LIFE ON THE TRACKS By Sharon Hoffmann T

WINNER HE people of Ploenchit district in Bangkok, Thailand, go about their daily life along the city’s train tracks.

The juxtaposition of the “Chanel” girl with the surrounding poverty makes this image powerful, the panel noted. It makes the viewer ask questions and gives context. The strong composition and detail combine for a memorable image that talks about people and place.

It also features a side to the city not seen by tourists.

“A friend in Bangkok took us out to the tracks to introduce us to the real city,” recalls Sharon Hoffman of Johannesburg. “The hotel warned us and said, ‘No, you mustn’t go there. It’s dangerous.’ But we found no aggression or begging — the people were warm and wonderful. It was quite an emotional experience.”