Tag: people

Anguish Of Attachment

Mummy has more errands to run and the boy is not allowed to follow.

I must commend the mother for not letting the kids run to the shop on their own, even though it is just a short distance. She waited until the busy father came out to get them.

Too many times, we see a driver letting kids wander to the doorsteps on their own because it is near. A curious child can run towards the middle of the busy street instead. Or in this case, run after the bike.

Photography Tip: When composing (or cropping) for a news, documentary or candid type of shot, select the visual elements carefully even when the moment is fleeting. If you can’t think fast, shoot a wider shot and crop later.

Emotional cues can move the viewer on a subconscious level. Firstly, get down and shoot at the child’s eye level.

It is easy to be drawn to the teary face and go for a close-up. I decided to include the face of the sister behind, as she shows empathy.

See how the boy’s hands (as part of body language) are flung out indicating helplessness and resignation?

The father’s hands are both restraining and comforting; conflicting in a way.

Taken as a whole, it is all such elements that make an image more powerful.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f4, 1/320 sec.

Forgotten History: Battle of Slim River

Continuing my stroll down main street, I met this family on a bike. The mother is dropping the kids in front of P.K.Mohamed Mastan & Sons.

I learned that the Indian-Muslim grocery shop was founded before World War 2. They stressed their grandfather settled here before the Japanese Occupation; perhaps as a reminder of the turbulent history the town went through.

The Battle of Slim River was fought here in 1942. Some 500 soldiers from the British Indian Army lost their lives fighting the invading Japanese Imperial Army. 3,200 men were captured.

The assault force using tanks was commanded by Major Toyosaku Shimada. The British commander was Acting Major-General Archibald Paris.

Indian soldiers were from the Hyderabad, Gurkha and the Punjab Regiment. The experienced Punjabis set fire to a few tanks with molotov cocktails.

Destroyed tanks caused a bumper-to-bumper tank crawl on Federal Route 1. That left the enemy exposed and vulnerable but unfortunately artillery units did not arrive on time.

Staring at the road, I made a silent salute to the brave and unsung men who defended Malaya. Read more on the fierce Battle of Slim River on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Slim_River).

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f4, 1/250 sec.

The Cheerful Durian Seller

Under the blazing sun and fasting, Norsiah Nordin is trying to eke out a living selling durians harvested from her own trees. I really respect that. Not just for her fortitude and adherence to religious obligations but also for her sunny disposition by the roadside.

Makcik wanted to give me a bunch of durians for taking her pics. When I declined, she wanted to give me cash to go print her pics at the 15-minute ‘instant print’ shop down the road.

Many younger people I photographed are happy to get the url to my website, Facebook or Instagram to look up their pictures later. Senior citizens without surfing skills or internet access do not have the means we take for granted.

I will make a properly-framed picture and surprise her later as I have done with a few others in past trips. Meanwhile, the encounter is another reminder to get a portable printer or a separate instant camera. Young or old, instant gratification brings joy.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f2.8, 1/500 sec.

On The First Day Of Ramadan

Was good spending the first day of the fasting month observing life in Slim River. The day culminated at the Ramadan food bazaar in the middle of town.

The traders were friendly, generous and their food tasted good. A mother-daughter team seen here selling stir-fried kuey teow (flat rice noodles).

I like how the daughter sneaked in a smile behind the serious mother 🙂

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 320, f4, 1/250 sec.

A Slice Of Life: Colourless At Slim River Bus Terminal

Frustrations from waiting can get people to come together and to interact. Sometimes.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f11, 1/160 sec.