Vietnamese photographers have been boosting their global profile with works honored at an annual photo contest hosted by the International Federation of Fine Arts Photographers (FIAP). 

Lensman Dung Nguyen gained an ‘honorable mention’ for his photo depicting sedge mat making in the individual awards category of the 29th FIAP Color Biennial, held every two years in a different member country.

Dung Nguyen's photo of sedge mat making in the central province of Phu Yen.

His shot captures locals dying colorful sedge mats in Phu Tan Village, well known for its 100-year-old traditional craft in Tuy An District, about 30 kilometers from Tuy Hoa, capital of Phu Yen Province.

According to the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA), Dung's photo is one of three Honorable Mentions certificates handed to Vietnam at this year's contest.

Two others certificates were presented to two photo collections themed ‘Traditional Crafts’ ranking sixth among 36 participating countries in the color print photo category and ‘Vietnam Seen From Above’ in fifth among 42 entries in the digital color photo category.

A shot capturing women harvesting water chestnuts in a field of Thang Binh District
in central Quang Nam Province is one of drone shots in the "Vietnam Seen From Above"
photo collection by Khanh Phan.

The annual photo contest is one of the most important events organized by FIAP, which is alternately hosted by its member countries. According to a written rule, even years will be for a Black-White and Nature Photo Contest, odd years for Color.

This year's contest was organized in France. The top prizes - the FIAP Cups of this year's competition, belong to Great Britain and Russia.