Photography

Photography Competitions/Contests

The last few photography competitions leading up to the end of 2025. Here are the ones that I am working on in November 2025 till December 2025 

Concrete in Life 2526

A global photography competition that I found out last year or so, I would be joining and participating in Concrete in Life 2526. While I am not really an architectural photographer, I regularly take cityscapes and travel photography, where concrete plays an important role in the building of a country and society, from roads, bridges, to the homes in the cities that we live in. 

Sony World Photography Awards 2025

A worldwide photography contest that I have been regularly participating in over the years. I am in the process of curating and selecting my photographs for submission to Sony World Photography Awards 2025 in December 2025 before the closing date. If you are keen to participate in Sony World Photography Awards 2025, do check them out!

Civic District in Focus 2025

I recently joined a night photography event, Civic District in Focus 2025 by Arts House Group. It was more of a fun photo night walk, exploring Civic District in a new light, views and perspectives, even though I had been photographing events and heritage buildings in the Civic District over past two decades. 

There is a photography contest, it’s a public voting contest and winners stand a chance to win Fujifilm X Half Cameras. I am excited to share my 4 photography entires featuring:

• The Arts House at The Old Parliament 
• Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall
• Asian Civilisations Museum 
• National Gallery Singapore

Please show some love and support for my entires! Vote here -> https://artshousegroup.sg/civic-district/cvd-in-focus-2025/voting?searchName=GengHui 

Thank you for your support! 

Exhibitions 

1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 9th to 12th October 2025

The 1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 was held from 9th to 12th October 2025 at The Art Space SG. I have a photograph selected for display at NPAE 2025, it’s a great honour and I would like to thank the panel for selecting my photograph to be part of 1st National Photography Art Exhibition celebrating SG60.

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Still Working on my SG60 Visual Storytelling Personal Project 

I am still working on my SG60 visual storytelling personal project, consolidation of my photos shot in 2025 as part of SG60, curation of photographs shot over the decades for consideration that would be selected for SG60 my personal project.

Given my current progress, the constraints on hand, I am most likely to start on my SG60 visual storytelling project after the year 2025 has ended.

Travel Photography and Content Creation

It’s time to finally give myself a short overseas travel break, and to finally revive my travel photography and content creation. I don’t have to necessarily do long distance travel, a short and mid haul travel would be just perfect. 

Started Migratory Bird Photography Season Q3 2025 to Q1 2026

Although my migratory bird photography season started a bit earlier in September 2025, I have gradually picked up my pace, planning more visits to different locations, from nature reserves, parks, park connector networks/rivers and coastlines in the coming months. 

I would also continue to keep a lookout for other wildlife in Singapore too during my photo walks, looking forward to adding more birding and wildlife photography to my Bird/Wildlife Photography in Singapore collection on Flickr.

Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors

While I am continuing to work on curating and uploading more photos into my Flickr photography collections and writing my visual stories here on my TGH Photography and Travel website, I am looking at potential areas to work on, partnerships and collaborations, and hopefully commissioned/long term projects with artists, creatives and organisations in the arts, performing arts, heritage and culture sectors. 

There is Secrets Behind the Artisan event organised by Chinatown Heritage Centre, uncovering the untold stories, history, heritage, culture, traditions, and passions behind highly skilled and experienced artisans in Singapore. I attended 2 of them, it was really enjoyable, learned so much more about our intangible cultural heritage, catching up with fellow friends in the history, heritage, culture and preservation sectors. 

Of Other Thoughts and Views

SG60 photography competitions and exhibitions journey till date 

This year 2025 has been significant in its own way for Singapore and also for us photographers here, there were a number of SG60 theme photography competitions and exhibitions. I participated in a number of those photography competitions and exhibitions, here’s a quick round up till date.

I didn’t win any prizes for those SG60 photography competitions (till date for this year 2025), I have 2 photographs selected for exhibition, 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition and 1st National Photography Art Exhibition, I have a photograph printed on display, shortlisted for the top 20 entries in the NUSPS Montage 2025 photography competition. 

Although I didn’t win any prizes, with two photographs selected, printed and exhibited at two exhibitions, I am absolutely delighted, it’s an honour, a humbling experience, adding on to my list of photography achievements.

A Gentle Reminder to Everyone

I shared about AikBeng’s quotes inside this CNA Insider video, “There is beauty in imperfection”, “Don’t judge people”, “We Shouldn’t Compare”

A gentle reminder to everyone with those quotes, it hit me deep, time to stop chasing perfection, and be mindful of the comparisons and judgements that we faced on social media and what we might face from people from all walks of life.

Time to unleash my visual storytelling and creativity as I continue to work towards the finishing line of my final sprint to end of Year 2025.

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REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025

Taking place from 17th October to 26th October 2025, REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025 festival will activate unconventional spaces within the SCCC building for visitors to explore and discover local Chinese arts and culture in new and surprising ways.

Here are some key highlights of REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover that you might be interested in!

Party Ground @ SCCC

One of the key highlights of REMIX 2025 is Party Ground @ SCCC! There are two weekend sober parties where the festival takes over the SCCC Concourse in a dynamic mash-up of live music, craft activities, street art, delicious eats, dance performances and battles, and more!

She’s in the Third Stall (Ticketed)

Another key highlight will be an immersive theatre experience that transforms SCCC’s toilet into a site of mystery. She’s in the Third Stall will invite you to take on the role of a special agent and navigate ghostly myths, memories, and unspoken struggles of modern youth within the unconventional confines of a toilet. 

