Having Fun (1947)

Photograph Print by Yip Cheong Fun.

This artwork is mounted on mattboard.

Down Memory Lane in Singapore:
Having Fun (1947)

This picture of two naked boys playing along with an East Coast beach in 1947 is nostalgic. Gone are the days when we can find families living near the coastal waters and playing along with the beaches. The master photographer enjoyed taking pictures of little children frolicking in a natural way, completely unaware of the presence of anyone. So natural was the pose and the carefree manner they indulged in play - it makes this picture a great picture in child portraiture for which the lensman achieved world fame.

But more than just a question of portraiture, one needs to admire the superb composition in this photo. We need to observe the position of the upswing of the rope and the central position of a sailing boat within the loop of the rope. This was superb timing indeed in taking this wonderful shot.

If you ask “What makes a great picture? “We can only mention that it depends on a combination of factors. For example - the subject, the message, the composition, timing and mood and the delicate balance of light and shadows. All these are reflected in this extraordinary picture.

 This photograph was taken by Yip Cheong-Fun, the Master lensman to whom The Photographic Society of  New York has conferred the title, “Outstanding Photographer of the Century, ¡±for his work in seascape and other artistic achievements. He was also awarded the coveted 1984 Cultural Medallion by the Government of the Republic of Singapore for artistic excellence.