Image credit: Dr Fong Chan Onn
Dr Fong Chan Onn from Malaysia has won the prestigious Photographer of the Year 2019 by The Societies. The 76 year old photographer also won the title last year.
The judges remarked, “This image and its huge impact held the judge’s attention for a long time. You can almost smell the smoke in the room. A travel image that will stand the test of time.”
I would add that the image exudes mood and atmosphere where colors, light and framing add to the narrative. There is an intimacy to this scene I find very compelling. The image tells a story which is both exotic and out of the extraordinary for those of us who live the industrialized world. Perhaps it can serve as a reminder about under which conditons out forebears most likely lived. We take our luxuries for granted, so this is also a good reminder that these things we enjoy in western societies are transitient. Not every corner of the planet share our values or lifestyle.
The image portrays a family from Yuanyang, China. Dr Fong Chan Onn captured the scene during a travel last year. He comments on the award, “I am greatly humbled to have won the trust of the judges.” Dr Fong further explains, “I have learnt a great deal from the judges’ decisions. What makes a good photo and what transforms it into a great photo. This award will further inspire me to work even harder”.
Dr Fong is a former cabinet minister in Malaysia. After he retired from the corporate world he took up photography as a hobby. In his college days he also enjoyed photography, but life became too busy and the camera was put on a shelf. Advised by some friends Fong attended photography classes to hone his skills. This has indeed payed off owing to the fact that he has landed several photography awards.
“2019 has been another incredible year for The Societies of Photographers’ Monthly Image Competition, with 11,320 images entered throughout the year.”, The Societies states.
[via The Societies / Image shared with permission]
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