Bringing Vietnam to the world, one photograph at a time with Khanh Phan

Đăng ngày: 10 03, 2025

Bui Hang+CTV -

Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 17:12:07

-Renowned Vietnamese photographer Khanh Phan has gained international acclaim, winning prestigious awards and being featured in over 100 global publications, including The Times and The Telegraph. Through her lens, the 39-year-old photographer showcases the beauty of Vietnam’s landscapes, culture, and people to the world.

Photographer Khanh Phan helps bring the images of Vietnam and its people closer to the world.

Born in Thai Binh province and now based in Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh Phan discovered photography during a difficult period in her life. Over the past eight years, her passion for the craft has earned her multiple international accolades.“In 2017, I went through a divorce. I was devastated, almost on the verge of collapse. At that time, I decided to buy a camera to take pictures of flowers in the park—small, beautiful things. After a month, I realized my growing passion and discovered that seeing life through the camera lens made everything appear more refined, beautiful, and special. From then on, I traveled across Vietnam, capturing its beauty,” Khanh Phan said.

For Khanh Phan, photography is not just about capturing images but also about storytelling. Each photograph requires meticulous effort, from selecting the right composition and angle to ensuring the image conveys a deeper message.“When I take photos, I always research the geography, people, and climate of the places I visit. For cultural photography, I take time to learn about the traditions and stories of each location. I always maintain a deep personal connection with my emotions and translate them through my camera.”

Vi Thanh farmer market in Hau Giang province.

Khanh Phan’s dedication to photography has led her on countless challenging journeys. She has climbed mountains, trekked through forests, and even hung from cliffs to capture Vietnam’s hidden landscapes. She has braved powerful ocean waves—sometimes losing her equipment in the process—and spent long nights waiting in misty graveyards to get the perfect shot. These experiences have given her valuable lessons in courage and resilience while revealing the untapped beauty of Vietnam.“I often submit my most striking photographs of Vietnam to international competitions. As a result, my work has been featured in over 100 travel and photography magazines worldwide, including The Times and The Telegraph. This is how I bring Vietnam’s beauty to a global audience—offering artistic perspectives that inspire travelers and photography enthusiasts to experience my concepts firsthand,” she said.

Her dedication and professionalism have earned admiration from her peers. Nguyen Manh Ha, founder of Wiki Photography, praised her work ethic, “Mastering photography at the highest level is akin to striving for success in life. This is what I truly respect about Khanh Phan.”

Over the years, Khanh Phan has won numerous awards, though she admits she has lost track of the exact number. Some of the most significant accolades that marked key milestones in her career include First Prize in the People category at the Drone Siena Awards 2019, Winner in the Travel category at the Sony World Photography Awards 2021, and Grand Prize at Skypixel 2023.“These awards were pivotal moments that gave me the confidence to believe I could take exceptional photographs. They encouraged me to boldly submit my work to major international competitions alongside professional photographers worldwide,” Khanh Phan told VOV.

Khanh Phan has recently been invited to teach photography at several universities.“I feel so fortunate to receive guidance from Khanh Phan. It motivates me to work harder,” Duong Ngoc Tuong Vy, one of her students from Ho Chi Minh City, said.

In addition to teaching, Khanh Phan hopes to pass on her knowledge through books. “I am currently working on a photography book that will provide detailed guidance on travel routes, Vietnam’s breathtaking destinations, and the techniques I use in each location. I hope to publish this book in 2025.”

For Khanh Phan, photography is the fastest way to capture and share life’s beauty. She firmly believes that with dedication and perseverance, success is inevitable.