#169
I was in the area at another apartment block (Block 30 Pine Close) to photograph this. When I arrived, two photographers saw me and ran off to seize the spot. I thought, hmm, okay, I'm going to just have to settle for alternatives then. I went up to the top floor (19 storey) and found them casting a wary look at me once I emerged, as though they spotted an enemy in war. The two photographers (two Chinese adult, one male and another female) were with another friend and there friend went down one storey.
I calmly and slowly clamped my camera on the left of the railing in order not to be in the way, their look suggested they were wondering why on earth I set up on that floor as they were there first! So I went down and I could hear the two above shouting downwards loud and clear to their friend below "XYZ, secure the right side of the railing! It is a must!" (left side does not give the full CBD skyline). At this, I was deeply offended. I acknowledge it is a first come first serve thing as it is a public location. However, there really isn't a need to have the attitude of treating fellow enthusiasts as enemies or competitors.
To cut the long story slightly shorter, their friend below, an Indian man whom I forgot to ask for his name, actually allowed me to clamp my set up as he was using a tripod. For that, I thanked him profusely for his kindness when I was leaving before the shoot began, as my friends came along and told me of another spot somewhere nearby.
What an irony, considering it is Kindness Day in Singapore over this weekend. Dear photographers, please remember to consider for the feelings of others and not view photography as a competition for best vantage point or best view and compromising humanity.
Anyway, this is a composite image and I clearly intended to put more in, and intending to share it far and wide. Hopefully, the two selfish and arrogant photographers will see it and reflect.