making the shutter count

Editor’s comments: An ordinary picture of a foreign worker resting in a construction site turns into something more with what the photographer chooses to include or exclude and his unique eye for framing. The picture takes on a deeper meaning and conveys a message of prejudice – how most Singaporeans would see foreign workers as dangerous people who should be locked up, and foreign workers themselves have no control over their situation, just like the worker in the picture who seems resigned with his fate.

Editor’s comments: A picture that effectively encapsulates Singapore’s past and present. The meeting of old and new at a halfway point. Any Singaporean would be able to connect with this image, and would have, at some point in time, seen a similar scene before – be it in school textbooks or educational videos – and this works well to reinforce the theme of “memory”. It jolts us back to the past.

I like how the entire picture is filled up, save for the bit of blue skies that provide some breathing space. The clutter isn’t distracting nor overwhelming, but full of intricate details that make that picture visually interesting to look at.

Editor’s Comments: I like the slightly different treatment to the theme “High Tech”. Plainly, it shows storm clouds gathering over towers of steel and industry of some sort.

Although not a very newsy photo, I do feel that it was very timely because of our current economic climate and the ominous tones this photo has to it. It also has a particular “adeline” touch to it, which could also mean it is turning into her particular style.

Editor’s Comments: A rare wildlife shot wins the shot of the day for me. I like the action encapsulated in the shot, while the rest of the birds seem to stare on as one flies away. Shows that the photographer did take some effort to stay there and wait for this shot.

Editor’s comments: An intriguing silhouette enveloped inside a dark corridor. The allowance of space on the right eases the eye to the subject in question. A slender figure, could be female or male, perhaps a student because of the sling bag. Good use of backlight to create darkness in daytime.

Editor’s comments: Rachel’s photo is a deserving winner out of the entire lot today. I love the way she employs her wide angle lens to include many diverse elements within this frame. The police sign, the private car park, the youth, all seem to point to something going on deeper inside the scene than what it is at first.

Editor’s comments: Cheerleading. A seemingly effortless act of balance that belies that hard work and training put behind it. I appreciate Rachel’s eye for detail in showing us a lesser seen side of cheerleading – ugly bruises that rear up amidst svelte bodies and pretty uniforms. If she could have taken a step back or waited a moment to include just a little more of the pair of legs to the right, it would make for a more aesthetically pleasing photo of hands and legs at the top and bottom.

Editor’s comments: A brilliant shot of yesterday by Kang Li.

Although a typical of an old man by an unused railway, I feel that all elements of the picture come together to tell a story of the yester-years. The old man, the rickety railway, the old chinese-made bag, his cap all serve as little harbringers of the theme and when matched together, becomes a compelling photograph of yesterday.

Not only that, the photographer’s choice of film, instead of digital, further accentuated the feeling of yesterday, as it is a medium that is fast fading out with the digital revolution.