The photograph, titled Fish Eyes, by British photographer Sophia Spurgin, has just secured first prize at the LCE Photographer of the Year 2026, outperforming nearly 14,500 entries and topping the travel category.

In the image, a Vietnamese man holds two fish up to his eyes, with a fishing net stretched behind him. The scene is simple yet expressive, blending authenticity with a touch of humor, quickly capturing the attention of viewers.

According to the photographer, the image was taken on a boat in Hoi An at the end of a shoot, when the subject made a spontaneous gesture that felt natural, joyful and intimate.

Soon after winning the award, the photograph spread rapidly across Vietnamese social media. Many local photographers also shared their own images of the same man, turning him into a focal point of public interest.

The subject of the photograph is Do Van Muoi, 70, from Nam Phuoc commune in Da Nang, known locally as Tam Kieu.

Speaking to VietNamNet, Muoi said he was surprised to learn that he had appeared in an internationally recognized photograph.

He does not recall the exact moment the picture was taken or the identity of the photographer, as being approached by tourists and photographers has long been part of his daily life. Recognizing the red shirt he wore in the image, he believes the photograph was likely taken around 2025.

For Muoi, holding fish up in front of the camera is nothing unusual. During fishing demonstrations for visitors, he often poses using tools and objects tied to his work. What is routine for him became, through the photographer’s lens, a striking visual that stood out among thousands of entries.

The photograph was taken on a branch of the Thu Bon River, near the ancient town of Hoi An, just over a kilometer from his home. The two fish he held were mullet, caught earlier that morning.

For more than 40 years, his life has been closely tied to the river, his fishing net and early morning routines. In the past, fishing was the primary source of income for his family.

In recent years, as tourism has grown, he has combined his work with demonstrations for visitors. “Before, I worked just to make a living. Now I still fish, but also perform for visitors. It helps preserve the craft and brings additional income,” he said.

He noted that while many households in the village once operated fishing nets, today only a few older residents remain in the trade. “In the past, there were many nets. Now there are very few. The younger generation has moved on to other jobs,” he added quietly.

Since the photograph gained attention, his life has seen small changes. More visitors come to see him, and many people have called to offer congratulations. He says the joy comes not from fame, but from seeing his everyday work appreciated in a new light.

“I feel very happy. I never thought so many people would know about me,” he said with a smile.

What he hopes for most is the chance to meet the photographer who captured that moment. If possible, he would like to have a copy of the image to hang in his home. For him, it is not just an award-winning photograph, but a meaningful marker in a life shaped by the river.

“I’ve spent my whole life with the water. Having this photo as a memory is already enough. I don’t ask for anything more,” he shared.

The LCE Photographer of the Year is an annual international competition organized by London Camera Exchange, attracting tens of thousands of entries from around the world. It spans multiple categories including landscape, portrait, travel, macro and street photography, with judging based on creativity, technical quality and storytelling.

The competition is open to both professionals and amateurs, with total prize value reaching £10,000 (more than VND100 million, US$4,000).