NUS Rag & Flag Day 2004

[tomshen]

I donno what's so photojournalistic about these shots as pointed out. It seems to me to be snap shots of groups of friends in colourful costumes that basically says nothing.

Hi pal, I am glad to hear your feedback. May I invite you a visit to the full series on my website and then let me know what you think? I admit that the above photos do not tell a complete story, at most they are some fun poses.

On the other hand, people in CS are more forgiving to me as they generally know my style: focusing on the people OFF the stage. For this event, I simple ignored the performance itself for two reasons: 1) no pass then cannot shoot; 2) the performers were against the harsh sun so that a lot of shadows were on their faces. Normally in my event candid shoot, I don't ask people to pose. But in this case, that was the best way I found to get some energy in the pictures. In fact it was a more difficult event from my experience. Those students were quite alert with strangers like me around. That's why I changed my approach and asked for poses. What is your view then?

And what others say?

In fact I'd like everyone else to be more harsh to me as I am looking for breakthrough in my present style. Any input would be highly appreciated!

 

[Stefen]

As LimCB has said (in a rude way though), I am sorry I didn't find this representation that special compared to your past series, as the presenters are bascially posing for a shot that looks potentially snappy.

I think a more candid approach might do the trick, especially when the students are closer to their proper performance (they tend to concentrate more, more prayers, more concentrated poses).

you shot quite a bit of my hall though (eusoff!! the ones in red and golden), so well done on that...

 

[LimCB]

Rude? Where? How?Why beat around the bush but still say the same thing?

Tomshen, I really think you have the eye for moments. Ever thought of following a group of these students throughout preparations and presentations for the whole r/r day?

I have been through the same r/r fiasco. You can really shoot a good story from it. Starting from Orientation right up to flag day.
Your present series is too static. Too safe. Too crowd pleasing. There's no substance.

 

[tomshen]

Hello Sefen and LimCB! appreciate your inputs, though I do not agree with u in some points.

Personally I don't think the "candid" approach would be effective for this event due to limited space and messy environment. Everyone saw each other and therefore it's very hard to shoot without being spotted. I do have a lot of candid shots (not in this series), but quite ordinary. Eventually these posed group shots look more dynamic.

LimCB, I think u have a good point in "Ever thought of following a group of these students throughout preparations and presentations for the whole r/r day?" That could be interesting.

But regarding this comment: "Your present series is too static. Too safe. Too crowd pleasing. There's no substance." Is it really that bad? Or my perspective and implementation were so lousy? I'd really like to see some illuminating examples to open up my mind. Anyone?

 

[yowch]

Tom, we met on the field, you were shooting close-ups (with wide angle) I was shooting from far (with tele). And I focused only on Kent Ridge Hall, where I stayed for 4 years, about a decade ago.

My wife commented that the details and wide angle shots brought you close into the action, and gave colours to the event. On the other hand, my far shots were too detached, more of an outsider looking at the event. Journalistic? to me, certainly they are. Performers are meant to perform, and posing for a photo is very natural for performers. As a matter of fact, performers do not like to be shot 'out-of-performance' when they don't look their best.

The series you have in your site does tell the 'Rag spirit' as we call it (I built 5 floats for Kent Ridge Hall, I should know). In any case, let's hit Rag again next year.

 

[tomshen]

hi yowch, nice meeting u there! Thanks for your view. I tend to agree with your point regarding the performers' posing part. u put it clearer than i did. Hope to see u again

 

[nick_drake]

woah dude, ur pics are lively, i can tell just how much fun those ppl were having....at least thats all i can say cos i just picked up photography a few days ago.. ....im here at clubsnap to learn more...and pick things up faster....cool...

 

[tomshen]

woah dude, ur pics are lively, i can tell just how much fun those ppl were having....at least thats all i can say cos i just picked up photography a few days ago.. ....im here at clubsnap to learn more...and pick things up faster....cool...

Oh well, welcome I have been learning photography here too. Wish u also have fun here.

 

[Stefen]

To LimCB, its probably just different way expressing views. Not beating around the bush, but I believe some entiqutte is necessary for pleasant communication. just my personal opinion.

TomShen, since your focus is behind the scenes, it will be quite interesting to note that my hall (Eusoff!!) had a private showing to the alumini the night before at 10pm, and the performance then was more dynamic, more natural and in your face. I felt that the 'spirit' was stronger then, and would have made a rather itneresting pictorial.

At your next outing to rag and flag (i saw you shooting last year as well), it will be wise to actually ask the organisers to give you a pass to be their offcial photographer (I have the contacts, do pm me on this, but can only reply you near nov as i will be overseas)

Cheers,

 

[eskie]

Hi Tom,

got directed to your site a few hours ago by a friend of mine who was the costume designer for my hall. enjoyed seeing my friends on those photos haha pointed your gallery to my blockmates too.

in fact i even saw myself in a corner of one of the photos
very disturbing ahhaha thank god it was obscure
haha actually i more or less saw you on the day itself
its not difficult to pick out the big cameras from miles away and i had a feeling that one of the clubsnap peolpe are down to enjoy the visual feast

last year's rag day, a photographer even came equipped with a namecard and gave it to some of the girls. hahaha i have this vague memory that he was from clubsnap... not you right?

nonetheless, nice photos. thanks for coming and it is RAG day coz things are made from rag material? erm yeah.. recycled. rubbish. rag. i dunno. :dunno:

heh

 

[eskie]

you shot quite a bit of my hall though (eusoff!! the ones in red and golden), so well done on that...

hahaha hope i didnt say what hall i was from in my previous post well congrags on winning *sniff* lol

must admit i love the dancers haha as always. last year's dancers were just as brilliant. i did notice that there never seems to be any fat people in eusoff rag dancers whee

 

[tomshen]

Hi Stefen and and eskie, thx for your comments So both of you are from NUS.

ok, regarding the pass, thx but I don't really need as I mostly stay with those dancers before their performance. The actual performance was very difficult to shoot: a lot of shadows against the harsh sun. But anyway, thx and I ever go down for the next, would like to request for a pass, if possible.

eskie: I shot 2003 as well, and if I remember correctly, I did give my card to a few students, not sure girls or guys lol. That's only for them to request for photos.

 

[Witness]

i tink most of the shots are pretty decent.... a combination of candids and posed shots and still life would combine to give a good picture story...

in journalistic/event photography, i feel that the end product should be able to tell a story without any words and explaination during presentation.... juz look at the photos and one should know wat the whole event is about....thus a myraid of photo genres are required...

i tink u kinnda made it in my context tom...great job...