Winning shot: NDP fireworks captured from refreshing angle

SINGAPORE - Miss Charmaine Yap, 23, has always been fascinated by fireworks.

The producer and director at local production company Tripeaks Imagery said: "Fireworks are beautiful and magical. I like how they capture the joy of our nation's birthday.

"The problem is that they have been shot by others so many times before, mostly using wide lenses.

"I wanted to bring the viewer up close, so I used a long lens and experimented with the composition of my photos."

Miss Yap's photo shows the National Day Parade fireworks, behind the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and Gardens by the Bay.

It was taken from the Marina Bridge, which spans the Marina Channel.

She picked the location after visiting the area twice during parade rehearsals.

She said: "When capturing ephemeral things like fireworks, you have to be clear what you want, because the moment comes and goes so quickly."

"I wanted to shoot during the first few bursts, when there was no smoke in the sky.

"So I had to know exactly when the fireworks would be set off."

She also had a pleasant surprise.

"I didn't expect the image of the National Flag to be projected underneath the MBS SkyPark," she said.

"It added to the patriotic feel of the photo, linking it to Singapore."

Miss Yap's photo won the weekly $500 prize for this yearlong contest organised by The New Paper and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth to encourage Singaporeans to document everyday life in the city.

Unique

It was picked to be the winner by two of our three judges.

Mr Simon Ker, chief photojournalist of The New Paper, said: "This is a well-composed picture showing great fireworks and unique architecture.

"The architecture shows how Singapore has progressed in the last 48 years."

Said Mr Lee Tiah Khee, chief photographer of Lianhe Zaobao: "It shows a new landmark and the angle of the fireworks is refreshing.

"There's a great mood to the photo and very well-balanced composition."

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