Monthly:November 2012
Do you remember that scene in Slumdog Millionaire when the boys are hustling at the Taj Mahal? When I looked at the scan below as it came off my scanner earlier this year, that was the scene that flashed into my mind. Except this photo was taken in August 1989 outside a temple in Penang, Malaysia.
I usually feel somewhat unsettled taking photos in religious spaces, always concerned I’m interrupting an worshiper event though I’m not particularly religious myself. Many houses of worship don’t allow tripods to be used and on this trip I wasn’t carrying one anyway, so this is a hand-held shot in low light so I’m pleased with the way it turned out given the film was Fujichrome 100.
I just love the look on the face of the guy in the middle. While the two singers are dueting away, he’s giving me this sideways why-are-you-pointing-your-camera-at-me look!
One of the acts at this Penang street variety show was performed by a group including several dancers holding candles. This is my favorite shot from that sequence. Given it was hand-held and shot on 100 ISO film, I’m very happy with this result.
I’ve no idea what this guy was singing about but he was going at it all-in. You can see the sweat on his brow – but then this is semi-tropical Malaysia. I was struck by this guy’s gold jacket and the way it’s reflecting some of the red stage lighting. Clearly, from the shadow on the rear wall, the main light here is a spotlight out front.
I don’t know if I just happened to be in Penang during a ‘fringe’ style event or if this sort of thing just goes on all the time but with a one-day break, the street theater stage than had hosted the Chinese Opera was now hosting a variety show – singing, dancing and comedy. I have to say, I didn’t really get the comedy but the locals seemed to find it funny.