Say It Again: The Dialect Comeback Escape Room

As part of SCCC’s ongoing efforts to involve youths in co-creation of festival offerings, SCCC has collaborated with Ngee Ann Polytechnic students and The Escape Artist to design and present a dialect escape room adventure. 

Songs you Sing: Free Karaoke + The Record Shop of Memories

Karaoke fans rejoice, there will be a free karaoke zone available at SCCC’s Roof Garden for you to sing your favourite songs, record a Mandarin song cover, as well as customise and bring home unique mini CD-album keychain bag charms.

Spray and Paint Graffiti Workshop (Ticketed)

Want to discover and unleash your creativity using scary painting? Join Singapore street artist, ANTZ for a graffiti workshop at REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025! 

charc+r The Great IP invasion! (Ticketed)

Fans of cute plushies, stickers, collectibles, you would be keen! A new festival is landing at SCCC during REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025! A curated artist market, talks, and a showcase floor overrun by indie character IPs. 

charc+r celebrates original indie character IPs and the creators behind them. Time to celebrate creative artists and their amazing cute artistic works and collectibles (and fill up your space with their visually, culturally, creatively art works and collectibles). 

RE-MIX The Dance 2025

The much anticipated annual street dance competition, RE-MIX The Dance 2025, will return to REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover. Dancers and dance crews will battle it out in a Mandarin-inspired showdown. For RE-MIX The Dance 2025, the competition will include an “instrument blind box” twist that will test the dancers and dance groups’ creativity and skills. 

Introductory Dance Workshops

There will be a series of introductory dance workshops conducted, covering dance forms such as Jazz, Lindy Hop, Swing, Salsa, Bachata and Latin Dance. Workshop participants will also be taught basic moves as they groove to Mandarin and dialect songs in a unique East-meets-West format. 

According to Alvin Tan, CEO of SCCC: “Through this year’s REMIX and its programmes, we hope not only to provide a platform for diverse young artists and arts groups to showcase their talents and works, we also hope to provide spaces for youths to explore local Chinese culture with their friends and express themselves creatively. In doing so, we hope to show youths that encounters with Chinese culture can be fun, and to strengthen their interest in Singapore Chinese arts and culture.”

REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025 Information

REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025 is open to the public, offering a range of both free and ticketed programmes. For the full list of REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025 programmes, ticketing and registration details, please visit https://singaporen.sg/remix. 

(Note: Eligible Singapore Citizens can use their SG Culture Pass credits to offset ticket costs for eligible REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025 programmes)

The post REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover at SCCC – Expect the Unexpected! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography

Photography Competitions/Contests

There are still a few ongoing photography competitions/contests in September 2025. Here are the ones that I am working on in September 2025.

Experience More with Capture SG60 by RSP & HONOR

HONOR recently launched a foldable smartphone, HONOR Magic V5, and this is Singapore’s SG60 birthday year, HONOR is celebrating this milestone by inviting the public to photograph Singapore’s city architectural journey, from iconic landmarks to everyday spaces. 

This photography competition is jointly organised by HONOR and RSP Architects Planners & Engineers. If you are keen to know more and participate ,visit  https://rsp.design/capturesg60/ and find out more information and details.

Alan Photo Competition – Catch the Moment

Alan Photo Singapore announced a photo completion titled, “Catch the Moment”, inviting photographers to show a side of Singapore that most people never notice. That sounds like a pretty nice theme to participate in, showcasing many different sights and views of Singapore that most people never notice.

The competition period is from 1 – 30 September 2025, if you are keen to participate or find out more information, you can check out Alan Photo social media pages. I am going to enter and see how it goes for me.

Exhibitions 

NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar – Not a winner | A Photograph on Display

The NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar took place on 23rd August 2025, I attended the Montage 2025 seminar, listening to talks by professionals, photo exhibition and prize presentation.

The winning entries for NUSPS Montage 2025 were on display at Montage 2025 Seminar, together with the other top entries for this photo competition. Although I didn’t win any prizes at Montage 2025 photo competition, I did have a photograph printed on display at NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar. 

Overall, a small consolation and recognition, this was also a good experience for me participating in Montage 2025 photo competition, a great NUSPS Montage 2025 seminar lineup of speakers, and last but not least, catching up with friends from Canon Singapore and photographer friends from various photography groups in Singapore, friends from the former Canon EOS World community, KOMMUNITY, and SG Storm Trackers.  

More personal insights and thoughts from NUSPS Montage 2025 photo competition and Montage 2025 seminar can be found in my article.

1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 in October 2025

I am still waiting for more information and details on the 1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 that is taking place in October 2025. Keep a lookout for their event!

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Working towards my SG60 Visual Storytelling Personal Project 

I am working towards and closer to my SG60 visual storytelling personal project, writing down more ideas and inspirations. There are two ideas/plans in my mind as follows below:

1) Notebook A5 size

My first idea/plan to get an existing notebook A5 size, curating my 60 photographs to mark SG60 celebrations, this would more handicraft and hands on making a zine style photo book. Not likely to be in mass production, more of on a request/order basis for friends and supporters, whether based in Singapore or overseas.

2) Photography Zine with design and layout 

The second would be designed with layout for printing and sale on ad-hoc basis or in bulk printing, along the A5 notebook size. This would allow me to have a discussion with publishers or photography printing houses, and also place my photography zine in their library.

