On the afternoon of January 9, 2026, the Faculty of Design & Communication, University of the Pacific Ocean (UPO), in collaboration with Sony Alpha Vietnam, organized the experiential workshop “Basic Photography – Welcoming Spring in Áo Dài”. The program featured photographer Trần Anh Khoa as the main speaker, offering an engaging, practice-oriented learning experience for students passionate about photography.
At the opening of the workshop, Dr. Lê Anh Tuấn, Vice President of UPO, highlighted the special significance of the event as it took place at the threshold of the new year 2026 and in anticipation of the traditional Lunar New Year (Bính Ngọ).
Dr. Lê Anh Tuấn shared: “This is a time of new beginnings, and also an opportunity for each of us to reflect on and cherish traditional cultural values, while renewing them through creative perspectives and the language of contemporary photography.”
He further affirmed that the partnership with major technology corporations such as Sony clearly reflects UPO’s educational philosophy: “Connecting theory with practice, and linking the classroom with enterprises and industry professionals.” Through such collaborations, the University expects students not only to master professional equipment but also to develop visual storytelling skills through photography.
The keynote speaker of the program, photographer Trần Anh Khoa, is a well-known name associated with artistic works that celebrate the beauty of nature and the vibrant coastal life of Nha Trang. Drawing on his extensive experience, he guided UPO students in systematizing essential foundational knowledge, including compositional thinking and key principles for creating harmonious images; distinguishing between mobile photography and professional camera photography; understanding technical parameters; and mastering lighting and shooting techniques to capture the subject’s spirit.
The most anticipated highlight of the workshop was the hands-on practice session. UPO students had the opportunity to directly experience modern mirrorless camera models from Sony Alpha.
With the concept “Welcoming Spring in Áo Dài”, aspiring student photographers eagerly applied the knowledge they had just learned. Under the dedicated guidance of photographer Trần Anh Khoa, students practiced professional techniques ranging from camera handling and light adjustment to directing poses for models.
The workshop “Basic Photography – Welcoming Spring in Áo Dài” concluded with many memorable moments, not only helping students strengthen their professional skills but also inspiring creativity and preparing them for future multimedia communication projects.