A Photostory
Our mystery photo spot was at a Kampong village called Kampong Terih. This village is developing into a tourist attraction for tourists visiting Batam to have a glimpse of what Kampong life is all about. We are tasked to take creative shots for this photo competition. It is a simple village by the sea with several stalls selling food and drinks. There are some nicely decorated photo spots within the kampong too.
Just Me and My Camera
To me, it was challenging as I often take photos to document my story and experiences. At the back of my head, I kept looking out for things that are unique about this kampong instead of getting creative with my camera to take shots from various perspectives. As a blogger for almost eight years, I believe it is a job hazard. It was only through this photo competition that I realised that my photography style had been subsumed under the branch of photojournalism. Like many others, I’ve been taking photos to document and not to inspire. Perhaps, I should start looking into portrait or landscape photography where each photo speaks of more depth.
The People
I thought I would see kampongs built out of wooden planks and perhaps a stone well where they collect water from. But no, these kampongs here were constructed with sturdy metallic materials and concrete. The villagers also get to enjoy the scenic view of the sea from where they lived.
Kampong Terih is also labelled as an eco-village because it uses recycled materials like plastic bottles to make ornaments to decorate their village.
Children of Kampong Terih
The children here attend school here in the village. When I spoke to them in English, they were able to utter their answers back in English too.
The villagers welcomed us with music and dance during our 2-hour visitation there. These young girls performed their traditional dance for us in the courtyard.
Kids love being with kids because only kids understand kids, just like how adults could understand adults only.
I took a picture of this boy as he was eating his noodles. He seems rather curious and afraid. Is he afraid of me or that big black thing I was holding?
Other kids, on the other hand, seems to notice their reflection on my camera lens. Naturally, they smiled – with a twinkle in their eyes. “Is that me?”
As humans, we love attention. As kids, they didn’t mind being on camera.
While the adults and elderly of the village sat at the stalls fanning themselves off the heat, the kids were moving actively on the ground. Kids everywhere, I know – even on the boat too.
Playing in the water was fun but spinning a wooden spinning top looked way more interesting. This boy didn’t hesitate to show me how he could spin the top when I asked him to demonstrate.
It’s a must-have kampong game that my parents and grandparents used to play.
They may not have the fanciest toys in the world, so they kept themselves busy with nature.
Less is More
Life looks rosier through tinted lenses – or rainbow umbrellas.
They are the ones who are leading an abundant life. As a matter-of-a-fact, the ones given many are often the ones who felt lacking.
This tree has amassed itself with jackfruits.
All in all, these were the snap-shots of Kampong Terih in 120 minutes.
They lived for the moment – before the moment is all gone.
The Canon Photo Fiesta Trip is organised by Topliners Club in collaboration with Canon Imaging Academy, Wonderful Indonesia and Julian W.Photography and Batam View Beach Resort. To read more about my trip highlights, click here.
All photographs were taken by me with Canon EOS 6D Mark II and Canon EF Lens 24-70mm F/4L IS USM.