Ready for Migratory Bird Photography Season Q3 2025 to Q1 2026

The early migratory birds have started arriving in Singapore, some are earlier than expected. I am ready for migratory bird photography season starting in September 2025 leading up to Q1 2026. Making plans to visit various nature reserves and parks for migratory bird photography, as well as nature, landscape, creating travel articles and my own nature and outdoors therapy with my photography. 

Looking forward to add more birding and wildlife photography to my Bird/Wildlife Photography in Singapore collection on Flickr.

Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors

A fruitful month of August 2025 in the heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector. At this moment, they are more of a personal visual storytelling and documentation. I do hope there would be some of renumeration/commissioned work would materialise down the road with some of those heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector.

Discussions on doing more, collaborating with other like-minded heritage, culture and arts advocates in other fields are still ongoing. When it starts to gain more traction, I would share more details. Meanwhile, keep a lookout for more visual stories of my heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector.

The State of the Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors in Singapore

In August 2025, The Projector suddenly announced its closure, sending shock waves, disappointments, a wake up call and a reality check for arts, culture, creatives, filmmakers, photographers, media production and those working in related industries. 

From the costs of running a business in Singapore (let alone a business in the arts, creatives, cultural industry), changing media landscape, the types of entertainment and media we are consuming in today’s climate. Too many “things” that distract us, from toys to online streaming, what is our state of the arts, creative and culture sectors in Singapore?

Are we doing enough, or do we have to lose it before we start to appreciate, is it too late and too little? While I am not most immersed into independent films, their influence and impacts on the arts, culture and creatives have an impact on developing my creative aspects in my visual storytelling and writing.

Personally, it can be difficult to prioritise which areas of arts, creative and culture sectors that we want to be interested in and be a part of. Once we put our time and money into a few of them, others might get neglected, and when another bites the dust, we also feel the disappointment that we haven’t done enough to spend some time and our monetary support there.

There are also arts, culture and creative sectors that are getting the support and attendance. It’s such a mixed bag on two ends of the spectrum, some have it better, how many are struggling? How many more of those “another one bites the dust” before we wake up and support our local arts, creative, and culture sectors in Singapore better, with our time and wallet?

Of Many Thoughts and Views

Experiencing two different sides of the stories in the heritage, culture, arts, performing arts and creative sectors, I have many thoughts and views, I might write it down more personal and in-depth.

Reflecting deeply, where and how I could adapt, the delicate balance between revenue from photography work to personal visual storytelling and documentation? Where and how I can help and support each other in the heritage, culture, arts, performing arts and creative sectors in Singapore? 

Many thoughts and views to ponder deeply, planning, changing and strategising ahead.

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Photography 

Photography (Business)

Running a small business is really very tough and challenging, let alone running a small size photography business in an ever-changing media/social media landscape that is already going towards video consumption over photography, coupled by smaller budgets, a shrinking pie to share in the market, filled with a pretty saturated pool on the supply side of things.

Fellow competitors in the same industry (whether photography or other industries) would not easily give up their share of their pie for you, it’s a cruel and harsh capitalist world out there. My photography business is still impacted and affected, there were many a times when it was so stressful and pressuring to run a small business.

The future of the creative industry, whether you are a photographer, videographer, artist etc etc, modern technology in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to make you stand up and pay close attention to them. AI can help us creatives, it can also possibly replace part of our creative work. Do check out and read my interview article, “Q&A on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries”.   

Having contacts and networks with agencies doesn’t give you guarantees in business, sometimes there were opportunities, sometimes there weren’t. Disappointments are part and parcel of my business operations. 

Building up more contacts and networks have always been on my business plan and agenda. As I am reviewing my Year 2023, moving from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024, I am also strategising new directions and plans, that I would share a bit more without going into too much details in my Yearly Theme 2024. 

Photography (Personal) 

On my personal/leisure photography sector, I had been active in the creative, arts, history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation sectors, enjoying the visual storytelling and writing time that gives a deep fulfilment and accomplishment. Down the road, I hope that they would also help to bring in another source of business revenue as well. 

My personal visual storytelling/photography projects were still mainly digital and social media, written, published and uploaded for the world to see, read and view. I didn’t plan any of my personal projects to bring it to life as a physical tangible showcase, in the form of a zine, book, prints or exhibition.

Travel 

International travel 

For this segment, it’s disappointing for me, I haven’t begun to explore travel again as I didn’t travel out of Singapore. The high cost of travelling and pent-up frustrations around the world have not subsided yet. Therefore, I am practicing patience even though my travel wanderlust went up a few notches higher. 

Travel Content Creation 

There were some travel content creation opportunities that didn’t materialise, coupled with zero international travel trips in Year 2023, it can come across as double disappointments. Nevertheless, I am biding my time, preparing and actively networking with travellers around the world during regular co-hosting of #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community chats.  

Creative (Arts and Writing)

In the creative fields of arts and writing, Year 2023 was a very interesting year of creative exploration and writing that brought me into a new dimension, style and artistic direction. Thanks to local creative artist Wei of House of VSE/Very Small Exhibition/Bring Love Everywhere with his local artists and international artists collaborations that opened up my creative world to view and approach arts and creativity in different ways to immerse, interact and connect with the audience. Check out my visual story, “Tension by House of VSE”.

Another local creative artist that I followed and supported in Year 2023 (and still doing so) was Yip Yew Chong. His “I Paint my Singapore” – Familiar scenes of home was very heartwarming, nostalgic, connecting and bringing me back in time. Yew Chong’s visual storytelling via his paintings serves as an inspiration to me, in my own heritage, history and culture visual storytelling and documentation. 

Experiencing a major cross cultural performance between Korea traditional music and Nanyin music – “The Origins Cipher: A traditional Nanyin and Korean cross-cultural musical journey” in October 2023 also opened up my eyes to the international world of traditional arts and music coming together with the elements of history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation, combining together to show that it can be done, in such a beautiful and soothing manner. 

Heritage (History, Heritage, Culture, Conservation and Preservation)

I have always been covering the areas of history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation through the various museums networks, festivals and events. Through my heritage networks, I managed to discover more about traditional culture, craft and performing arts that may not have get the bigger slice of publicity and support. Personally, I feel that I can contribute more, help out and work together with organisations or like-minded people, whereby I can bring my skill sets and experiences in visual storytelling, photography, social media and digital marketing to those organisations in the history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation sectors. 

Media Relations

In the field of media relations with brands and agencies, the status quo is usually pretty good for those agencies and brands that I work closely with, some brands and agencies have been engaging for a period of time. As for the agencies that I recently engaged and worked with in the past 1-2 years, they would take a bit more time to build up the working relationship.

Personal

On a personal note and observations from a personal basis and perspective, there were a few recurring frustrating things that had been bugging me over the years. They seemed to have escalated in recent times. Here are a brief summary of them without going too deep into details and explanations:

• People don’t read
• People don’t want to understand you, they want you to understand them instead
• Passing judgement is getting more common, uncalled for at times 
• People assume things 
• Sometimes you are more on social on social media than me and you say I am very busy on social media 
• Human communications are getting worse
• Communications and friendships are strained by social media, egos and narcissism  
• Human memory is like becoming more like goldfish and they blame it on brain fog arising from the global pandemic period
• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is getting stronger and worse

Yearly Theme 2023 – Explore 

My Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) was “Explore”, looking back at year 2023 in review and reflection, I did manage to explore bigger and wider, especially into the arts sector, following and supporting local artists in other creative genres, inspired and motivated by what they had embarked on, what they achieved, giving me new creative project ideas, motivations and directions for Year 2024.

I had also explored new partnerships with videographers, photographers as well even if we might be competing together in the same field. Finding partnerships would be even more crucial given the shrinking dollars and pie in the economy shared among an already saturated field. 

As for my international travel segment, I haven’t begun to explore travel again as I didn’t travel out of Singapore. It’s definitely disappointing for me no doubt. The lessons and desires would serve me well to plan my travels in Year 2024, and not just pent-up travel wanderlust frustrations since 2019 before the global pandemic period of 2020 to 2022.

Reflecting Year 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal) 

My year 2023 in reflection and review for my technology, business and personal are written and published separately on my TGH Technology and Business website. Since the two websites are operating in distinct fields, there are quite a fair bit of review and reflections written inside them too.

Final Note and Round Up

Year 2023 was not my best year, but I learned a lot. My review and reflection of Year 2023 articles that I wrote on both my websites, TGH Photography and Travel and TGH Technology and Business, may not have everything written down that took place in Year 2023, yet what I wrote down were quite a handful and lengthy to read for my readers.

To all who make the time and effort to read till the end of both articles, thank you for your support from the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate it! 

Looking Ahead in 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage)

Looking ahead in 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage), I would be sharing more information and details in my Yearly Theme 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage), this approach is unique and can be very different as compared to the goals and objectives approach that I learnt previously. 

Wishing all a Happy New Year 2024! Thank you for your support and encouragement! 

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Tension by House of VSE

The key themes of “Tension”, “Expose”, “Pull”, and “Skin Deep”, what comes to your mind? From a personal daily perspective, work or artistic perspective, what does each word means to you? A truly amazing art experience and exhibition that is at the highest level of international Biennale arts standard, invoking an inner spirit inside us, challenging our human perception, and connections, with life, living, society, culture, arts and many other areas.

On a personal. professional and creative (as a photographer, visual storyteller, writer myself) note, I had a (almost personalised) very immersive, interactive, experimental hands on experience with the “artworks” and in-depth chats with the artists Wei and Karolina, as well as with Gary. 

“Tension” and “Expose”

My first phase of my experiences were getting to know about “Tension”, something that I am facing in multiple facades across various front, from personal, to the running of my photography business, as a creative in a judgemental, digital/social media world, against people who judge me and like to tell me what to do/what I must do, and many more. 

Have I “Expose” myself to my own vulnerabilities that I faced from my exposure to other people, society, from my own personal and professional challenges to improve and breakthrough my limitations, capabilities and boundaries? Where can I go from here? How can I move on to the next few levels while facing the onslaught of “Tension” from the outside world?

Beginning of Something Experiential? 

While I was immersing myself, exploring into the various arts experiences, I slowly returned back to the real world. It’s not over yet, this is just the beginning of something experiential (and maybe something more of an artistic/creative enlightenment), I would explore further and deeper into the key themes of “Tension”, “Expose”, “Pull”, and “Skin deep”, sharing more in-depth thoughts, feelings and emotions from myself, as well as getting artists Wei and Karolina thoughts and views on those key themes, in an upcoming article sometime down the road.

Tension is brought to you by House of VSE (@houseofvse), featuring artists Wei (@weidoesntmatter) and Karolina (@karolinaprom). If you like to experience this immersive, thought provoking, mind opening and interactive artistic world of Tension by House of VSE, please reach out to them!

