Photographer Lê Hồng Linh and his works in the exhibition "Photography Without Borders". Photo courtesy of the photographer

HCM CITY — Visitors in HCM City are getting a first look at Photography Without Borders, a large-scale exhibition currently taking place on Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street.

The event features works by 50 Vietnamese photographers and 14 international delegations with 36 members. Each participating artist is showcasing three standout photographs.

It forms part of the second HCM City International Photography Festival, organised by the HCM City Photography Association (HPA). The festival aims to develop and promote the photography industry, expand international exchange, and contribute to promoting the image of a dynamic, creative, and distinctive city.

Running from November 28-30, the festival includes outdoor displays across major downtown streets, including a showcase themed “The world through lens” along Nguyễn Du-Đồng Khởi, and another exhibition titled “HCM City firmly enters new era” at the Youth Cultural House.

Doãn Hoài Trung, HPA chairman, said the exhibition reflected the vitality and global reach of photography as a cultural language. Photography Without Borders, he noted, aimed to transcend geographic and social boundaries, capturing emotions and stories that connect viewers around the world.

According to Trung, the event not only highlights cultural diversity and global landscapes but also reinforces Việt Nam’s growing presence and cooperation in the photography sector. The participation of more than 50 domestic photographers and international partners helps present a deep and distinctive artistic narrative.

Among the international guests is Yukinori Otsuka of the Photographic Society of Japan, attending his first event in Việt Nam. Otsuka said visiting the War Remnants Museum gave him a deeper understanding of Vietnamese history.

He noted similarities between Việt Nam and his home in Hokkaido – both characterised by vast rice fields – which made his first visit feel familiar. He expects the festival to expand cultural exchange and hopes to carry out future photography projects in Việt Nam for global audiences.

Alongside exhibitions, the festival includes an 80-booth fair offering training-related displays, portrait and art photography services, cultural and tourism showcases, and commercial booths. A Photomarathon competition is also open to professional and amateur photographers. VNA/VNS