A stunning mobile photograph capturing the vibrant beauty of traditional fabric production in Myanmar has received international recognition at the Türkiye Mobile Photo Awards 2025. The image, titled The Moment, was captured in 2023 by photographer Aung Chan Thar using a Vivo X70 Pro+ smartphone at Inlay Lake Wildlife Sanctuary.
Conservation Photography Meets Cultural Heritage
Aung Chan Thar, a Myanmar photographer dedicated to conservation storytelling, created this remarkable image as part of his ongoing work documenting biodiversity and cultural traditions. The photograph features colourful traditional cloth displayed on the water's surface at Inlay Lake, creating a striking visual contrast between the vibrant textiles and the natural lake environment.
Documenting Traditional Livelihoods
The image specifically focuses on the traditional cloth production that represents an important cultural occupation for the Intha people who inhabit the Inlay Lake region. These communities are known for their distinctive floating houses constructed from bamboo on stilts, with fishing and textile production forming central aspects of their livelihood and cultural identity.
Aung explains his artistic intention: "I staged this photograph to emphasise the significance of this traditional cultural occupation. I aimed to demonstrate how Myanmar people maintain productivity and preserve their heritage even during challenging circumstances. By displaying the cloth on the water's surface, I could reveal its true beauty and vibrant colours in their most natural context."
From Young Storyteller to Photography Mentor
Aung Chan Thar's photographic journey began when he was selected at age 25 to represent Myanmar in the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity's Young ASEAN Storytellers programme. This initiative brought together twenty young artists and writers to visit ASEAN Heritage Parks across Southeast Asia, creating narratives about biodiversity, nature conservation, and cultural preservation.
Following his initial visit to Inlay Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in 2022, Aung received funding from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity to establish the Conservation Photography Workshop for Myanmar Youth. He has since returned to Inlay Lake approximately ten times, undertaking the day-long bus journey from his hometown of Hpa-an to continue his documentation work.
Commitment to Myanmar's Future
Despite acknowledging development challenges in his home country, Aung remains committed to nurturing the next generation of photographic talent. "I will continue supporting young photography enthusiasts," he affirms. "While development faces various obstacles here, I maintain immense pride in being a citizen of this nation and documenting its cultural and natural heritage through photography."
The award-winning photograph represents more than just technical smartphone photography achievement—it serves as a testament to the power of mobile photography in documenting cultural traditions, promoting conservation awareness, and celebrating the resilience of communities maintaining their heritage against contemporary challenges.