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production * 

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Festival Director David Chew said, “We look forward to transforming the BBB precinct into a celebration of Singapore’s history as an international port city, through vivid experiences, memorable performances and immersive activities rooted in the rich stories of trade and exchange at BBB, but also celebrating the home it is to the communities and their respective historical sites of worship in the precinct today. Many may not be aware that BBB has been featured quite prominently through Singapore’s 700 years as a port city, and we hope to pay homage to the vital role it played through SNF’s programmes, while encouraging everyone to explore the iconic cultural institutions and museums across the precinct. In the spirit of exchange, this is the first time that we will be having a presenting sponsor and we are excited to have Samsung onboard, alongside our many festival partners and stakeholders, who will be further enlivening the festival with their invaluable contributions.”

Highlight Act: Time is a Black Circle by Dawn Ng

SNF 2023 highlight act is “Time is a Black Circle” by local artist Dawn Ng. If you are from the older generation, roller skating would be part of your growing up life and leisure activities! Relive the nostalgic good old live disco scene of the BBB precinct, groove, jive and skate back to the good old days! 

Purchase your ticket here: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/92020 

Presenting Sponsor: Samsung

Samsung is the Presenting Sponsor for SNF 2023, they will be activating experiences to showcase stories on the evolution of culture and innovation, with a light projection mapping on the facade of the National Museum of Singapore at the centre of this SNF 2023 x Samsung partnership. 

Ronnie Ng, Head of Mobile Experience, Samsung Electronics Singapore, said, “As Presenting Sponsor for this year’s SNF, we are delighted to deliver an iconic experience for visitors and Galaxy fans. Just like how Singapore has evolved to become a global port city where communities meet, collaborate and innovate, Samsung is a global brand that has continuously innovated to deliver new technologies that bring people together. Our foldables are one example of how we’ve flipped the narrative on mobile technologies, enabling consumers to use their smartphones flexibly which complements their lifestyle. With that in mind, we are excited to showcase the limitless possibilities of our devices that will enable users to create moments of connections that journals the rich stories told during the festival, and even beyond.”

Do not miss out on the SNF 2023 x Samsung partnership, the key highlights are as follows:  

SNF 2023 x Samsung Key Highlights

Samsung fans, as well as those exploring the world of Samsung, head down to the Main Festival Village @ SMU Campus Green. Visit Galaxy Studio @ SMU Green for a flipping great time with its Galaxy Studio pop-up to SMU Green. Enter into the Galaxy Studio @ SMU Green, check out Samsung latest Galaxy Z Flip5 and its amazing FlexCam! Remember to take a selfie with the Galaxy Z Flip5!

Do also check out the new Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Tab S9 Series and Galaxy Watch6 Series! If you are looking for SNF 2023 exclusives, you can discover them at Galaxy Studio @ SMU Green! Check out the unique CASETiFY covers designed by participating artists and other local brand collars inside there!

First, let me take a selfie! 

For those who love taking selfies, you have to do this! Take a pic with the Galaxy Z Flip5 made available at the 4 locations and stand a chance to win amazing prizes!

1. A Stone’s Throw (Away) at National Museum of Singapore, Banyan Tree
2. Rimbun at Farquhar Garden, Canning Rise
3. Preserving Paradise at Armenian Street, beside the Bible House 
4. “Flowing Water Road” Shrine at Raffles City

Post the photo on Instagram, tag @samsungsg and @sgnightfest with #JoinTheFlipSide, #withGalaxy and #SGNightFest!

For more information, visit https://www.samsung.com/sg/event/jointheflipside 

Light Projection Mappings at SNF 2023

One of the favourites at SNF 2023, light project mappings on the facades of our buildings have always been an iconic feature. For the light projection mappings at SNF 2023, head down to the National Museum of Singapore and CHIJMES!

National Museum of Singapore

700 Years – Presented by Samsung 

CHIJMES

Birth in Bloom 

Evolution of Bras Basah Entertainment Scene

Port(al) City

Night Lights at SNF 2023

The collection of Night Lights artworks at SNF is another key highlight of SNF. Remember to take the SNF 2023 event brochure/map when you are walking around the Bras Basah Bugis precinct exploring Night Lights at SNF 2023. I would leave it to you, come on down, explore, learn about the artist and their artworks, and interact with the Night Lights artworks where possible!

#SGNIGHTFEST 

GIFFFEST III: IMPERFECT COMPILATION

A Stone’s Throw (Away)

“Flowing Water Road” Shrine

Preserving Paradise 

Rimbun

SeaScape Symphony 

GIFFEST III: IMPERFECT

X O X (two kisses and a hug)

A Global Bugis Phinisi

Florescence 

The Island at the End

Roving Performances

There would be roving performances too! Keep a lookout for “We’ll weather the weather, whatever the weather until we cannot” by Sweet Tooth!

Dates:

• 18th & 19th August
• 25th & 26th August

Time:

• 7:30pm to 7:50pm
• 8:30pm to 8:50pm
• 9:30pm to 9:50pm

SNF 2023 Information

Singapore Night Festival (SNF) 2023 is taking place at Bras Basah Bugis Precinct from 18th to 26th August 2023. Entry to the festival is free, some programmes are ticketed. 

For more information and updates on SNF 2023, web app, or to book tickets please visit https://www.nightfestival.gov.sg/

Follow #sgnightfest on social media

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgnightfest 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgnightfest/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sg.nightfest 

Do follow Bras Basah Bugis too!

• Website https://www.nhb.gov.sg/brasbasahbugis/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brasbasahbugis/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brasbasahbugis/ 

More photographs from my Singapore Night Festival 2023 can be viewed inside this album on Flickr!

