World Press Photo 2016 exhibition from March 3-26 launched at National Museum

(From left) The Straits Times editor Warren Fernandez, World Press Photo exhibitions manager and curator Babette Warendorf and Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin at the launch of the World Press Photo exhibition on March 2, 2017. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Visitors look at the photos on display during the World Press Photo exhibition launch on March 2, 2017. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
A visitor look at the photos on display during the World Press Photo exhibition launch on March 2, 2017. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin (left) and SPH Deputy CEO Patrick Daniel at the launch of the World Press Photo exhibition on March 2, 2017. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

SINGAPORE - Pictures have the power to impact those who see them and those who take them.

Photojournalists Warren Richardson and Kazuma Obara shared the journeys which led to their award-winning photos at the launch of the 2016 World Press Photo exhibition on Thursday (March 2).

The exhibition, which was launched by Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin, will take place from March 3 to 26.

Said Mr Tan: "The role of journalists and trained visual storytellers remains vitally important. There's a significant responsibility to not just snap an image but understand the context and what is actually happening."

Presented by The Straits Times, the exhibition comprises 145 award-winning photos from the 2016 World Press Photo (WPP) competition and 30 photos by ST photojournalists.

Besides the photo exhibition, a panel discussion and talks will also be held at the National Museum of Singapore, the official venue supporter. Admission is free, but registration is required for the sessions.

The panel discussion on Friday (March 3) at 6.30pm is on the topic of "Photojournalism in the Age of New Media".

Mr Richardson, Mr Obara, and 2017 WPP judge Yumi Goto will form the panel.

Mr Richardson, who won the 2016 WPP of the Year award, will speak on the topic of refugees at 11am on Saturday.

Mr Obara, who won the first prize in the category "People", will speak about uncovering the "invisible" through visual storytelling at 1pm.

ST photojournalists Caroline Chia, Mark Cheong, Neo Xiaobin and Kevin Lim will also share their experiences at talks on March 12, March 19 and March 25.

For more information, go to https://www.straitstimes.com/st-world-press-photo-2016

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.