Trendy Haji Lane Photo

Photographer’s Note

My son No1 told us to await his list of things he wanted from Singapore. In the end he sent us an email from Melbourne about Haji Lane, where he found out that one can buy uniquely designed T-shirts. So off we went to visit this place and to tell you the truth, we were most surprised to find a little street like Haji in the middle of Singapore.
Each shop strives to shock a little by using loud colours and motifs. Graffiti is used artistically to decorate the facades and columns. Odd objects, sculptured anthropomorphic carvings and potted plants adorn the entrances to the shops. It is a place that is not easy to forget- narrow and intimate, yet boldly creative. Of course it is a place where young Singaporeans come and shop for a little bit of expensive and safe non-conformity.

“Where in Singapore can you find the most un-Singaporean-like street? In the last three years, little Haji Lane – once a narrow, nondescript back lane a stone’s throw from tourist-thronged Sultan Mosque – has found some fame with its independent fashion boutiques and homeware stores. But that fame seemed to have plateaued in this fast nation with a limited attention span. Oddly, and some say thankfully, the neighbourhood is frozen in its original, fringy, doing-my-own-thing flavour. Few visitors today are aware of its existence, even as they traipse past neighbouring Arab Street.
The regulars here will tell you that Haji Lane is no place for a tai-tai or a princess – it’s the diametric opposite of the golden ghetto of Orchard Road. But for the adventurous visitor, Haji Lane is can be a very eye-opening detour. Edgy and spirited, Haji Lane will certainly not disappoint shoppers with a taste for independent fashion boutiques and quirky small shops. That is why it remains a favourite haunt for art students, young creative types and the occasional expat.”
www.singaporesights.com/sight/explore-little-streets-singapore

batalay, Dyerco has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

batalay (20940) 2009-07-01 4:23

Hello Klaudio,

Your son certainly gave you a good lead in sending you up Haji Lane. I see that the street is blocked off with red and white cones at the end, indicates that it is accessible for pedestrian only. It was wise to make the couple strolling through the narrow street the focal point, and to include the board with the list of gastronomical delights to create the cosmopolitan climate of the city.

Warm regards,

Bulent

phwall (5564) 2009-07-01 4:38

Hi Klaudio,
Good shot of a nostalgic view of what Singapore used to look like. My first visit to this city was in the very early seventies, then pretty well the whole city looked like Haji Lane. There are a few streets left today and thankfully this is one of them.
I hope you purchased something trendy while you were there.
I enjoyed reading your note very much.
Wonderful presentation.
Regards
Peter

macondo (13111) 2009-07-01 5:11

Hi Klaudio.
Still up? I just realised it's only 10pm in Melbourne, so why not?
I found it hard to take shots in Singapore because of the brightness, the glare, the haze etc. The short shadows in this one suggest it was near midday, making it even harder, but the angle of view and the subject makes up for any lack of richness in the colours. I think you found a great viewpoint with a terrific perspective effect, and an eye-pleasing repetition of old shop fronts in the shadow of the skyscraper. I like the pink bicycle! You captured the all-important pedestrians at just the right point, their bags presumably full of t-shirts. Excellent work to control the bright light, and a good note as well.
It's very warm and muggy here - almost Singaporean.
See you next week.
Regards,
Andrew

Dyerco (9078) 2009-07-01 6:53

Hi Klaudio
I have not beem as active on TE as I now post on TL as well. Anyway it was good to hear from you and this image is a treat. I like the juxtaposition of the older neighbourhood under the shadow of the modern office building. Thankfully this little area has been spared from the bulldozer so far. Interesting that the foos sign on the right is in English.
Cheers
Phil

serp2000 (9501) 2009-07-01 7:00

Privet, Klaudio,

Excellent shot! There is a spirit of big vacation, far travel. Nice colours, good composed. TFS!
Have a nice time!
Serghei

AKITA (5343) 2009-07-02 8:49

dear Klaudio,
a very interesting shot of the unique street in Singapore,
I like this feeling of street-view so much,
repetition of crowded houses, fore rough panel, pink bicycle on the wall, strange passengers, and distant big wall of the building, all make this original mood there.
hot and wet wind blows here through the monitor screen...
thank you for your excellent shot,
Akihisa

foozi (4717) 2009-07-03 5:54

Hi Klaudio,
excellent perspective and such a simple shot but give a lot of impact. I like seeing the bike being hung up on the pillar. Quite funny but that is style and creativity.
the perspective, the lines, the texture and human value is very effective here.
well thought and nice and pleasant depiction of Hj Lane.

regards,
Foozi

stego (22352) 2009-07-09 16:03

Hi Klaudio,
Indeed, I would hardly associate Singapore with this image. It looks much "3rd World" in a good sense, with a certain chaotic charm, although in fact it's quite neat and impeccably clean. It has a certain European, or maybe more appropriately, colonial (Caribbean?) look. It's also surprising that it is almost empty, because it looks like the kind of place that attracts much tourists. You produced a very attractive photo, putting the couple in a good place and did a remarkable job with the light management.
Regards,
José