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

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Photographer/Creative profile questions

1) Can you give us a short introduction on yourself and your creative fields of expertise?

Hello, my name is Agan Harahap. Photographer and artist based in Jogja, Indonesia. My base artistic expertise is photography and digital manipulation. And recently I’m using AI for my latest artworks.

2) What is the inspiration and the stories behind your creative work?

I always get my inspiration from my timeline in social media. Mostly is about politic, religion and history. I offer some silly solution for many problems that appear in society.

3) Do you have a piece of creative artwork or photograph that means a lot to you? Can you share more about this artwork?

The artwork that means a lot for me is my series ‘Mardijker Photo Studio’. I’m talking about nation identity and cultural originality and it’s connections with our society today.

4) Can you share about your journey as a creative/artist? What were some of the challenges, difficulties and setbacks that you faced in your creative journey? 

Well, it’s start in early 2000s at the beginning of digital transitions from manual. When suddenly we can almost create anything with digital software. At that time I already work as a photographer in music magazine. And I always challenged my self to dig more about other possibilities with digital photography. Asking my self is photography still can believed as a medium that can represent the reality. 

5) I read that you started off as an illustrator and digital imaging artist, what are the stories behind these experiences and how did you transition to photography?

As a graphic designer student, I have also learn photography. At that time, I don’t like photography because its expensive and don’t make sense to me. Because at that time I think photography is only for the people who cannot make a proper drawing or painting to express their ideas. And photography is their solution to cover up their inability to make art. Hahaha. But I have to pass the photography test in my study. So I learn how to manipulate photo with digital software. And I pass the test with success. And after graduate, I worked as a freelance illustrator and then become a digital imaging artist in some photography company before I become photographer in Trax Magazine. A music based magazine in Jakarta from 2006 – 2012. 

Generative AI Interview Questions

6) A topic of intense discussion currently is Artificial Intelligence (AI), what are your personal views and thoughts on AI? What is the potential positive and negative impact on the creative industry?

Based on my experienced in early 2000s when digital suddenly takeover many part in creative industry, So for me this is the new era when we have to preparing our self to this new kind of technology. For me, the main impact is the people’s way of thinking and behavior about things will change. And it will become a problem for people who cannot adapt their selves to this AI. So, like it or not, after more than 2 years we stayed at home because of covid, now suddenly we have to face this kind of technology and we have to adapt and adjust our self with it.

7) Do you think Generative AI can actually help us creatives, artists and photographers in ways that we may not see due to our personal bias or blind spots? Or do you think the onslaught of Generative AI will be detrimental for creatives? 

Before AI can help us in creativity, we first have to adapt and adjust ourself. Because at first, we have to positioning ourself between this new technology and our personal and social interest. For me, it’s quite similar like digital photography at the beginning, at the first we may think ‘Oh, with this tools, we don’t need dark room process anymore and we can save more time to create photography. But in the reality, there are many other problems arise due to this digital technology. Like for example, people start to questioning the reality behind photography ect. And after social media era, there is much more problems. We can see the rapid change in many aspects of our live. And that’s exactly will going to happen in our society with this AI technology.

Generative AI will be detrimental for creatives? It’s depend on how you adapt yourself. 

8) Which segments of the creative and arts industry would be most impacted by Generative AI? Artists? Photographers? Filmmakers?

All.

9) Is Generative AI is going to take away the livelihood of the art and creative industries? What are your personal thoughts and views on this point?

At the beginning, the answer is yes. But along with that, the emergence of AI technology, it will open up many new opportunities that may have never been thought of.

10) How do you envision the future for creatives in a new digital and social media world, powered by AI?

Hahaha I can’t imagine it yet. But I believe, sooner or later this AI will change people’s mindset and behavior.

Thank you Agan!  

I would like to say a big thank you to Agan Harahap for putting aside his precious time and agreeing to be interviewed for my article! From a fellow photographer/visual storyteller myself to another fellow photographer/visual storyteller, it’s always an interesting, enriching and enlightening experience to hear about creative/artist/photographer different perspectives, ideas and views, on photography and creative industries, their stories and journeys. 

Agan’s views and perspectives on generative AI would be part of my ongoing TGH Technology AI research/learning series, with an upcoming special article coverage on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries that would be published on my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. 

This special interview with Agan also marks the start of my new personal project series that I mentioned earlier in my earlier article “Reflecting H1 2023 & Q2 2023 (Photography and Travel)”, on interviewing and featuring creatives from various disciplines.

When you visit Singapore, let’s catch up and have a chat over coffee over everything and anything about photography!

Have you visit Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition?

Have you visit Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition? If you haven’t visit this amazing photography exhibition, you have to plan a visit to National Gallery Singapore and check out this exhibition! 

The exhibition size, magnitude, and diversity of photography works on display, some 300 of them would blow you away, ranging from colonial archival images, studio portraits, and documentary photography to photo albums, social media photos and modern photography in both offline and online formats.

Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia at National Gallery Singapore

Date and Time 

• 2nd December 2022 to 20th August 2023
• 10am to 7pm daily

Location 

• City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery 

Admission Fees: (General Admission)

• Free for Singaporeans and PRs

Standard

• $20 
• Non-Singaporeans/PRs aged 13 to 59

Concession

• $15 
• Non-Singaporeans/PRs seniors (aged 65 & above) and children (aged 7 to 12)
• Overseas students and teachers

*I would like to thank National Gallery Singapore and Ogilvy for liaising and facilitating the interview with Agan Harahap.*  

The post A Special Visual Storyteller/Creative Artist Interview with Agan Harahap appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II has recently been added to my photography setup, with my Canon EOS 1D X Mark II making way for my new camera. Although I missed my Canon EOS 1D X Mark II, the iconic 1D series that I started to build my photography and visual storytelling. 

