulties and challenges are not small, especially with photography. First of all, due to the geographical distance, it will be difficult for artists to exchange, share, and support each other when necessary, especially in the process of coming up with ideas and working. In addition, there are other common difficulties in operating costs, organizing creative camps, updating information technology... Without passion, it will certainly be a very thorny journey.

(Laughs loudly) I don't dare to say that I am an inspirational figure for young people who are passionate about photography, but only admit that I dare to devote myself to my passion and love for art. In fact, artistic photography is not a simple "game". It is a sacrifice, a risk, a dare to do, a dare to overcome. When I quit my job after more than 10 years in the Railway industry, I gave myself 1 year to live with my passion, if I couldn't do it, I would "say goodbye" to photography. But with effort and a little bit of fate, I achieved my goal and from then on, photography became my life. Each creative trip has brought me unforgettable stories and memories, helping me gradually improve, equip myself with what I lacked and the works after each trip reflect exactly what I wanted.

I want to carry out two topics that have been cherished for a long time, but I really need support from the local government. That is taking portraits of Vietnamese Heroic Mothers of Quang Tri province and the unique traditional craft villages of the locality. And if possible, I must hurry before it is too late!