Speaking at the ceremony, Tran Thi Thu Dong - President of the association - described the revolutionary photography force as a “special corps” serving on the cultural and ideological battlefield.

Although the association was officially founded in 1965, the spirit of revolutionary photography had emerged two decades earlier, through key moments in national history such as the August Revolution of 1945, Independence Day on September 2, and the historic victory at Dien Bien Phu.

During the war years, cameras became weapons in the hands of photographers - documenting the horrors of conflict, praising acts of heroism, and preserving the unshakable belief in victory. Many artist-soldiers gave their lives, leaving behind invaluable photographic records that now serve as historical evidence.

After reunification, photographers from both North and South continued to build on that tradition, expanding creative efforts nationwide, particularly in newly liberated regions.

Entering the era of Doi Moi and international integration, Vietnamese photography was guided by Party resolutions on culture and the arts, which encouraged works grounded in real life and aligned with the national development journey.

Over the past several decades, VAPA has hosted nearly 40 national-level photo contests and exhibitions, alongside dozens of annual events across eight regions. Notable campaigns include: Vietnam’s Environment, The World Around Us, Traffic Safety, Moments from the Heart, Pride of the Borderland, and The Nation by the Waves. These programs have strengthened the social impact of photography in Vietnam.

Since 1991, when Vietnam joined the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), Vietnamese photos have appeared regularly at major global competitions and exhibitions. Thousands of international medals have been awarded to Vietnamese photographers.

To date, over 200 Vietnamese photographers have been granted FIAP distinctions, including many who have achieved its highest honors.

In this milestone year, the association has set three strategic priorities for the future: improving the artistic quality of photographic works; accelerating digital transformation in archival and promotional activities; and nurturing the next generation by combining young creativity with the wisdom of veteran artists.

As part of the anniversary program, the 13th Vietnam International Artistic Photo Exhibition (VN-25) opened at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

The contest featured four categories: color photography, monochrome photography, portraiture, and travel. Sponsored by FIAP, this year’s event received 13,236 submissions from 1,054 photographers across 31 countries and territories.

Of these, 664 works from 383 photographers in 22 countries were selected for exhibition, with 47 prizes awarded under the VAPA and FIAP systems.

Marcel Van Balken from the Netherlands stood out with 10 winning and displayed works, earning the FIAP Blue Badge.

The exhibition, showcasing all 47 prize-winning photographs, will remain open to the public in Hanoi until December 9. It stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s growing integration and rising stature in the global photography community.

Exhibited works include: