HCM CITY – An exhibition of aerial photos of Việt Nam’s coastline and islands by freelance photojournalist Giản Thanh Sơn opened on Friday at the HCM City Youth Culture House,  No 4 Phạm Ngọc Thạch Street in District 1.

The “Không Ảnh Đảo và Bờ Biển Việt Nam” (Aerial View of Việt Nam’s Coastline and Islands) exhibition includes 100 photos featuring the beauty of the country’s islands and seas which Sơn has taken over the last 20 years.

Sơn's participation in the 917 Aviation Regiment's flight training gave him an opportunity to take photos of every corner of the country.

“Every flight is an experiment for me. My feelings and tears emerge every time I join flights over villages, rivers, seas and even sacred places across the country,” Sơn said. “From above, our country is beautiful like a painting.".

He also praised the soldiers from the 917 Aviation Regiment as "artists" who created the flight routes to help him take pretty photos.

Sơn is thinking about making a photo book about the regiment called Những Cánh Bay Không Mỏi (Brave Aviation Soldiers) to show his gratitude to the soldiers.  

Colonel Lê Việt Thắng of the 917 Aviation Regiment said: “Sơn works on behalf of aviation soldiers to show the people the beauty of our country.”

He helped to spread patriotism among the people as well as raise their responsibilities toward the country's protection, Thắng said.

At the exhibition, Sơn introduced a republished book titled Không Ảnh Đảo và Bờ Biển Việt Nam, which was released in 2015.

The 335-page book is compiled as a pictorial chronicle of the islands and seas of Việt Nam. It was republished by the Vietnam News Agency Publishing House, and costs VNĐ500,000 (US$21.6).

All profits from the photos and books at the exhibition will be used to raise funds for children of soldiers in the 917 Aviation Regiment.

Born in the southern province of Long An in 1957, Sơn began his career in 1975. He has set five national records with his unique photo collections.

He has visited 89 countries as a photojournalist and has participated in various international events. He received an Honorary Doctorate from the World Records University (WRU) in April.

He has several books in the pipeline, including Ký Ức (Memories); Chân Dung Chính Khách (Statesmen's Portraits); and Vị Thế Việt Nam (Việt Nam’s Status in the World).

The exhibition will close on Sunday. — VNS