In-Lecture Exercise D

Photo 1

Low angle shot (Hong Sui Sen Memorial Library)

From what I understand, a low angle shot is supposed to make the subject look more powerful, respected and threatening. Hence, I used a low angle shot to make HSSML look intimidating. After all, this is where lots of students flock to to study for exams - something that is daunting and unavoidable. 

Given the techniques used to capture this image, I think that audiences that view this image will feel threatened by the library that is seemingly looking down on and belittling them. Portraying the library in a threatening light was thus apt. 

Photo 2

Close Up Shot (Moon)

Given that the Moon is extremely far from us, it may be misleading to call this shot a "close up". However, I feel that since certain features such as craters are visible without zooming into the picture, it can still qualify as a "close up".  The rule of thirds was also applied in this photograph so as to naturally draw a viewer's eyes to the subject. 

I feel that this close up shot of the moon will illicit some awe amongst viewers. We usually see the moon from afar, and only at certain times of the day and year. Thus, I felt that the close up shot would be able to reveal some details otherwise not visible to the naked eye without the use of specific equipment. 

Photo 3

Extreme Long Shot + Eye-Level Shot (NUS UTown Bus Stop)

While waiting for my bus to FASS, I noticed how desolate the bus stop was, and I aimed to capture the usually-bustling bus stop in this very state. I utilized a basic eye-level shot because this bus stop is well patronized and familiar to most people on campus - I did not think that capturing the bus stop from various angles could make it more interesting to audiences than it really is. 

Next, an extreme long shot was thus suitable so that I could emphasize the place, location, and "mood" of the environment. This will allow audiences to see how empty the bus stop was, and hopefully they will share my surprise by discrepancy between the usual state of the bus stop and the way it was that day. Had I used just a long shot or mid shot, the photo would only focus on a single subject (perhaps the cordoned-off seat or the lady waiting as well), and not accurately capture the mood of the whole bus stop at that point in time.

Photo 4

Bird Eye’s View (Mochtar Riady Building Atrium, NUS Business School)

I took a picture of the MRB atrium from a top down angle so as to capture the emptiness of the building, as well as the segregation of seats due to COVID-19 safe distancing measures. Just like the bus stop in the previous picture, MRB's atrium is usually packed with students studying or hanging out while waiting for classes to start. On other days, company representatives are invited to hold outreach sessions to job-seeking students. However, the pandemic has somewhat killed the mood on campus, making the once-lively building a shadow of its former self. 

The angle of the shot gives off a sense of surveillance with this all-encompassing angle since atrium in its desolate state is captured in its entirety. Perhaps the photo will trigger some nostalgia in audiences, as the MRB atrium was where some orientation games were held as well.