Oceanographic: How did you feel when you found out you won third place in the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year? 

Thien Nguyen Ngoc: “It was such a big surprise! I’ve been a finalist in the Ocean Photographer of the Year several times before but never gone through to reach the top three. Winning this award is truly a milestone in my photography career.”

Oceanographic: Tell us about the background behind your winning shot. Where was it taken? How did you take it? Any hardships while taking it?

Thien Nguyen Ngoc: “While photographing the shallow coral reefs along the coastline of Hon Yen in Phu Yen province in Vietnam, I noticed a long trail of smoke coming up from a local fishing boat operating not far from the coastline. I decided to fly my drone up there to take a look and coincidentally took this image from above. The long trail of smoke coming from the boat chimney actually shows an accident as the boat engine overheated when the fishermen pulled up their giant, heavy fishing nets from the sea. Every year, many local fisherman families along the coastline of Hon Yen will follow the near-shore currents to catch anchovies during peak season. Salted anchovy is the most important raw material to create traditional fish sauce, the spirit of Vietnamese cuisine.”

Oceanographic: On a personal level, what makes the image so important to you?

Thien Nguyen Ngoc: “Like many fishing families in central Vietnam, my paternal family has a long tradition of fermenting anchovies to produce traditional fish sauce. Growing up, I became intimately familiar with the taste of this fish sauce, which is considered a culinary symbol of my homeland. The main ingredient, anchovies, were often caught during my grandfather’s fishing trips, making this tradition even more special. This image, depicting the fishing boat and the process of hauling in anchovies, evokes many memories of my childhood and the cultural heritage of my family. It reminds me of my roots and the importance of this humble yet significant industry to the identity of our homeland community. The connection between the sea, the fish, and the creation of traditional fish sauce is woven into my family history, making this photo not just a visual moment but a heartfelt tribute to our local community’s heritage.”

Oceanographic: Why did you decide to enter the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition?

Thien Nguyen Ngoc: “My hope is to not only improve my craft but also to learn more about the ocean from others who share the same passion and connection to the ocean. This competition offers a unique opportunity to engage with a global community of like-minded individuals who are all dedicated to celebrating and protecting our oceans.”

Oceanographic: When did you first connect with the ocean?

Thien Nguyen Ngoc: “I grew up inland, far away from the sea, but my paternal hometown was a small fishing village on the coast of Quy Nhon, a beautiful coastal city in central Vietnam. Every summer, when school ended, my family would take me back to visit my grandparents. It was always a trip I looked forward to, not only because of the warm family gatherings but also because of the chance to experience the ocean, something that felt both foreign and magical to me as a child.

My grandfather came from a long line of fishermen. The tradition of going out to sea had been passed down through generations in our family. He owned a large fishing boat, which he would take on long voyages, sometimes lasting for months. He was not just a fisherman, but a skilled sailor, capable of navigating the vast open waters with nothing but the stars and the waves to guide him. He had taught my father how to steer the boat and read the currents, and I always admired their connection to the sea, something I could only imagine but had never truly experienced.

That summer, I started elementary school and I had my first real connection with the ocean. My grandfather let me join him on his fishing boat for a short trip offshore. For a young child, it was nothing short of a grand adventure. I remember the feeling of excitement and nervousness as we set sail, the boat rocking gently at first and then more vigorously as we ventured further into the deep blue. The land disappeared, and all I could see was the endless expanse of the ocean. That day, I felt like an explorer discovering a new world. The ocean was vast and mysterious, both beautiful and intimidating. That first journey left a mark on me. It was more than just a boat ride. It was my first real connection to the ocean, a vast and powerful force that had shaped the lives of my ancestors.”

Oceanographic: How did you get into drone and underwater photography?

Thien Nguyen Ngoc: “After graduating as an engineer, I began exploring photography as a passion to unwind after work. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that my journey truly took shape when I had the opportunity to join and learn from the National Geographic photography community. In those early years, I was fortunate to observe and learn from many talented photographers worldwide, including renowned ocean photographers and conservationists. I initially started off by capturing simple seascapes but soon transitioned to using drones for a more expansive and unique perspective of the ocean from above. Then, one day, I stumbled upon mesmerising underwater photographs of whales in the Nat Geo community, particularly an image of sperm whales in vertical sleep, suspended like massive pillars in the vast, weightless underwater space. The surreal and awe-inspiring nature of that scene left me speechless.

