Fong’s bridge to recognition

(Left) ’The Flying Pheonix‘ landed Fong the British Photographic Society Picture of the Year in the Architecture category.

PICTURES of mundane objects can take on new life when seen from different angles.

Take a bridge, for example, which, from a certain perspective, can be seen as sharing the shape of a bird.

This is the perspective of Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn’s photograph titled “Flying Pheonix” which makes the Wawasan bridge in Putrajaya look like a legendary bird.

With the bridge pole smack in the middle with thin metal stiles spreading to each side of the photo, providing a harmonious symmetrical composition to the image.

“I took the picture from the middle of the bridge and the result was marvellous.

“There are no skyscrapers around and with the empty dark sky as the background, it made the object stand out even more,” said Fong.

The picture landed him a British Photographic Society Picture of the Year in the Architecture category.

Fong’s ’The Nest on Sea’ was selected as Picture of the Year in the Landscape category.

Another work titled “Nest on Sea”, a long exposure shot of a small fishing hut and the scenic view surrounding it during high tide in the afternoon, was selected as the Picture of the Year for the Landscape category.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I received the news while I was in the Falkland Islands after returning from Antarctica this month.

“‘Nest of the Sea’ was submitted in June last year and was only selected as ‘highly recommended’ and not a Gold award picture.

“So, I never thought I would get chosen,” said the former Cabinet minister and corporate figure.

Using exposures as long as six minutes at 16 aperture stops, the fishing hut is in focus but the moving tide and clouds create a blurred but smooth image, making it seem surreal.

The neutral density filter fixed at the lens reduces the amount of light entering it.

Fong with one of his pictures of the King penguin of Antartica. — S.S. KANESAN/The Star

“The cloud formation is nice, I think this is why it was selected as Picture of the Year,” Fong added.

Speaking of the competition, he said it was tough to come out tops but the natural appeal of the Malaysian landscape seemed to have called to the judges.

“I believe the judges love the different landscapes in Malaysia as they might consider it as something different.

“The contestants too came up with arresting visuals such as the rare Northern lights and barren lands.

“Countries with four seasons will have better street photos as the characters and the different clothing worn by the locals give a splendid variety,” he said.

Fong picked up photography as a hobby shortly after retiring from the corporate world and self-groomed his skill with an endless passion to learn and try new things.

It landed him in different areas of photography.

Next, Fong said he would like to try out wildlife and macro photography.

“I will be going to Serengeti in Africa to take pictures of the wildebeest in March as it is the prime period for the animals to give birth.

“In the mean time, I am still learning to capture macro shots of insects,” he said.