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is amazing with its fast and accurate AF, high FPS, high ISO level control and quality, excellent sensor and processing engine. While I do miss the battery grip of the 1D series, the overall excellence and quality of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is not making me miss my 1D series as much as I would thought I would be. 

Exploring and Visiting Arts

Exploring and visiting arts around Singapore with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, it had been a great form of artistic enjoyment and therapy, away from my writing, social media and photography work. Igniting my spark on a new wave at i Light Singapore 2023, SYSNMH Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival Open House 2023, following House of VSE Your Neighbour Artist Exhibition around Singapore (and still ongoing), heritage and cultural events Qixi Festival and NHB Racial Harmony Day 2023. 

Exploring my own backyard

The months of June to July 2023 are usually scheduled with NDP 2023 rehearsals taking place on the weekends, allowing us to photograph the NDP 2023 rehearsals action and fireworks taking place around the Marina Bay area. The NDP 2023 rehearsals were an excellent opportunity to put the Canon EOS R6 Mark II to the test.

I was also exploring the new HDB blocks in my neighbourhood, discovering new sky parks and views. Besides that, I was also chasing sunsets and super moon with a super telephoto zoom lens Sigma 150-600mm.  

Of course, getting into outdoors and nature, it had always been a form of therapy and relaxation for me. Sometimes, adding wildlife photography into my outdoors outing and exploration together as well. 

Always on the lookout for value for money 2nd hand camera accessories  

I am always on the lookout for value for money 2nd hand camera accessories and peripherals. Some of them were slowly added over time to build up my setup, while some were replacements for my photography accessories.  

I discovered this brand Wotancraft not too long ago, I admired its quality, as well as how much consideration they placed on the designs and concepts around photographers and travellers. I got myself a Wotancraft Trooper (Medium) as my own birthday gift earlier in Q1 2023.

I had invested in a number of Think Tank products, although I gave away my Shape Shifter version 1, I found a Naked Think Tank Shape Shifter 17 v2.0 at a good price and I quickly grabbed this opportunity. Since I am expanding my Think Tank setup, I have also added more different types of Think Tank pouches along the way. 

Leofoto – A brand that I have also discovered and looking into. They have a great range of quality products for photographers. The first product that I got was the Leofoto MC-50 clamp. Moving forward, I am planning to add a few more products from Leofoto! 

Upcoming visual stories

Here are some of my upcoming visual stories. Do keep a lookout for them, coming soon! 

• Shout Gallery SG x Ceramication Slip-casting workshop: Keen to make your own tea cups, tea pot set? Don’t miss this!
• Canon camera reviews: Working on a few Canon camera review articles, keep a lookout!
• Roastelier by Nescafe – For cafe owners and also those who love coffee, 
• Living Pictures @ National Gallery – Photographers would find this diverse and eye-opener photography exhibition filled with history and iconic visual stories. 

Also coming soon, a special theme/content article on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries, part of my ongoing TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“Forget it and move on”

I took a break from social media for a few days, as I was feeling disappointed in something that only very few people will know what happened. 

“Forget it and move on”, an advice that was shared with me. 

Therefore, I will continue with my ongoing work, craft and visual storytelling, seeking progression and improvements in my journey. 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

The post TGH Photography Visual Storytelling updates (May to July 2023) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Who is Very Small Exhibition?

Artist Wei, the creative mind and soul behind Very Small Exhibition. You might have seen, heard or interacted with his colourful pop-up artworks display. My first experience with Very Small Exhibition was the Malay Heritage Centre x Very Small Exhibition supporting World Mental Health Day in 2021, followed by Bring LOVE Everywhere in Singapore at East Coast Park, the prelude to his huge personal project bringing LOVE around Singapore. 

As I continued to follow and document Very Small Exhibition through their Bring LOVE Everywhere in Singapore, I began a new artistic visual storytelling journey. If you to know more in detail on this, this story “How I Met/Follow/Support Very Small Exhibition & Bring LOVE Everywhere” would reveal more. 

Oh yes, you might have heard of this pretty recent viral contemporary arts exhibition that they worked and collaborated with Japanese artist Yui Ozaki, where they explored and discovered your inner “Chin-Chin” world.

Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition

“Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition” is a new series of public space art exhibition by Artist Wei from Very Small Exhibition. They are going around Singapore at different neighbourhoods, collaborating with different artists at the respective neighbourhoods that they lived in. This is a pop-up artworks exhibition, just one night only each time. 

Just one night only, just a few hours, catch it if you can! With this “Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition”, it marks the start of another creative arts visual storytelling journey for me, I just hope that I am able to document and photograph all (if not most of them) of this ongoing Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition series artistic journeys by Very Small Exhibition. 

Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition 1

Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition 1 took place in the Mountbatten heartlands, at a small alley walkway in a private residential estate. A series of different coloured illuminated stones placed together in a wavy form, lighted up by the light emitting umbrellas, formed by artist Wei vision and feel. 

When you view the wavy colourful artworks, what could be story behind it? What does it mean to you? How does the various colours and artworks join from one to the other? Is it therapeutic for you to feel and connect with, by placing yourselves in between the two artworks and connect them together with you?

Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition 2

Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition 2 took place in the Simei HDB heartlands, with artist Joanne Lim from Joanne Lim Studio collaborating with artist Wei. 

