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Mr. Yuen Kok-Leng, A.R.P.S. of Malaysia
often uses the verandah of a house to take close-up portraits of Indian
and Malay children. In countries where the sunlight is strong and
steep, it is sometimes difficult to get pleasing half-tones and Mr.
Kok-Leng uses light reflected from the ground and walls to achieve
delightful portraits with beautiful modeling and skin texture.
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His child subjects are aware of the
camera and consequently he has to seek their co-operation with patience
and understanding.
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`I first try to make friends with
children by getting to know them,' he says. He tries to win them over
and finds sweets a useful aid to this purpose. Gradually he introduces
the camera, allowing them to get familiar with it. After a while the
children forget the camera and he begins to make some exposures. He
says: 'Children will not be rushed. Treat them as equals and do not let
your talk be patronizing. Get them to do something and join in their
games.'
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