In a special two part series, I would first bring you on my visual storytelling journey through 150 Years of Visual Stories: Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia. In my next article, I would be chatting with Agan Harahap, one of the four notable photographers from the Southeast Asia region, that is featured on National Gallery Singapore Instagram page, part of the Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition showcase.

Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia

This is an amazing photography exhibition, of its size, magnitude, and diversity of photography works on display, some 300 of them, 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.

What is the evolution of photography like over the past 150 years? What are some of the most iconic photographs that you have seen over the past few decades, especially in the Southeast Asia context? When you visit Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia, you are assured of a visual learning feast and eye-opener journey. 

Some of those visual stories are heart wrenching, some are heart warming. Be prepared to experience those emotions as you view, read and connect with those living pictures. Let’s start off in a chronological order and sequence to view, read and experience 150 years of visual stories. 

Section 1: Colonial Archives (Gallery 3) 

First and foremost, let us kick start our visual storytelling journey by going back in time and history, to the Colonial period in Southeast Asia in Section 1: Colonial Archives.

When did photography technology first started and arrived in Southeast Asia? They were brought over by European colonists in the 19th century. What were the views and impressions like during that era upon looking at those photographs?

During the colonial period, what was imperialism like? How did photography play a role during that period? What was the relationship that photography played for the European colonists and those people living in Southeast Asia at that time? 

Section 2: Portraits and Performance (Gallery 3)

Photography in its early days were a form of wealth and prestige for the Southeast Asia ruling elites. Who can imagined that photography had the power to influence perception and communication during those early days? 

Portraiture became the choice, the style for those who can afford it, showcasing their role through modern imagination and their role in a new modern world that was coming to them during that era period. 

As you looked at the photographs on display inside this section, I would like to think about your extended family and relatives, do you recall seeing any similar portraitures of your grandparents or great-grandparents in similar styles, fashion, poses, props and backdrops? 

If you have them in your extended family, you will have your family hierarchy to explore and discover so much further and deeper.

Section 3: In Real Life (Gallery 2)

As the title for this section suggests, it’s real life that photography brings to you. They always had a close and contentious relationship with reality. A photograph never shows everything, it can create a new world, based on your interpretation. 

There is a series of Vietnam war collections, most notably an iconic photograph titled, “Napalm Girl (1972)” by Nick Ut, a former Associated Press photographer. Some of the most iconic and powerful documentary photographs from the war were on display, the other photograph was by Eddie Adams, with his photograph “Saigon Execution”. 

Some of those iconic documentary war photographs could have played their part to change/stop the war. The question I would like to ask the visitors if they know about the stories behind those photographs? Although the photographs tell us the realities that took place during that era, it never show us or tell us the whole story behind it or leading up to the moment being captured down in a visual moment/history. 

Section 4: New Subjectivity (Gallery 2) 

From the 1970s onwards, the world saw greater experimentation beyond and away from important events or people. Photography transformed into a place for reflection and experimentation, a space for us understand things. 

Were you part of that era of photography, exploring beyond events and portraiture, experimenting with arts and other forms of artistic visual displays?

Community Art Space

In our digital and social media world, most people view and feel of images are not tangible, they are in digital format, online on the internet and social media world. Have you thought of printing your photographs, bringing them to life, in a tangible format?

At this Community Art Space, in between Gallery 2 and 1, when you are walking from Section 4 to Section 5, you can get into the world of photo booths and zine-making areas whereby you have the creative freedom with your photographs, producing something more memorable that you can ever imagine.

Why not take a break from viewing 150 years of visual stories journey and do some hands on art work and craft with your photography?

Section 5: Contemporary Imaginations (Gallery 1)

The final section of Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia, this section is probably easier for many of us to connect and understand since it’s contemporary and closer to our current timeline. 

How can photography re-imagine the present and the future? How has photography changed and expanded during this contemporary era? How is contemporary and modern photography engaging you, right now, from the past and into the future?

In  this section, there is a particular exhibit that caught my attention, it’s titled “Crossing the Father Shore” by Dinh Q Le. This is an amazing collection of anonymous South Vietnamese families taken before the country’s reunification in 1975, stitched together like a mosquito net. More than just photos, the words and inscriptions at the back of those photos, you have to read them. 

I personally encountered old photos of similar nature that were available for sale at flea markets, there were times when I was thinking to myself if I should buy and keep them? That’s food for thought for me.

Before you finished visiting and exiting Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition, there is a retail shop with three display areas packed with many interesting photo postcards collections that you can bring home as a souvenir. Something memorable for you to bring home from your visit to National Gallery Singapore. 

