Feature photo and Portrait

Feature

1.

Woods Cross fans (left to right) Sam Bennion (8), Jacob Tribe (9), and Nathan Willes (8) show their spirit trying to distract a Payson player shooting a free throw, 4A High School State Basketball Championships at the Dee Events Center. Source: http://trenthead.com/2007/06/first-place---sports-feature-photo/

The subjects in this photo are the children. The photojournalist managed to capture the facial expressions of these excited children which lasted for that a moment. 

   2.

Mohd Ariff and his lomo cameras. Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2f2011%2f8%2f13%2flifefocus%2f9237514&sec=lifefocus

This is a feature photo featured on The Star Online about Lomography. With digital photography, why then do people still bother with films and analogue cameras? Mohd Ariff says Lomo enthusiasts revel in the fact that they are doing something out of the ordinary.

Feature

Up, up, there you go!:- Philemon Suren, an engineering degree fresh graduate is being tossed up in the air by his friends after the graduation ceremony at University of Malaya in October, 2014.

Learning the Caklempong:- Local Malaysian students and an exchange student from Korea are practicing their instruments. Caklempong, a small kettle gong, which gives its name to an ensemble of four or five talempong as well as other gongs and drum, is a traditional music of the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Portrait

I did it!:- Deborah Lawrence Aduk completed her degree in Environmental Engineering at The Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya in year 2014. 

Smile, Sister:-Taken at our dad's hometown at Batu Anam, Johor, before heading to cousin sister's wedding. 

References: 

1. Lee, M. L. (2011, August 13). When film prevails. Retrieved from The Star Online: http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2f2011%2f8%2f13%2flifefocus%2f9237514&sec=lifefocus

2. Nelson, T. (2007, June 14). First Place - Sports Feature Photo. Retrieved from TRENT : http://trenthead.com/2007/06/first-place---sports-feature-photo/

Art of Seeing: Bazuki Muhammad Solo Exhibition

Bazuki Muhammad. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/poliniphotography/4946127560/?rb=1

Mr. Bazuki Muhammad is an international award-winning photojournalist who has covered assignments for Reuters, Knoxville Journal, Maryville Times, Daily Reveille and New Straits Times for 30 years. A US-trained architect, he spent 10 years in New Orleans and Knoxville experimenting with his “Art of Seeing” before shooting for Reuters in Malaysia. His works have been featured in publications such as Newsweek, Life, Asiaweek and Time. He won Publish Asia’s Best in Sports Photography for two consecutive years in 2002 and 2003. 

Mr. Bazuki covered London Olympics, cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, U.S. President Bush in Japan, war in Afghanistan, tsunami in Thailand, Hajj in Mecca, Thailand’s political turmoil, troubles in southern Thailand and floods in Bangkok. Mr. Bazuki is currently a contract photographer for AP Assignments and an Adviser to the New Straits Times Press in Kuala Lumpur. He is an alumnus of Louisiana State University, College of Design.

“My best lens is my eyes.” - Bazuki Muhammad

Art of Seeing: Bazuki Muhammad Solo Exhibition 

I went to Mr. Bazuki Muhammad's solo exhibition on the 26th of March, 2015 at The New Straits Time Press (NSTP) gallery in Jalan Riong, Bangsar. As this is my 1st time visiting a photo exhibition, I excitedly carry my notebook and pen, ready to embark on this mini mission my Photo Journalism lecturer assigned. Stepping into a rather quiet lobby on a Thursday afternoon, I carefully make my way to where the photos were displayed. 

I was amazed by the many significant events in the world that Mr. Bazuki managed to capture. There were portraits of our Malaysia Prime Minister, Tsunami, War in Afghan, Floods and many more significant events. Besides, Mr. Bazuki captures a lighter side of things such as the daily life of the sea gypsies and beach soccer at Pantai Burak Beach. 

However, the short caption given, eg: Tsunami, was insufficient to explain to me what happened in the picture. All I know is that the picture was taken during the Tsunami. The caption did not answer most of the "5W1H" questions that I was taught in Photo Journalism Class. I have been to an art exhibition, though I do not know much about painting techniques and type of materials used, the caption attached to the paintings did a great job in educating me. 

It didn't take long for me to finish viewing the whole photo exhibition, I was actually hoping to see more spectacular photographs there. But for a first visit to a photo exhibition, I am contended. 

The images that Mr Bazuki captured took him years to finally have an exhibition such as this. I appreciate his hard work, his photojournalism career inspired me by telling me there is no short cut to create great art. I wasn't aware of such photo exhibition if not for attending Photo Journalism Class. Before leaving, I signed the Guest book, and I look forward to more photo exhibition such as this. 


References:

1. Muhammad, B. (n.d.). Retrieved from Bazuki Muhammad : http://bazuki.com/portfolio2015/

3 Types of photos: Establishing shots, Mid-range shots and Close-ups.

Establishing shots 

Establishing shots capture the overall situation.

At 8:30 am, church members on duty are setting up and preparing for the 10am Sunday service before the congregation gathers here at Sungai Way - Subang Methodist Church's (SSMC) Chinese ministry, in Damansara Utama. SSMC will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in May, 2015.

