HCM CITY —  A photo book depicting people’s joy on the special occasion of commemorating the 50th anniversary of National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025) by self-taught photographer Trần Thế Phong was released on Wednesday in HCM City.

The 120-page book titled 50 Năm Niềm Vui Thống Nhất (50 Years – Joy of Reunification) features 108 photos expressing the emotional feelings and smiles of Vietnamese people from different generations, from veterans to little children, and international tourists during the special days when HCM City was preparing for the country’s important event.

The photos tell stories of joy, happiness and peace, reflecting people’s love for the homeland and aspirations for a beautiful life.

Phong said, “At first, I wanted to wander around just to take photos of the country’s peace and people’s life 50 years after national reunification to keep them for myself.

"However, I felt the national spirit and patriotism of people from across the country. I met veterans who asked me to take pictures of them to keep historical moments. All those emotions motivated me to publish the book to introduce those feelings to everyone.”

The book is printed by the Vietnam News Agency’s Publishing House in Vietnamese and English.  

To introduce the book to the public, Phong will display a collection of 50 photos from his book at the HCM City Book Street on Nguyễn Văn Bình Street in Sài Gòn Ward until August 15.

Born in 1969 in HCM City, Phong began learning photography independently in 1990 and subsequently became a freelance photographer.

He has held 18 photo exhibitions in HCM City, as well as exhibitions in Bern and Zurich, Switzerland, and published 14 photo books on Vietnamese culture and HCM City. — VNS