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The Arch of Former Nanyang University by Siew Bee Lim

The Arch of Former Nanyang University captures a poignant piece of Singaporean history, framing the iconic structure against the weight of time. The photographer utilized a wide 16mm focal length and a narrow f/22 aperture to ensure deep focus, emphasizing the architectural details of the arch. The image highlights the physical remnants of the university, including the partially buried footings that alter the structure's perceived height. This photograph is award-worthy for its ability to blend historical narrative with technical precision, transforming a controversial relic into a compelling visual study of preservation and architectural identity.

The Arch of Former Nanyang University by Siew Bee Lim
SONY ILCE-6000 with E PZ 16-50mm
Exposure 1/30sec @ f/22 | ISO 100 | Focal Length 16mm
Copyright Β© Siew Bee Lim
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Siew Bee Lim

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Born in Singapore in 1965, Siew Bee Lim has long nurtured a passion for the art of photography. Recognizing the value of structured growth, she has turned to the Light & Composition platform to refine her technical skills and deepen her creative practice. Her work reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and a keen interest in documenting the cultural and historical landscapes of her home country.

Profile View Full Profile
12.9/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
270/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
12,278 views | 3 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date August 7, 2017
63.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 11.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 17.0
Style 11.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Singapore

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Black & White Photography
Siew Bee Lim Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (12.7/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,422/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
12,278/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
2.7/5 points
270/500 Submission
Jury Score: 63.0/80
Resonance Score: 12.7/20
Total Award Score: 75.7/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
1/30sec at f/22, 16mm. Diffraction is the enemy here. Stopping down to f/22 on an APS-C sensor softens the fine architectural edges, turning crisp stone into mush. It’s a technical miscalculation that undermines the intended sharpness. I’ve seen this mistake too often; the desire for deep focus shouldn't cost you resolution. It’s frustrating to see such a strong subject compromised by basic optics. The composition holds, but the data tells a story of lost potential.
Amara Diallo Portrait, Human Story & Narrative Portraiture Expert Review
We look at this arch and we don’t just see stone; we see a ghost of a conversation. By burying the footings, Siew Bee Lim forces us to listen to the ground beneath. It’s as if the university is trying to whisper its secrets upward. I’ve walked past such ruins, but here, the silence feels heavy, almost human. It’s a portrait of a memory that refuses to be forgotten. This is a photograph that haunts me.
Dmitri Kasakov Contrast, Shadow Drama & the Metaphysics of Light Expert Review
Shadows here don't merely cling to the stone; they swallow the history beneath the arch. It’s a brutal, honest darkness. By forcing the aperture to f/22, Lim traps the light in a suffocating, crystalline grip. I’ve stared at these buried footings until my own pulse slowed, feeling the crushing weight of what’s been erased. It doesn't invite us in. It demands we acknowledge that time isn't a river, but a tomb we’re slowly building.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Margaret Holt

The Weight of Stone

There is a peculiar silence that gathers around structures built by hands that have long since moved on.

Read the reflection →
By Owen Callister

The Persistence of Stone

Lichens are the quiet pioneers of the landscape, secreting acids that slowly break down the surface of bare rock to create the first thin layer of soil. They do not fight the stone; they inhabit it, turning the unyielding mineral into a foundation for future growth.

Read the reflection →

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