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With over 3,000 entries, the 30 best photographs were selected for display at the exhibition, through a rigorous selection process by the judging panel, the expert panel, and public voting. Each image not only possesses aesthetic value but also tells stories about people, emotions, and unique creative journeys.
Out of more than 3,000 entries, 30 of the best photos were selected for display at the exhibition.
When black and white photography is the language of sophistication.
Since its inception in 2020, Noirfotocontest has made its mark in the Vietnamese photography community by remaining true to a challenging path: handcrafted black and white photography. The beauty of black and white photographs lies not in vibrant colors but in subtle tones, rustic textures, and emotional depth.
"Black and white photography always demands a deeper observational skill and greater sensitivity to light, form, and composition. And it is the meticulous manual printing process, from selecting the paper and mixing the chemicals to adjusting the lighting, that makes each photograph a unique, one-of-a-kind work of art," shared photographer Ha Manh Thang, one of the judges of Noirfotocontest2024.
Black and white photography always requires the photographer to have a deeper observational skill and greater sensitivity to light, form, and composition.
"CONNECT" – Blurring the lines between film and digital
A special highlight of Noirfotocontest2024 lies in Noirfoto's first successful experiment with manually developing images from digital files. This bold yet inspiring step opens up a fresh approach for modern photographers.
This is a true "connection"—between digital technology and traditional craftsmanship, between the speed and efficiency of the digital age and the meticulous, slow pace of the darkroom. Speaking to reporters, a representative from Noirfoto stated that they don't view film and digital as two opposing schools of thought, but rather want to erase that boundary, giving artists more creative freedom.
This is the first time Noirfoto has successfully tested the technique of manually developing photos from digital files.
In the same spirit, the theme "CONNECT" of this year's exhibition becomes a declaration for the expansion of artistic boundaries – where photography is no longer confined to technique but becomes a connecting material between the past and the present, between the artist and the public.
The "CONNECT" exhibition is being held at Toong Co-working Space – a special partner accompanying Noirfoto on its journey to spread the value of handcrafted art in the modern city.
Exhibition space
"Hand-printed photographs are, in themselves, a symphony of creativity, where technique blends with the photographer's skill. The subtle tones, rich textures, and moving depth of hand-printed photographs offer an irreplaceable visual experience," expressed CEO Duong Do, founder of Toong Co-working Space – the venue partner for the "CONNECT" Exhibition.
A sustainable arts ecosystem requires many interconnected links.
Looking at the broader picture, artist Ha Manh Thang believes that Noirfoto is playing a crucial role, adding promising young photographers to the flow of contemporary Vietnamese art.
The work Nocturne
However, he also frankly acknowledged: "To develop artistic photography, especially handcrafted photography, we cannot rely solely on individual efforts. We need more exhibition spaces, documentation systems, books, professional printing and developing facilities, and a sufficiently large network of collectors and customers to nurture the artists' passion."
And above all, the most important thing – according to him – is still “to nurture a community that loves and understands photography, so that each work is not only viewed, but also lives on in the spiritual lives of many people.”
The work Generations of Wanderlust
The work "The Boundary with the Gods"
"Connect" – so that art does not stand still.
Looking back at Noirfotocontest2024 and the "CONNECT" exhibition, a consistent spirit is evident: art does not stand still in the past, nor is it completely submerged in technology. Instead, through patience, perfectionism, and a desire to connect, Noirfoto is gradually building a sustainable artistic foundation – where beauty is created by hand, with love, and with time.
Perhaps, this journey of "connecting," though quiet, is powerful enough to move anyone who appreciates kindness and subtlety in every frame.
