Photographer An Le, 24, a Vietnamese native who has been living in the USA since he was 15, pipped over 500 contestants worldwide to become the winner of the New Exposure Contest. He tells VNS how he separated himself from the pack and what he hopes to achieve after this stunning success.

What was the procedure in the New Exposure Contest?

The contest had two rounds. Contestants submitted their works and 10 entries were chosen for the final round. Two days before the deadline in the first round, a friend of mine told me about the contest and I submitted some of my work.

Generally, in order to enter a competition, contestants have to pay an entry fee. I don't like such contests. But New Exposure is different. It doesn't require a fee, so I just handed in my works. This contest is interesting because it's aimed at new talent.

Did you expect to win?

After submitting my works, I totally forgot I had entered the contest until I was notified I was one of 10 finalists. I was in Viet Nam at the time.

There was no age limit so I assumed there would be more experienced contestants than me, and that the contest would be very competitive. However, I was nervous. (Finalists had five days to produce a new photograph portfolio using a Red Epic-X camera). Never having worked in Viet Nam before, I was afraid that I wouldn't finish the portfolio. But then I had chance to talk to and work with Ha Do, the creative manager of Dep Magazine, who, together with her production team, helped me a lot in preparing The Sea portfolio in five days.

Is being awarded the prize a turning point in your career?

Sure it is. It's an obvious advance in my career. The big thing was that I won the contest just one month after I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in the US state of Georgia, so it was really one of the happiest times in my life.

How did you come to be interested in photography?

I came to photography accidentally. When I was 18 and bored with my summer vacation, I started to play with my aunt's camera. Surprisingly, I was immediately hooked. Previously, I had never thought of pursuing photography, but it has now become my career. However, it is not totally true to say that photography is my biggest passion, because I also love arts, literature and movies. Whatever is related to beauty can instil passion in me.

Why did you decide to go to America at such a young age?

I went to America at the age of 15 to study because of my interest in the arts. In Viet Nam schools, arts subjects tend to be paid little attention to so after Grade 9, I decided to study abroad and follow my dreams. My family supported me.

What difficulties do you encounter now that you are working in the US?

Every working environment has challenges. I enjoy overcoming obstacles and I have been living in the US long enough to get used to it. My words to describe the working environment in the US are accuracy, professionalism and simplicity.

Do you often return to Viet Nam? Do you have any intention of coming back to Viet Nam to work?

While I was at school in the US, I rarely came back because I lacked time. However, after graduating from the university in June last year, I've been back to Viet Nam twice. I enjoy working abroad but I will return to Viet Nam in one or two years to work – I have several wonderful friends here – though I'm not sure about working in Viet Nam permanently.

What do you think of photography and fashion in Viet Nam?

The photography industry in here is small and there aren't many competitions. Nevertheless, I have seen a lot of talent and young people have become more daring, to follow their dreams rather than what their parents want them to do, like to become doctors, lawyers or engineers. It's good news, isn't it?

What are your hobbies and dreams?

I have many hobbies. I love arts, literature, movies, music, singing and psychology. My dream is to become known in the field of general arts, not necessarily within photography. I dream about a grand arts programme in New York City, in which I will present works across the spectrum, including from Vietnamese artists. I want to become the bridge, connecting the fashion and arts industries of Viet Nam and New York. I will realise my dream in my own way.

VNSS