A dissenting voice from down under
Finally, my seventh candidate for Project Exodus, Sumi Henry who is currently residing permanently in Australia. She’s a friend’s niece who has been living in Australia for the past 10 years. Coincidentally, she’s back for a short week or two to catch up with family and friends. I caught up with her the day before she’s scheduled to fly off.
We had the shoot just outside her uncle’s house in PJ.
Here, she’s seated under a tree by the road, facing the setting sun, in a straight forward ambient-only lighting.
We went further down the road, and I had her sit on the kerb facing away from the sun. I had to work really fast in the next couple of shots just to utilise the fast setting sun as my separation light.
And here’s where I thought the mood was the most appropriate; a low-key atmosphere with a straight-face serious stare. The strobe was aimed a little towards her back. Her face and upper chest are catching the feathered light of the strobe, hence missing a large region on her front.
And here’s another shot of her with a hint of flare just off her left shoulder. All shots manually exposed at f/5.6, 1/160 sec @ ISO 100, taken with EF 50mm prime, with single bare strobe off-camera to my right. The strobe is now aimed a little more towards her front, hence breaking away from the previous low-key flavour. I had to admit, I was too lazy to set it up with an umbrella; hence the pretty harsh shadows under her chin.
Sumi has been kind enough to help me spread the word on Project Exodus. She will be bringing back with her some A5 flyers I’ve printed regarding this initiative. Please feel free to download the print-ready flyer in A5 sizes at the given link for distribution in your current location.
I’ve been distributing them in cafes, restaurants, art centres etc in Malaysia. So far, I haven’t had any luck, except for a handful of people who emailed me expressing their support for what I’m doing. Some preferred not to participate for personal reasons, but promised to help spread the word.
Sumi will do the same when she gets back to Australia. Hopefully, she is able to get the attention of some serious Malaysians who would consider helping in this cause. For all you Malaysians and ex-Malaysians in Australia reading this, I thank you in advance for considering to be part of history in making a visual statement. Your co-operation is deeply appreciated and valued for the sake of a better Malaysia.
One done. Total 7 in hand. Need 54 subjects. 47 more subjects to go.