The subject in question was quite excited when he saw me looking at my photos through the LCD screen on my camera. He immediately offered to be my model, expecting nothing in return other than the chance to look at himself through the LCD. I felt quite touched by his enthusiasm and humbled by his contentment. Back home in Singapore, to get my young nephews to pose for photos is a tiring affair unless it is accompanied by the promise of a treat.

The subject struck a few awkward poses perhaps learning from a TV program or a magazine he had seen. Thus, explaining the ‘awkwardness’ of his body/arm and the facial expression.

I managed to get some natural looking shots but love this photo best as it reminded me of the difficult conditions he live in as seen by the ‘layers of dust/dirt’ on his face and worn-out clothes or the squint on his eyes from the harsh Tibetan sun. His awkward poses can only remind me of how much he liked posing for photos and yet not expecting a reward.