Project Overview
Red Cross Singapore engaged Republic Polytechnic's Mass Communciation students to document the recovery efforts by the Singapore Red Cross Society, following the Great East Japan earthquake in 2011. A team of 9 students were picked for their skills to produce a video documentary and a photo book. The release of the video documentary and photo exhibit has been planned for March 2016. On top of this, there is also a photo exhibit to launch the release of the documented materials.
Roles and contributions
I played the role of photographer during the trip, and doubled up as a video editor after returning. During the trip, we were tasked to take photos and conduct interviews. After the trip, we had to choose and edit the photos. I also helped edit some part of the video for this project.
What I learned
I learned to work as a team, and had a taste of the life of a photojournalist. I also trained my eye for a great photo, and think on my feet. During the selection process, I was taught to look farther beyond a great photo, and to look at a photo with context or relevance to the project I was working on. This kind of photo helped tell the story better. On top of that, my editing skills and greatly improved in terms of efficiency and speed. Working with an experienced producer, I was able to execute the editing instructions.
Project materials
This Pine tree was the last one standing after a Tsunami swept into the town of Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture
Workers pack fish roe at Kawaki Foods' salmon roe processing factory in Iwate Prefecture
A young girl having yogurt during tea break
Workers pack fish roe at Kawaki Foods' salmon roe processing factory in Iwate Prefecture
Nordic Walking is a sport that Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) initiated for the residents in the Kamaishi housing complex. Nordic walking is a total body version of walking, using specially designed walking poles similar to ski poles
A message board for Japan, after the country was hit by a magnitude 9 earthquake and tsunami
The Ishinomaki Red Cross Hospital acted as the command centre after the earthquake struck, receiving up to 1,200 patients daily.
Built on elevated ground, the hall consists of a community hall, meeting room and exhibition spaces, and serves more than 20,000 people
Nordic Walking is a sport that Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) initiated for the residents in the Kamaishi housing complex. Nordic walking is a total body version of walking, using specially designed walking poles similar to ski poles
