Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Read All About It

Time To Bridge The Gap

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Despite quite a few visits to Singapore since I was eleven years old, I don’t think I had ever come across the beam-structured Read Bridge until just before Christmas last year.

I was on my way to India and had very little time to spare, because I was only in transit for a day and a half and I wanted to shoot as many old-world images of the prosperous island-state as I possibly could. (Some of those photographs can be seen at Turn The Corner, Get Your Mind Out Of The Gutter and Open And Shutter Case.)

I was advised to spend some time at Clarke Quay and thought I’d be in and out of there in about twenty minutes. Yeah, right. From the moment I wandered in and shot some frames of a man washing down a glass-topped tourist boat, I probably spent close to three hours there.

I was captivated by the array of colours and sights at the riverside attraction. Comprising a huge array of restored warehouses, restaurants and nightclubs, the area is named after Sir Andrew Clarke, the second governor of Singapore.

Some of the brightly-painted junks moored at the mini-harbour also serve as restaurants, while others are used as sightseeing ferries for tourists. I thought about taking a quick trip on one, but there was so much colour and activity (and so little time) that I chose instead to walk around the whole area, exploring every nook, cranny, street corner, laneway and sub-precinct.

The light was moody, with thick grey cloud and little more than fractured sunlight, so the vibrant colours of the walls and windows were relatively easy to capture.

I walked several kilometers that day, shooting hundreds of frames. But no, I didn’t have any time to put my feet up. Next time I’m there, I’m sure I’ll find myself sitting by the dock of the bay.


Check out RuneE's "Building Bridges" theme at Visual Norway.

22 comments:

GAWO said...

:-) Very nice. Thank for the story. Next time you must spend some time sitting by the dock

Les Becker said...

I love the "umbrella" things... they remind me a little of the pavilion we have here down on our waterfront.

Rune Eide said...

That must be one of the most original bridges I have ever seen, and in that setting I'll use the American Blogger's favourite expression: WOW!!!

Ivar Østtun said...

Interesting bridge. Beautiful captured :-)

cheshire wife said...

You should have known that your estimate of 20 minutes would have been a vast under estimation.

San said...

A feast of color and form. I love the "peephole" effect in the top photograph--it makes me feel as though I'm entering a dream.

Unknown said...

Great story! And what an interesting bridge!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who decides to spend a few minutes photographing something and ends up spending hours!

Jenera said...

I am so jealous of all the great places you get to visit!

Millennium Housewife said...

I think it's fascinating how you talk about photography David, it's as if words and images take it in turns to rule your brain and clamour to be the medium of expression! First you describe your area of photography and then presto, there is the photo. Fabulous.

Ryanne said...

That really is a cool looking structure. I admit I really like the photo shot through something. I think it adds some visual depth! So I know you are a busy guy with lots to do but if you have time to play along I tagged you! All you need to do is open your 6th photo file and post the 6th picture from it and then tag 5 people to play along. I figured you would have some cool picture hiding out in that position of you files! Have a great day.
Ryanne!

EG CameraGirl said...

You have travelled to quite a few places!

This is an interesting look at Singapore, not one I remember ever seeing before.

Gone Back South said...

That's the biggest umbrella I've ever seen.

Cheffie-Mom said...

Just wonderful! What are the things that look like umbrellas? (:

Cath said...

Such an unusual shape. So original - unforgettable.

Woman in a Window said...

I'm with San. It's all about the peep in the first shot.

Sandi McBride said...

It's a good thing there are photographers such as yourself taking pictures of all these exciting things that will most likely be gone in a few years, making way for "modern objects"...more's the pity.
Sandi

Liv said...

As you tell it comes to me, "this got to be an interesting place".
And the bridgepost is good!

Merisi said...

This is a wonderful picture, and not only because it forces one to think
about the reason for the umbrella-type covering! I trust you will show us more images from your "little walk" around Clark Quai. ;-)

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

What interesting structure -- looks like huge opened umbrellas.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

David: Really neat structure once you cross the bridge.

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