Nguyen Ngoc Thien: A Photographic Whiz of Visual Storytelling
In the world of photographic arts, Vietnamese photographer Nguyen Ngoc Thien’s distinct perspective has garnered global attention and praise. His lens vividly narrates the deep yet often forgotten connection between humans and marine life. Through his travels along remote coastlines, he captures rare moments and pays tribute to the primal harmony and beauty of the Earth.
In this in-depth conversation, Thien reveals his photography journey, showcases his award-winning works, and shares how he illuminates the grandeur and mystery of the natural world through his lens.
Thien’s professional photographic journey began in 2017 when he joined the prestigious National Geographic “Your Shot” community. This platform provided him with opportunities to learn and collaborate with experienced professionals. It was here that his narrative skills began to shine; he started to hone his techniques, standing out in international competitions and thus earning public acclaim.
Among his works, “Turtle Dream,” which won the national prize at the 2023 Sony World Photography Awards, is a testament to his talent. Reflecting on the creation of this piece, Thien shares his diving experience on Malaysia’s Pantin Island. On an unexpected diving trip, his partner encountered a turtle dancing a wonderful ballet in the azure sea. Thien seized this moment, immortalizing this touching beauty.
Thien cleverly uses complex visual elements in his works. He not only captures the dynamic beauty of marine life but also incorporates their essence into his visual narratives. He skillfully integrates the activities of marine creatures and divers. His precise control of light, image, and compositional elements constructs a story that is both intimate and grand.
In his photographic journey, his adventure to the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is a significant chapter. In 2016, the area experienced a catastrophic coral bleaching event that destroyed approximately 60% of the coral reefs. Despite this ecological disaster, seven years later, Thien still documented extraordinary interactions with manta rays and whale sharks during this expedition, adding another fascinating chapter to his portfolio.
Among Thien’s numerous honors, his photographic work “Blooming” stood out in the “Travel and Adventure” category of the 2020 Siena International Photo Awards, securing second place. This captivating photo, from a bird’s eye view, vividly depicts local fishermen in Han An, Phu An Province, Vietnam, especially how they skillfully use nets to catch a school of phoenix-tail fish – a main ingredient of traditional Vietnamese fish sauce.
As for Thien’s photographic equipment, he uses the Sony A7rV camera and DJI Mavic Pro 2 drone. The superior performance of these two devices allows him to vividly document the intricate beauty of nature. With these advanced tools, Thien has further enhanced his visual story-telling skills, successfully capturing many unforgettable images.
Looking ahead, Thien plans to continue his photographic exploration, revealing more unknowns about the ocean world. He hopes that his photography can raise more people’s awareness of the vulnerability of marine ecosystems and take action to protect our planet. His photography enables us to understand and respect nature from a new perspective, offering a fresh way to observe our shared Earth.
Thien’s Instagram