For those of us from central Vietnam, whales are seen as protectors of fishermen and sailors, and it is a long-standing tradition to respect and honour them. As someone with roots by the sea, capturing whales in their natural habitat became a burning passion of mine. This drive led me to study diving and underwater photography, with the dream of one day documenting these majestic creatures and sharing the beauty of the ocean with my local community.”

Oceanographic: How would you describe your style of photography?

Thien Nguyen Ngoc: “As I’ve explored and experimented with photography throughout my journeys, my style has evolved to reflect three main genres: travel photography, underwater photography, and wildlife photography. Each genre allows me to tell different stories, depending on the situation and environment. Travel photography captures the essence of the places I visit, and I can focus on culture, landscapes, and human connections. Underwater photography, on the other hand, immerses me in the mysterious world beneath the surface, allowing me to showcase the beauty of marine life and the vastness of the ocean. Wildlife photography connects me to the natural world, highlighting the raw and untamed beauty of animals in their natural habitats. Together, these styles help me express my vision and passion for exploring the world.”

Oceanographic: Any advice for aspiring underwater photographers?

Thien Nguyen Ngoc: “Be patient and take the time to truly understand your environment. Underwater photography comes with unique challenges, from unpredictable marine life to lighting conditions and the limitations of your equipments. Learning how to dive confidently and mastering buoyancy control is crucial. You need to move seamlessly and minimise your impact on the environment. Equally important is knowing your equipment inside and out. Underwater conditions can change rapidly, and you often have only a short window to capture the perfect shot. Practice on land first, then gradually transition to shallow waters before venturing into deeper, more complex environments. Lastly, respect the ocean and its inhabitants. Every photo opportunity should come second to ensuring the safety of marine life. Treat each dive as a learning experience, and be mindful of how your presence affects the ecosystem. Your best images will come when you’re not just capturing a scene but also appreciating the beauty of the underwater world.”

Oceanographic: What’s the main aim behind your photography? 

Thien Nguyen Ngoc: “The main aim behind my photography is to inspire a deeper connection between people and the natural world, especially the ocean. Through my images, I hope to showcase the beauty, fragility, and complexity of marine life and ecosystems, and to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect them. I believe that photography has the power to evoke emotions and spark curiosity, which can lead to a greater appreciation for the ocean. My goal is not just to capture stunning visuals, but to tell stories that highlight the connection and delicate balance of life in the ocean and the impact human activities have on it. By sharing these stories, I want to motivate people to care about conservation and take action, no matter how small, to help protect our planet ocean. Ultimately, I aim to create a sense of wonder and responsibility in viewers, encouraging them to see the ocean not just as a distant landscape, but as a vital part of our shared world.”

Oceanographic: Your favourite ocean moment to date?

Thien Nguyen Ngoc: “One of my favourite ocean moments to date was witnessing a pod of sperm whales in a state of deep sleep, suspended vertically in the depths of the ocean. The sight of these massive creatures, floating like towering pillars in the vast, weightless expanse beneath the surface left me speechless. It was a surreal and overwhelming scene, as if time had stopped and the whales were quietly drifting through a dreamlike world. I had read about this phenomenon, but seeing it firsthand was nothing short of magical. It felt otherworldly and it remains one of the most awe-inspiring encounters I’ve had in the ocean.”

Oceanographic: What plans do you have for the future?

Thien Nguyen Ngoc: “Alongside my engineering career, I remain committed to dedicating as much time as possible to exploring and documenting the ocean. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a journey to Antarctica, the southernmost part of the world, exploring its oceans and wildlife. It was a transformative experience, filled with valuable knowledge about the unique ecosystems in that frozen, remote region. In the near future, I plan to continue this exploration by venturing to the northernmost part of the world. My aim is to complete the picture of polar ocean ecosystems by witnessing firsthand the differences and similarities between the Arctic and Antarctic regions. I’m eager to experience the Arctic’s frigid waters, witness its wildlife, and understand how climate change is affecting both poles in different ways.”

You can now see all 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year category winners and finalist images here. Or for the latest updates on the entry process and more, go follow OPY on Instagram: @opy_awards