The light emitting umbrellas came into play again, lighting up the drawings with chalk on the floor. This is Arts in Your Neighbourhood, it’s fun, interactive, letting people (from young and old) unleash their creativity and artistic talent in drawing with chalk. For some of us, it’s back to school days, for a younger generation, this might be the first time playing with chalk. 

Drawing and painting, whether with chalk, not only is it fun for the children, it’s also fun for the adults, that we saw when we were there. Arts can be a form of therapy, something that we might need it more than we ever know, in our stressful and pressure cooker living environment, swarmed by digital media and social media sharing.

It was more than just fun drawing, we met new people, make new friends, chatting and sharing a common interest in interactive arts and craft.

Since I am pretty bad at drawing, I will use my photography and visual storytelling talents instead, to bring out my creative arts visuals stories to the world. 

Is Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition coming to my neighbourhood?

That’s a very good question! I don’t have an answer to this question, I am just as curious as you, on when and where would Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition is going to visit, and is there any artist that is going to collaborate with Very Small Exhibition? 

Do remember to follow Very Small Exhibition on Instagram and Facebook Page, for their updates, where they are going to pop up with their bright, colourful and interactive artworks. 

Collaborate with Very Small Exhibition in my neighbourhood?

Should I collaborate with Very Small Exhibition as a collaborating artist, combining my photography + light painting with artist Wei’s bright and colourful artworks?

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

The post Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition by Very Small Exhibition appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

TGH Photography x Canon EOS R50 Exploration 

Marking my first National Photography Month celebration, I would be showcasing some photos shot with the Canon EOS R50 that I am reviewing inside this article, published inside my maiden National Photography Month celebratory article. 

The #Canon #EOSR50 was recently launched in February 2023, a new compact and lightweight APS-C mirrorless #camera. Although the EOS R50 is an entry level camera, it is packed with fun, creative tools and automated features, allowing users to create fun and high-quality vlogs, as well as fun and nice photographs.

This Canon EOS R50 is your ideal daily camera companion, lightweight and compact with its kit lens setup, delivering both quality photographs and vlogs, and most importantly bringing you fun and enjoyment. 

You can now move into a new realm of fun and enjoyment  in both photography and vlogging with the Canon EOS R50.

Suggestions to Celebrate National Photography Month

Here are some suggestions to celebrate National Photography Month that I reckon would allow you to explore and have fun with your photography adventures during this National Photography Month and beyond.

Go out explore your neighbourhood with your camera

How well do you know your local neighbourhood? It’s time to explore and rediscover your neighbourhood, you might have been missing out some gems that you might not have realised it.

Go for a photo walk with your photography friends or join a photo walk outing

A photo walk with your photography friends can be a fun group outing with liked minded photography friends. Or you can join a photo walk outing and make new photography friends! 

Take a photo of your favourite pet (dog/cat)

Alright, you have watching cute and adorable dog or cat photos and videos on social media, you also love your pet dog/cat, take many photos of your favourite pet! For me, I have my cute and adorable neighbourhood community cats to photograph and enjoy my time with them!

Visit a photography exhibition, as well as arts, history, heritage and culture exhibition 

When was the last time you visited a photography exhibition, or an arts, history, heritage and culture exhibition at the museum? Check out your local museums exhibition listings or discover where local creative artists are showcasing their artworks, support fellow local artists too!

Embark on a new personal photography project

Do you have a personal photography project on your mind but you are hesitant and afraid to take the first step? What interests you or something that is precious and close to you, that you would like to document them via your photographs and stories?

We all have the fear and anxiety before we embark on a new photography project. Why not take this National Photography Month to break this chain of fear and embark on your new personal photography project? 

Publish a photo book or a photography zine 

Have you ever completed personal photography projects, or a series of photographs that you really like, and wanted to publish your own photo book from your collection of works? Are you hesitant and afraid to take the first step? I published my first photo book, a black and white Hokkaido landscapes photo book in 2015, I hope my story would inspire you to take the first step to print your photography works, and your first photo book. 

From a photo book, I went on to publish smaller photography works through the form of a photography zine. At that point in time, I was hesitant and afraid too. Slowly and surely, I overcame them, published two photography zines, first zine is “TGH Photography Zine Vol 1: SG55 Special Edition”, and my second zine is “TGH Photography Therapy Zine and Playbook”. 

If you like, they are available for purchase as physical copy and/or digital copy on the MagCloud platform!

Read a photography book (photography tips, photo book, visual stories, photoblogs)

There are a lot of photography books providing photography skills, knowledge and tips, there are also photo books of various photography genres and interest. National Geographic magazine visual stories and photographs have been one of my early key influences and motivation to enter photography, and they are the foundation to how I pursue my visual storytelling, as well as the art and craft of photography, that can be read on my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog. 

Support your photographer friends

If you have photographer friends who are providing commercial/professional photography services, support them, recommend/refer contacts/business to them. As for those serious enthusiast photographers or those just starting out, encourage them and support them in their photography journeys! 

Enjoy and have fun taking photographs!

Whether you are a photographer with decades of professional experience, serious enthusiast or just starting off on your photography adventure, National Photography Month gives each and everyone of us photographers to celebrate our love, passion, dedication and flair for photography.  

Time to head out and enjoy having fun taking photographs with your camera! Happy National Photography Month! 

Oh, for all fellow Star Wars fans out there, it’s the month of May! You know the drill! May The 4th Be With You (May The Force Be With You)!

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R50 Explorer Series Production *

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