Personal thoughts and views from a visual storyteller myself 

As a visual storyteller myself, visiting Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia, was like a pilgrimage itself for me. There hasn’t been a major photography exhibition of such scale and such diversity from its early history and beginnings to contemporary, documentary and modern digital/social media age.

My beginnings and foundations in my photography and visual storytelling that were started in my early years, were heavily inspired and influenced by National Geographic style of writing and photography. From a young age during my primary school days (close to 4 decades back), I was exposed to a rich and diverse world of exploration, documentary, nature, wildlife, culture, history etc through reading National Geographic magazines.

Yet I was never formally educated or trained in journalism or photography, I was self-taught, self-learned, learning from my many mistakes, gaining experiences, and also sometimes blessed by seniors who shared their photography wisdom, knowledge and skills with me. 

Personally, that is also why Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia exhibition currently held at the National Gallery Singapore, resonates a lot of deep thoughts and thinking inside my mind, heart and soul.

No matter what type of photographer that you are specialised or interested in, whether you are young photographer starting to learn and explore more about the world, or you are a young adult or mature adult that has seen a number of life events, plan a visit to Living Pictures: Photography in Southeast Asia at the National Gallery of Singapore.

As the saying goes, “A picture speaks a thousand words”. There are so many stories packed inside Living Pictures exhibition, waiting to speak to you in various visual storytelling formats that will connect you to your eyes, brain, heart, mind and soul. 

Why not visit Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia at National Gallery Singapore, and let your eyes and heart connect your brain, mind and soul with the diverse collection of 300 photography works over 150 years of visual stories on display?

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

* Information courtesy of National Gallery Singapore and Ogilvy * 

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

The post 150 Years of Visual Stories: Living Pictures – Photography in Southeast Asia 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 *

The post Celebrating National Photography Month in May 2023 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Battle for Singapore 2023 will take participants on a journey through time and Singapore’s history, heritage, and hidden stories about various WWII sites, a journey tracing the roots of Singapore’s wartime past. Participants can embark on tours of sites such as Bukit Brown and Fort Canning Hill. They can also dive and learn deeper into Singapore’s history, courage and resilience of Singapore’s war heroes and pioneers during the Japanese Occupation from NHB’s Museum Roundtable (MR) partners, such as Battlebox, Eurasian Heritage Centre, MINT Museum of Toys, Navy Museum, as well as National Museum of Singapore (NMS), the Changi Chapel and Museum and Reflections at Bukit Chandu, they are WWII Interpretative centres under NMS. 

Mr Gerald Wee, Director of International & Museum Relations, NHB, said, “The Fall of Singapore may have been an event from 81 years ago, but the experiences of our forefathers and the lessons learnt during that tumultuous period continue to have an important role in shaping our nation’s identity and charting our course ahead. Through Battle for Singapore 2023, we hope that Singaporeans will gain a deeper understanding of our WWII history and how it has impacted our lives today and be inspired by the spirit of resilience and solidarity of our war pioneers” 

Battle for Singapore 2023 Programmes

There is a wide range of programmes on offer during Battle for Singapore 2023 taking place from 10th February to 5th March 2023. NHB together with MR members, academics, heritage enthusiasts and interest groups, is offering more than 30 unique programmes and over 100 tour runs that cover various aspects of Singapore’s WWII history. 

The Battle for Singapore 2023 programmes diverse line-up also includes 19 new programmes, including

• Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW)
• Second World War Vintage Toy Collection Guided Tour with Special Feature on General MacArthur (New)
• Exclusive Sneak Peek Tour of the Revamped Navy Museum (NEW)
• Special Twinned Tour: Changi Chapel and Museum and Eurasian Heritage Gallery (NEW)
• Special Twinned Tour: Kent Ridge Nature Walk and Reflections at Bukit Chandu (NEW)
• Defence and Fall of Singapore – From the 14th Century to 1945: A Fort Canning Hill and Battlebox Walking Tour (NEW)

Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW)

For this year 2023, participants will get a chance to explore the grounds of Fort Connaught through a special access tour. This is the first-ever public tour since Fort Connaught was constructed in 1878 for the defence of Keppel Harbour, a crucial ship-building and ship-repair facility in Singapore. 

Fort Connaught was armed with 9.2-inch guns, they were the largest on Sentosa, and were used to engage invading Japanese troops during the Battle for Singapore. Through this Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW), participants can get a glimpse into the abandoned Fort Connaught history, construction and its role in Singapore’s defence during the Japanese invasion of Singapore during WWII.

