07.04.2025 | The world is your oyster
Us Against The World © Shannon Dinh
If you’re lucky, there’s a pearl inside.
"The world is your oyster"—cool phrase, but it sounded odd to me at first, especially as a non-native English speaker. Basically, it means you’ve got lots of opportunities and can chase your dreams freely.
I later learned it comes from Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor. The character says, "The world's mine oyster, which I with sword will open," meaning he’ll fight to get what he wants. The oyster represents hidden treasure—like pearls in life you have to work hard to find.
Lately, that image sticks with me. Sometimes you really do have to toughen up to go after what you want. Not violently, just with more edge. Like shucking an oyster—it’s tough, but worth it. And if you’re lucky, there’s a pearl inside.
I feel the same way about photography. To truly document the world around us, you need patience, empathy, and the courage to chase a moment when it appears. Sometimes it’s quiet work, sometimes bold—but either way, you’ve got to stay present and keep showing up.
Nothing new under the sun, just new ways of seeing.
The real and the perceived.
On the left, a plate of freshly shucked oysters, splashed with hot sauce and served with lemon. On the right, a large water stain on a weathered tarp near Whitstable Harbour. It wasn’t staged or styled, but its shape immediately reminded me of a mollusc shell.
These photos were taken in completely different settings and, if categorised, would likely fall into different genres—“Food” and “Abstract.” But to me, they share something visually and conceptually. They both evoke the form and presence of shellfish.
It’s a small reminder that subject matter can repeat itself, but how we see it—that part is always up to us. The world doesn’t need to be new to feel new. Sometimes, it’s all about shifting your perspective.
Ice Cream Van © Shannon Dinh
There’s something undeniably joyful about spotting an ice cream van on the street. The bright colours, the playful menu illustrations, the swirl of Mr Whippy topped with syrup, and the queue—mostly kids, sometimes hopeful dogs—waiting their turn. It’s a summer classic, loved by all.
As a kid, ice cream felt like the greatest reward. Now, I don’t have it as often—maybe because we’re spoiled for dessert choices. But still, nothing quite matches the feeling of chasing down the van, hearing the jingle, and holding that cone in your hand. A moment of pure happiness, unchanged by time.
It's impossible to mention ice cream without thinking of Martin Parr's iconic The Last Resort [kids with ice creams] photograph. Parr's work masterfully balances affection and critique, portraying his subjects with both humor and empathy.
