Date: 22 May - 20 Jun 2010
Link: http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=186&Itemid=165
Singapore celebrated this day by launching their own "BiodiverCity Photo Exhibition" on 22 May 2010, outside the Mandarin Gallery. The opening ceremony was graced by Minister of National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan.
Over 700 participants and 2200 submissions entered this competition and who are the lucky winners?
For the Open Category, Mr Steven Tor's patience paid off with this "Otter Jump" claiming the grand prize. The otters are permanent residents at Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, often seen playing around the mangroves. From time to time, even visiting the toilet areas! If you hope to catch a glimpse of them in action (just like this photo), go down to Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve.
Other notable mentions would be my own realm - Ria Tan's own perspective of how our coral reefs are located right in the heart of bustling city. Cyrene reef is a beautiful reef with one of the best seagrass meadows. It is also one of the chosen sites for seagrass monitoring and data are submitted to the International body - Seagrass Watch. Drop by the photo to check out the coral diversity shown in this photo.
Another photo that caught my eyes was this portrait shot of the anteater. What a surprise isn't it? Even in our urban city, we still get to witness the wild life in the remaining forests. In a recent study, deforestation in Singapore (which occurred in the very early years of Singapore) have accelerated and probably decimated the populations of several large mammals including the tiger in Singapore (Yes we do have tigers if everyone recalls their textbook picture). It's just great to see these small mammals still doing well and hope that it will keep it that way!
So what about the Student's category?
Congratulations to Pan Ken Nie, from the Laselle College of Arts. His patience, too, allowed him to capture this rare bird catching its prey amongst the grasslands. In Singapore, the areas with grasslands are getting fewer and one of the better known ones would be at Tanah Merah and some parts of the east. This bird here migrates - usually found in the Indomalayan ecozone... Next time, when you see one, try finding out what it has in its mouth!
Finally some marine stuff! :P
The 3 photos below were not only the marine ones, but they were all from people I know! Yay, congratulations on having them exhibited!
Wesley has been diving with me and this photo that won him a merit prize was taken in one of the southern islands. This swimming crabs are usually quite large and aggressive. In this photo, the crab appears to be looking up in the camera and wondering what the diver was going to do. In the marine realm, our waters have been heavily impacted by sedimentation which can be observed in the photo. However, this poor visibility does not deter the vibrancy of life underwater.
Just like this photo, Ryan captured the act of procreation here by a pair of nudibranch - Hypselodoris bullockii. Macro life underwater in the coral reefs of Singapore is simply amazing and breath-taking. For those who have dived in Singapore will know the immense number of animals that you can find by peering into holes and crevices. From time to time, turtles can be seen. Above water, Indo-Pacific humpbacks will leap and dance for you. :)
The life between tides is also interesting. Zuze, a former honours student in the marine lab has captured a common sight on the seashores. From time to time, these common seastars will lump onto each other with no particular reason. However, Zuze not only captured the stars in action but the composition of how well they are camouflage against the sand. Again, showing the use of colours by nature.
A notable mention (and also a photo which caught my eye) was this Eurasian sparrow perched on this plant. This photo was taken by the youngest contestant, Yihui. What a good eye! A budding photographer no doubt. Hope to see more youths taking up the interest in nature and responsibilities to keep our natural heritage.
Marcus showed me a really great article about Conservation Photography. I quote, "Conservation photography showcases both the beauty of our planet and its vanishing spirit, and it represents the “pictorial voice” used by many conservation organizations to further their messages. Although traditional nature photography is good enough to do the job, the creation of images that inspire and move people to change behaviors and take action requires an understanding of the issues necessary to tell the story; this is the job of a conservation photographer."
Hopefully this exhibition has inspired and will inspire more photographer to give our nature a voice through their pictures. But at the same time, do it responsibly and not tamper the subjects while trying to photograph them. At least I know, that I have learnt a great deal from the photos of my own country's natural heritage and what I do is a good cause. :)
Check out the short news on CNA about the exhibition. Do drop by to check out the photos! :)
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