An entry in Nature category

Launched in late May by the Vietnam Artistic Photographers' Association (VAPA) with the sponsorship of the International Federation of Artistic Photography (FIAP), the contest attracted 1,430 professional photographers from 51 countries and territories, who submitted 15,360 photos to vie in four categories, including Portrait, Tourism, Nature and Freestyle.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Temple of Literature, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vuong Duy Bien said the biennial contest has confirmed the prestigious position of Vietnamese photography throughout the world.

"The photos have vividly reflected the life, culture, and customs of different countries, helping to promote the image of each country and its people, thus strengthening the relationship and understanding between the countries," he said.

The judging panel selected eight sets of prizes including 48 outstanding photos in different categories. The VAPA has issued four gold, four silver, and four bronze along with 12 consolation prizes; and the FIAP, four gold, four silver, four bronze and 12 highly commended certificates.

Half of the 48 outstanding photos selected were entered by Vietnamese photographers, three of which were awarded gold medals including "Em be Co Tu" (The Co Tu kid) by Dang Van No, "Dong Ky le hoi que toi" (Dong Ky-My hometown’s festival) by Nguyen A and "Bat Ca duoi mua" (Catching fishes under the rain) by Ngo Thanh Binh.

Along with the award-wining photos, the contest's organisation board also selected 250 of the 663 artworks to display at an ongoing exhibition at the Temple of Literature. After the Hanoi display, the exhibition will travel to other cities across the country.