Tips on taking the right shots

The Star’s photo editor gives his views and offers pointers to finalists of this year’s NiE photojournalism contest.

The Star’s photo editor gives his views and offers pointers to finalists of this year’s NiE photojournalism contest on improving their photography skills.

OUT of over two thousand entries, eight prevailed as finalists of this year’s Star-NiE (Newspaper-inEducation) photojournalism contest. These eight participants are now in the running for the grand prize – an all-expenses-paid six-day, four-night trip to South Korea, sponsored by Star Media Group.

Five of these students will clinch the grand prize, while the remaining three will join the runners-up on a three-day, two-night trip to Genting Highlands, sponsored by Resorts World Genting. These three finalists will also walk away with a Coolpix W100 camera courtesy of Nikon (Malaysia).

The contest, called Making A Difference (MAD) ran from April through June, and was open to all secondary school students in Malaysia. Participants had to produce a photograph capturing a teenager or young adult (aged between 13 and 25) who consistently inspires social change through his actions.

The photograph is complemented by a 150-word write-up on the featured youth and how his effort is creating an impact in society.

These eight finalists will face off in the grand finals at Menara Star, Petaling Jaya, on Sept 13.

They will be given a task to test their photography skills and impromptu speech in the English language to a panel of judges from The Star, Education Ministry, Resorts World Genting and Nikon (Malaysia).

Star Media Group photo editor Ng Kok Leong gives his comments on four entries and areas where students can improve on. The remaining four will be featured on Sept 3.