Canon A-1 +
Tokina RMC 17mm f/3.5
1/90s, f/8, Konica Centuria 200
Location: Changi Village, Singapore1/90s, f/8, Konica Centuria 200
On this day a friend and I had proposed to visit one of Singapore's off-shore islands, Pulau Ubin to see what we could photograph. While on the way to the pier to board the boat we came across this bridge that was running directly over a little inlet from the sea. At this time the tide was low and there were two fishermen casting their drift nets into the water. After which, they would drag the nets onto the shore to inspect their catch.
Both of us saw the appeal in a scene like this where the key subject was that of a fading trade, but the lines, ripples on the water and the morning light were just as gorgeous. We each had only a vintage film camera and a single lens, but still made many photos of this scene, making the best of what we had. I only wished there was a neutral density graduate filter in my pocket.
The ultra-wide angle lens took in a large angle of view and included many elements in the scene, most of which were desireable. I timed the shot as the fisherman cast his net once again, and at this time an airplane also flew into view at the top-right.
Looking carefully at the image I realized that this was a photo that I could describe as being 'Uniquely Singapore'. The fisherman's net forms a shape that closely resembles the shape of this island-country, while the airplane speaks of the country's famous airport. And while the country is highly developed, there are still a few pockets of space where time has seemingly stood still.