The interaction between an image and its viewer evokes a sense of connection through thoughts and minds, touching the depths of the soul.
This is the captivating beauty of photography, resembling a documentation that captures a story within a single image, without the need for sentences or words.
Every photographer, whether using a smartphone or a digital camera, possesses this unique understanding.
“When I hold the camera, I already sense the story I want to convey. The uniqueness of moments that are not often seen is what captures my focus when taking pictures, like the moment of the sunset behind an oil rig,” said Muhamad Azlan bin Mohd Jefri.
He clinched first place during the Weather Photography Competition held in conjunction with World Meteorological Day by the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD), Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) recently with his photo titled ‘Red Sun at the Oil Rig’.
Having dedicated 15 years to the art of photography, Muhamad Azlan submitted a collection of 16 images for the competition. He described how moments like misty weather, lightning, sunrise, sunset, and others became constant companions in his photography, all reflecting the competition’s theme: ‘The Future of Weather, Climate, and Water Across Generations’.
Having been awarded the BND500 cash prize and certificate, the competition winner explained that his involvement transcended mere exhibition of his work. For Muhamad Azlan, it was an opportunity to explore his photographic artistry, marked by continuous growth through shared knowledge and experiences with judges and fellow participants.
THE BEAUTY OF NATURE
In the realm of photography, there exists an artistry that transcends mere depiction, delving deep into the essence of natural beauty. Such is the realm that Norsah bin Haji Kassim explores with his lens as he managed to capture the delicate dance of rain and lightning, which earned him second place in the competition
His winning image, titled ‘Lightning Crashes Across the Brunei Sky, Accompanied by Torrential Rain from Late Afternoon Until Nightfall’ portrayed a fleeting yet mesmerising moment.
Recalling the moment, Norsah recounted the night-time excursion where the stormy weather sparked a creative flame, compelling him to capture the magnificence of the scenery. With Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah as his backdrop, he elevated the image to a cinematic realm of beauty.
Despite securing second place, Norsah’s journey as a freelance photographer since 2017 has been marked by unwavering passion and dedication. His emphasis on landscape and bird photography mirrors a profound connection with the natural world, evident in every frame he captures.
Ainatul Ruwaidah binti Rosli, the competition’s third place winner, recounted the experience of capturing her contest entry.
MOMENTS OF BLESSED BLISS
She spontaneously took the photo using her mobile phone during a leisurely outing with the family in the area of Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas. “It was truly a sight to behold, a gift from Allah the Almighty, as the reddish-orange sky breathed life into the sunset over the waters of Kampong Ayer.
“Adding to the beauty (of the scene), was a cruise ship anchoring in the middle of the waters in the capital city, with wooden houses still maintaining their authenticity, connected to each other by wooden plank bridges,” she explained.
Reflecting on her personal collection of images titled ‘Voyage Through Time: The Sunset Whispers the Story of the Generations of Kampong Ayer,’ Ainatul shared that the image proves that Kampong Ayer, the water village in the capital city, is an iconic heritage site full of history, and even more prominent as a tourist destination within the country to this day.
“This moment of victory certainly encourages me to further brave myself in entering any photography competitions, while reinforcing the belief in continuously honing my skills,” she said in an interview.
UNVEILING TALENT, BROADENING HORIZONS
In the spirit of World Meteorological Day, the BDMD and MTIC organised the Weather Photography Competition, inviting public participation from October 10, 2023 to February 10, 2024. The competition garnered an enthusiastic response, attracting 60 participants who submitted a total of 234 images. Entries were judged based on their relevance and artistic representation of weather scenarios, showcasing the diverse patterns of nature.
Beyond showcasing the participants’ photographic talents, the competition sought to raise awareness about the various facets of weather and climate. These elements, often underestimated, profoundly impact both individuals and communities.
The event not only highlighted the beauty of photography but also served as a reminder of the importance of understanding and appreciating the world around us. – Nurdiyanah R
