Vo Hoai Huy’s work for the theme “ton sur ton” won Canon PhotoMarathon Ho Chi Minh 2018

November 3, 2018
vi-lang Xem Tiếng Việt

Over 6,700 registered marathoners flooded the streets of Ho Chi Minh City today, capturing vibrant portraits of the nation’s largest city, all under the 2018 them of ‘Live what you love’.

As thousands of red-shirted photography lovers hit the streets this year, the twin urges of a competitive spirit and a desire to capture the city in its best light took hold in the contestants.

Young photographers were encouraged in a rousing pre-event rally to expand their creativity and use their diverse skills and world-views to capture shots by camera, drone or action-cam.  This is all part of Canon’s mission to turn cities into playgrounds for photo-lovers. These help to allow more photography enthusiasts to ‘live what they love’.

Following a formula tested over a dozen previous years, and in Hanoi just last week, Canon PhotoMarathon contestants had themes unveiled immediately before the starting ‘pistol’ was fired.  Judging was led by three of the nation’s best-known shooters, Tran Tuan Viet, Hai Thanh, and Ha Kin, who evaluated submitted works against the three main themes of the day.

  1. Ton sur ton
  2. Reflection
  3. Strength of Youth

After nine hours of intense competition, F-Band’s ‘flaming’ performances heated up the awards ceremony. After an equally hotly debated judging process, judges ultimately gave the nod to this year’s top 10 photos to award prizes in categories including:

  • Grand Prize: The invitation to attend the Canon PhotoMarathon Asia Championship 2019 at Japan. 1 Canon EOS 6D Mark II, 1 Canon Pixma Pro-100
    • VO HOAI HUY – HCM9017 – Nikon D810
  • First Prize: 01 Canon EOS 80D + EF-S18-55mm IS STM + 01 Printer Canon Pixma TS8070
    • Topic 1 – “ton sur ton”: NGUYEN QUYET THANG – HCM1688 – Canon 700D
    • Topic 2 – “reflection”: NGUYEN TUAN KHAI – HCM2630 – Sony A7 Mark II
    • Topic 3 – “strength of youth”: PHAM VAN QUY – HCM0080 – Canon EOS 5D Mark III
  • Second Prize: 01 Canon EOS 800D + EF-S18-55mm IS STM + 01 Printer Canon Pixma ip7270
    • Topic 1 – “ton sur ton”: HUYNH THU – HCM4399 – Sony A7 Mark II
    • Topic 2 – “reflection”: PHUNG TRONG TIN – HCM10387 – Fuji X-H1
    • Topic 3 – “strength of youth”: TRAN VU QUANG DUY – HCM8369 – Nikon D750
  • Third Prize: 01 Canon EOS M50+ EF M-15-45mm + 01 Printer Canon Pixma MG3670
    • Topic 1 – “ton sur ton”: NGO THI BICH VAN – HCM1311 – Sony A6000
    • Topic 2 – “reflection”: DUONG NHAT PHUC SINH – HCM10320 – Canon EOS 80D
    • Topic 3 – “strength of youth”: NGUYEN THANH TUNG – HCM7136 – Nikon D750

“Canon has been unrelenting in its commitment to offering world-class imaging experiences and sharing our passion for photography for young people in Vietnam.  The infinite creativity shone through in the Ho Chi Minh City Canon PhotoMarathon, and the pursuit of the perfect shot drove every one of our contestants to test themselves today.  This year’s contest generated stunning images across all three themes, and it took the judges hours to discuss and select the day’s top shots.  I would like to congratulate our winners, and wish them all the best for the Canon PhotoMarathon Asia Championship next year,” said Mr. Hiroshi Yokota, CEO of Canon Marketing Vietnam.

The judge Tran Tuan Viet expressed his thoughts about the photo of Nguyen Quyet Thang: “There was a heated debate as we discussed which picture would take first prize this year. This picture however perfectly captured two women, in dresses matching their flowers, and that is a very hard image to take on the streets.  The photographer deserves to be commended for this.”

“This photo caught all of our attention,” Judge Hai Thanh agreed. “The more I look, the more subtlety I see. While taking ton sur ton photos, we normally choose the harmony of colors. This photo is not only ton sur ton in colors but also in patterns, which made the difference. The umbrella even serves to divide this photo into halves which helps to distinguish the personalities and inspire sympathy toward them.”

19-year-old-contestant Nguyen Quyet Thang said: “I started photography in secondary school and I have joined Canon PhotoMarathon twice now. My family has been very supportive of my passion, allowing me to spend hours photographing them for practice. After high-school, I started saving up to buy an EOS 700D camera, and made a huge effort to sharpen my knowledge and skills. I have joined many photography contests, but was still really surprised to receive this prize. This is really a great playground for theyoung generation of photography lovers.”

Commenting on the work of contestant Nguyen Tuan Khai, judge Tran Tuan Viet said: “This photo was very well received by all judges. In addition to reflecting, the photographer used a variety of other factors to create a visually attractive effect, including a special shooting method that created multiple layers within this image, and that, in turn, blends with the motion that the characters create. “

Contestant Nguyen Tuan Khai, an architectural draftsman, shared: “This is my second year in the PhotoMarathon, so I do have a little experience. Canon PhotoMarathon is really an interesting contest because of the connections you form with many people who share the same passion. The works from other contestants helped me learn a lot and I am very grateful to Canon for creating this event.”

 “This work has all factors of a beautiful photo including good composition, amazing light, strong characters and it first with the topic,” judge Tran Tuan Viet said.

Contestant Pham Van Quy, a freelance photographer, said: “I have been shooting for two years and it is my passion. I joined PhotoMarathon this time with my friends and I think this award will help boost my photography career. This event is a great playground that Canon creates for people who love photography. Hopefully Canon will continue to organize this competition for many years.”

Canon Photo Marathon 2018 Judge Mr. Hai Thanh said: “I am really impressed with the composition and color, adherence to the theme, and dramatic lighting that make the picture work.”

Winner Vo Hoai Huy shared: “I spotted the yellow car, noticed the workers’ uniforms and realized that it was the moment that I had been waiting for. One which would meaningfully illustrate the topic. Canon Photo Marathon not only helped me to get out and shoot the sort of images that I love to shoot, but also helps other young people who have the same interest in photography to live their passion.”

Once again, all registration fees from participants in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, which is over 523 million dong, will be donated to a charity fund, namely “Canon – For the future generation” which will go toward projects such as building new classrooms and facilities for disadvantaged students across Vietnam.

Held annually, the 13th Canon PhotoMarathon this year attracted over 10,000 registrations in both HCMC and Hanoi.