In Vietnam, award-winning image turns fisherman into role model for emulators

The image, titled ‘Fish Eyes,’ was taken by British photographer Sophia Spurgin and won the 2026 LCE Photographer of the Year competition, beating more than 14,000 entries.

Its subject, Do Van Muoi, lives in Dong Binh Village along the Thu Bon River in Da Nang City, central Vietnam.

Muoi has spent years operating traditional lift nets at dawn, often posing for photographers during his routine work.

The 70-year-old said he now receives between five and seven photo bookings a week, particularly during peak tourist seasons, earning about VND300,000 (US$11.4) to VND700,000 ($26.6) per session.

“I usually work from early morning until about 8:00 am,” he said, adding that visitors sometimes pay extra when crowds are larger.

The fisherman-turned-model said he has worked with photography groups for nearly 15 years but only recently has he seen a surge in attention after learning that an image of him had won an international award.

Family members informed him of the recognition from abroad while photographers, visitors, and media have since come to speak to him.

Muoi said he could not remember the photographer who took the picture, but he believes it was shot around 2025.

Villagers turn to modeling as tourism grows

Muoi’s wife is also a regular subject in photo shoots.

The couple are often photographed at first light as they lift fishing nets from the river, creating scenes that have drawn increasing interest from photographers.

Local photographer Mai Thanh Chuong said he first brought photographers to the area in 2016 after encountering the couple working along a quiet stretch of the river before sunrise.

Across villages in Da Nang’s Nam Phuoc Commune along the Thu Bon River, many residents have taken on similar work, posing for photographers as part of a growing niche linked to tourism.

The rural setting, with riverside homes, coconut palms, and early morning mist, has become a draw for film crews, photographers, and visitors seeking images of daily life.

Muoi is seen by locals as one of the more visible figures after the award, but residents say the work has spread across villages such as Tra Nhieu and Dong Binh over the past decade as eco-tourism has expanded, providing additional income for households.

However, according to photographers, not all subjects are equally suited.

They point to Muoi’s facial features and weathered hands as qualities that work well on camera.

“People simply do their daily work in their usual setting, and photographers capture the moment,” photographer Chuong said, adding that he keeps contacts for dozens of local residents who regularly work with photography groups and international visitors.

Along village roads, signboards advertise services for photo and film shoots, while some families have adapted their homes and gardens to host visitors.

Pham Minh Tam, who runs a local boat tour service with his wife, said he has set up simple scenes such as net weaving for visitors to photograph.

“We earn some extra income from it, and it’s not heavy work,” Tam said.

“It’s also interesting to see our images shared more widely.”