The recital hall during Frassco's final recital. Frassco, the pianist, 21, currently a final year music student in ICOM, performs an original song written by him entitled "You" with his band "Frassco and Friends", at International College Of Music (ICOM).

Mid-range shots

Mid-range shots place the subject in the contexts of the situation. 

Jack Holtby, 20, an exchange student from Australia, singing in the choir of 8th residential college, University of Malaya, in preparation for the coming FESENI choir competition on the 2nd of April, 2015. FESENI is an arts festival held in University of Malaya annually where residential colleges competes in various events such as pop band, acoustic band, solo singing, Chinese traditional dance, theater and more. 

Yeoh Zheng Yi, 22, the keyboardist, also the band manager, a 2nd year Chemical Engineering student in University of Malaya, is performing with the band "Faculty of Funk"during the FESENI Preview Night at 8th Residential College, University of Malaya. 

Close-ups

Close-ups isolate the subject and focuses only on the subject. 

Nisa Addina, 19, started playing the violin at 7, from Kuching, a student at the International College Of Music (ICOM), performing during a recital in the college's hall. 

Lee Hui Yin, 22, 2nd year student of Bachelor of Performing Arts (Music) in University of Malaya is conducting the choir of 8th Residential College of the university in preparation of the upcoming competition. 

Reference:

1. Chapter 16 - Photojournalists. (n.d.). Retrieved from Journalism: Who, What, When, Where Why and How: http://www.ablongman.com/stovall1e/chap16/chap16.html

Photojournalist as agents of change

Photojournalist : Stephanie Sinclair

Source: http://www.worldpressphoto.org/stephanie-sinclair

Stephanie Sinclair (born in 1973) is an American photojournalist known for gaining unique access to sensitive gender and human rights issues around the world. After university, Sinclair worked for the Chicago Tribune, which sent her to cover the lead up to the war in Iraq. She later moved to the Middle East covering the region for six years as a freelance photographer. She is a regular contributor to National Geographic and The New York Times Magazine. Sinclair received numerous awards including the CARE International Award for Humanitarian Reportage, the Overseas Press Club’s Olivier Rebbot Award, a Pulitzer Prize, two Visa D’Ors, and three World Press Photo awards. 

Photojournalism combines texts and visuals, and it becomes a form of communication. This is how a photojournalist shares information with others. Without visual, the story that is being conveyed has lesser impact to the audiences. Her photo series, “Child Brides,” examines “how children continue to be forced into marriage in more than 50 countries around the world.” The project was the result of eight years of work in Afghanistan, Nepal, Ethiopia, India, and Yemen. 

Rajani and her boy groom barely look at each other as they are married in front of the sacred fire. By tradition, the young bride is expected to live at home until puberty, when a second ceremony transfers her to her husband. 
Source: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/06/child-brides/sinclair-photography#/13-rajani-groom-sacred-fire-wedding-714.jpg

Based on her interview by National Geographic, she is passionate with what she does as a photojournalist. According to her, photography has the power to change a perspective on life. She hopes that those who have seen her photographs are overcome with a sense of urgency and emotionally moved by the situation that she photographed. A photojournalist has to be neutral and not biased. She said "whether or not I agree with these practices or what they're doing...", she just strives to get closer to her subjects, hear their stories and photographs this reality that is happening in the 21st century.  

"Everyone can take a good picture,.....but to take GREAT photographs, you need TIME..."

- Stephanie Sinclair

The statement above echoes Tom Hubbard, in his article "The Essence of Good Photojournalism". He wrote "reporters can cover five years in an hour interview. It takes a photographer five years to cover five years". Indeed, to be a good photojournalist, there are no shortcuts, time is one of the key investment.

In 2012, Sinclair and Jessica Dimmock made a short documentary about Child marriage, “Too Young to Wed". A photojournalist photographs issues that are happening in the world, shares to the world in order to create awareness and a platform for people to extend help to those in need. 

Too Young To Wed 

Photojournalism crosses borders, in this case, a different country and language, where a translator is required. However, that does not stop Sinclair from being a voice for her subjects. Relating this short documentary to the documentary by James Nachtway regarding Tuberculosis shown during Week 2's Photojournalism class, to me, a photojournalist has to be strong emotionally. They need to understand the subject's story yet not be overwhelmed by the emotions. Then, they photograph the emotions portrayed in that situation for the world to see and to be aware of. To be a photojournalist is a calling. 

Sources:

1. Hill, U. o.-C. (2013, November 20). Stephanie Sinclair on Creating a Sense of Urgency. Retrieved from National Geographic : http://proof.nationalgeographic.com/2013/11/20/stephanie-sinclair-on-creating-a-sense-of-urgency/

2. Stephanie Sinclair. (n.d.). Retrieved from World Press Photo: http://www.worldpressphoto.org/stephanie-sinclair

3. Too Young to Wed: The Secret World of Child Brides. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYleXcpbzKY
4. Gorney, C. (2011, June). Child Brides. Retrieved from National Geographic : http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/06/child-brides/sinclair-photography#/15-indian-student-not-married-714.jpg