Hanoi (VNA) - Avertical photo depicting a papaya tree rising from a narrow gap between residential buildings in HCM City, taken by Tran Vu Quang Duy, won firstprize at a photo contest for young Vietnamese artists.

Titled Tu Duy Tre, Goc Nhin Tre (Young Thoughts, Young Views), thecontest is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism every twoyears. The first iteration took place in 2015.

During the three-month submission period, the organisers received more than3,200 entries from 658 photographers between ages 18 and 35. After an initialround in which submissions were evaluated online, a jury of seven evaluated 180finalists. The winning photo, titled Mam Song (Living Sprout), wonthe unanimous support of the jury members. The winner walked away with 30million VND (1,300 USD) in cash.

 “It’s really different from traditional angle that photographers haveheld,” veteran photographer and jury Nguyen Viet Thanh, said of the first-prizephoto. “It illustrates a desire for green colour in the middle of a busy city.It reflects the fact that we lack public green space for relaxation. It’s alsobeautiful in terms of light and layout.”

The jury also awarded two second prizes, four third and 19 encouragementprizes.

 “We were astonished at the young artists’ different views,” said chairmanof the jury Ma The Anh, deputy head of Fine Arts, Photography and ExhibitionDepartment of the culture ministry.

“They express fresh views on life from the topics selected, the layout and useof light to the content of the photos.”

Deputy Culture Minister Vuong Duy Bien said he saw the artful photos expressingin a creative and vivid way messages about the diversity of life experiences inthe country today.

“They also provide us a general view and realistic judgement on the activitiesof young photography fans,” he said, “From that, the culture managementagencies can encourage and provide favourable conditions for them to developtheir capabilities.”

Nguyen Quang Huy, a photographer from Da Nang, said he greatly appreciated theevent.

“I have used my camera just for few months and I need such a festival tosharpen my skills and knowledge of the field,” he said.

The final 180 photos are on display at Exhibition House at 29 Hang Bai streetuntil October 16.-VNA