Chow Kit Market is a vibrant hub in Kuala Lumpur, full of life, color, and movement. But it’s the quieter, often unnoticed moments behind the scenes that tell the deeper stories. On a recent morning walk, armed with my Monochrom camera and a 50mm fixed lens, I ventured into the narrow alleys behind the market, where the true essence of daily labor unfolds.
The photograph I captured is a candid snapshot of this hidden world. It features a man carrying a heavy box on his shoulder, moving with purpose through a dimly lit corridor stacked with goods. The focus is sharp on the man and the burden he carries, while the blurred foreground of another figure passing by adds depth and a sense of fleeting time. The monochrome palette strips away distractions, highlighting the textures, shadows, and the physicality of his work.
This image is more than just a picture; it’s a glimpse into the resilience and routine that sustain the market. Shooting in black and white with a fixed lens allowed me to concentrate on the emotions and narrative within the scene, capturing a moment that is both ordinary and profound. The photograph stands as a testament to the unnoticed yet vital labor that keeps places like Chow Kit Market alive.