From left: Chan, Lyn, Yuen, Ho, Teh and Khoh at the judging session at the Gamuda Gardens Experience Gallery (Photos by Mohd Izwan Mohd Nazam)

A feeling of anticipation fills the air as the ­judging session of Gamuda Land’s Through Your Lens photography contest takes place at the lush Gamuda Gardens Experience Gallery in Rawang.

Gamuda Land has partnered with The Edge Malaysia for this year’s contest, themed “Forging Sustainability”. Held from Oct 25 to Dec 31, 2021, the competition garnered 800 submissions and the winners will be announced at a prize presentation ceremony in February.

Lending their expertise in the judging of the contest are Gamuda Land executive director (branding and customer experience) Yuen Chee Meng, Leica M ambassador Malaysia Lydia Ho and Anntopia founder, photojournalist and Women Photographers Malaysia co-founder Annice Lyn, as well as The Edge Malaysia’s City & Country acting editor E Jacqui Chan, chief commercial officer Sharon Teh and art director Sharon Khoh.

The participants had submitted the photos they felt best showcase the sustainability efforts and diverse biodiversity of Gamuda Land townships. Winners will take home a total of RM14,500 in cash prizes — the grand prize of RM5,000, second prize of RM3,000, third prize of RM1,500 and 10 consolation prizes.

Unique perspectives

As the judges lay an array of printed images on the table in the meeting room and look at them intently, they share their rationale for some of their favourites. After nearly two hours of deliberation, the winners — who will be revealed at the prize-giving ceremony next month — are chosen.

“There are certain elements that I look for, such as great use of light, composition and timing, and subject clarity. There has to be a level of creativity, good emotion, impact, sustainability efforts and biodiversity showcased with a unique perspective,” says Ho.

“I commend the winners and I would like to congratulate them as it was not easy to make the final decision. There were many outstanding entries.”

Lyn says, “In terms of the selection of winners, I look for great use of foreground sunlight reflected and exposed in the images. There also has to be a human touch [or human element] in the frames … symbolising the next generation in forging a sustainable and fulfilling living.

“One of the winners illustrated a good change of perspective, overlooking a view [of the township] and highlighting different hues of sunlight.”

Gamuda Land’s Yuen chimes in, “Looking at our theme, which is sustainability and biodiversity, the winners that we have chosen fit our criteria and what we are looking for. 

“Our first choice was chosen for the composition, colour, ray of light … and also, it showcases one of our townships and the developments there. I believe it deserves the top spot. It captures the essence of Gamuda Land and our championing of the sustainability theme.

“We chose our runner-up based on the human elements reflected in the image amid a lush surrounding. We also considered the quality of the images.

“The calibre of the submissions was excellent. The submissions this year were stronger than the last photo contest we held. We could ­really see, and appreciate, the creativity and passion of the participants.”

Yuen says the main objective of the Through Your Lens photography contest is “to show appreciation to our loyal customers and stakeholders who have helped to shape us into what we are today, with the attractive prizes that we have to offer”.

“With our chosen theme for the contest, we had hoped to see diverse submissions on how the participants perceive Gamuda Land developments ‘through their lens’. The submissions we looked through are unique, original and creative. Overall, I believe the judges are very happy with the outcome of the contest.”