18.04.2025 | Does Hard Work Pay Off?
Autumn’s Last Embraces © Shannon Dinh, 2024
Not every time. But if you don’t try, you’ll never know
I started taking my journey with photography more seriously and consistently around last September, after going through a breakup. Stepping out of that relationship left me uncertain about my priorities and unsure of how to reconnect with my own voice after being emotionally tied to someone else for so long.
Being in a relationship often makes you wary of change—first, the kind that might disrupt what you have with your partner, and slowly, without even realizing it, the kind that alters who you are. One day, I found myself reflecting on everything I’d been through and asked: where was the 17-year-old me who dreamed of becoming a journalist? Where was the 20-year-old me who left Foreign Trade University to pursue a place at the Cinema Academy?
Since moving to the UK, there have been so many memorable, meaningful moments that I’m deeply grateful for. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. But there’s still a quiet voice within, reminding me to push beyond my comfort zone, to honor who I am by doing what brings me joy, and to stop fearing change.
…
And here I am—thousands of new photos later—after a long break from shooting. Devoted to my craft, working each day with the quiet hope that someday it will sustain me.
Bonfire Night in Wolverton © Shannon Dinh, 2024
I'm excited to share that my photo from the Wolverton Fireworks Spectacular in November 2024 has been officially selected as a Semi-Finalist for the Pure Street Photography Grant 2025, chosen from thousands of submissions worldwide.
The image is part of a series captured just after the fireworks ended—where, through the lingering haze of smoke, a cluster of silhouetted spectators slowly fades into the night on a floodlit recreation field.
“I see pure growth in your photography — a rare blend of grace, spontaneity, and storytelling that moves the soul.”
— Dimpy Bhalotia, founder of Pure Street Photography.
Bus Stop In The Rain © Shannon Dinh, 2024
I’m honoured to share that my photo essay, titled ‘Milton Keynes – Seen and Unseen’, has been awarded Highly Commended in the Broadway Arts Festival 2025 Photography Competition! Only two entries receive this recognition in each prize category, so I’m truly grateful for the acknowledgement.
My work will be featured in the festival exhibition held at St Michael and All Angels’ Church, open daily with free entry from June 6–15. It’s a privilege to have my photography recognised by such esteemed judges—Peter Martin, Keith Hamshere, and Gary Hershorn.
Here’s the commentary I submitted with the essay:
“Milton Keynes is often defined by its roundabouts and shopping centres, but beyond the clichés lies a city full of contrast and quiet depth. These eight images offer glimpses of the place I’ve called home for the past three years—from Centre:mk and Campbell Park to the historic corners of Bletchley, Wolverton, and Stony Stratford. I’ve walked these streets in every season. It may not be a conventional destination for street photography, but there’s always a story waiting to be told. Here, light and shadow, strangers and connection, nature and concrete all find space to exist. Milton Keynes is more than a grid—it’s a place of quiet stories.”