How much do you know about the history of the guns of Singapore’s military forts? How often have you heard about that quip that the guns of Singapore’s military first were pointed “the wrong way” during the Battle of Singapore? During WWII, was Singapore’s guns pointing the wrong direction? Where is Fort Connaught located on Sentosa? Did Fort Connaught see WWII military action against the Japanese armed forces? 

When you go on the Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour, you can get the answers to the questions above. This tour is presented in partnership with Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC).

Here are some of the remains that you can see today during this special access Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour. 

One of the three 9.2-inch gun emplacements 

Battery observation post

Tips/Things to take note

• Be careful and be safe when trekking up Fort Connaught 
• Wear sturdy shoes (hiking boots highly recommended)
• Wear long pants and long sleeve shirt
• Bring a hat
• Bring your water bottle and stay hydrated
• Mosquito/Insect repellent is highly recommended 
• Please do not visit on your own as it is a restricted site and it’s for your own safety as well

Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour Information

Dates: 11 February; 12 February; 19 February; 25 February; 26 February 2023

Time: 9am to 1130am; 1pm to 330pm 

Tickets are priced at $20 per participant, you can find ticketing and more details here at https://bsg2023.peatix.com 

Notes:

• The Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour is recommended for ages 13 and up. Minors under the age of 16 have to be accompanied by an adult/guardian.
• Transport will be provided from Harbourfront MRT station to the site and back. Further details on the gathering point will be sent to participants upon registration.

For more information on Battle of Singapore 2023 

Please visit https://go.gov.sg/bsg2023 for more information and details on to sign up for Battle for Singapore 2023 programmes.

Registration for tours and programmes commences on Wednesday 8th February 2023, at 10am, on a first-come first-served basis. 

The post Battle for Singapore 2023 – 10th February to 5th March 2023 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

“Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail” is a one-hour Docutainment Special that chronicles the Hakka trail of Taiwan, both a cultural and industrial link to the world. In a modern world flooded with modern technology and social media, a new generation of Hakka youth are rediscovering their cultural heritage, giving them the opportunity to relive the history of Hakkas, the Indigenous people of Taiwan and other cultures that cultivated the lands of Taiwan in the past. 

This one-hour Docutainment Special is hosted by British photographer, Chris Stowers and award-winning Taiwanese food and travel writer, Danny Wen Shi-Kai. What makes this special is that they bring viewers through Danny’s ancestral family’s journey through the forgotten paths of this iconic Raknus Selu Trail, uncovering stories and intricate customs of Hakka heritage, and revealing the impacts of Hakka culture on modern Taiwan today.

Now, let us begin trekking into the “Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail” on AXN, and step into a journey to uncover and learn more about Hakka heritage, culture and history, as well as discovering some of Taiwan’s best-kept secrets.

Soak in the beauty of Sankeng Old Street and sample authentic Hakaa snacks

Sankengzi is a traditional Hakka village and was once the most prosperous river port in the scenic Longtan district. The nostalgic street retains much of its original corridors and architecture; in these narrow lanes, you’ll find a bevy of homemade Hakka specialties such as vegetable buns, sticky rice cakes, and tangerine jam.

In “Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail”, hosts Danny and Chris meander through the winding streets of Sankengzi, soaking in the beauty of a forgotten time while enjoying an authentic Hakka snack, Niu Wen Shui, a reminder of the original farming heritage of the Hakka communities.

Travel back in time and stay amid rice fields at the charming Lo Ink House

Located in Guanxi, Hsinchu, the Lo Ink House is a preserved traditional house that showcases the original lifestyle of early Hakka immigrants and is the perfect escape from the concrete jungle. Surrounded by rice paddies, this wonderfully preserved, charming house from the 1940s offers a one-of-a-kind stay. 

Your friendly hosts will be glad to take you through the history of the house, and the history of the Hakka people in Taiwan. One can comfortably stay here for the night. Being close to attractions and unique dining options, it is perfect for one to truly maximise their tourist experience.

Meditate in the mountains and savour locally-harvested tea in Miaoli, also known as the Grasslands of Legend

In the Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail, hosts Danny and Chris will also bring you through a hidden gem: Miaoli Taiwan. Here, you can indulge in delicious Hakka food and breathtaking sights while staying at homely guesthouses. Visit the Global Tea Hut for a serene morning meditation, followed by a tea session – with locally-harvested leaves – for some quiet peace of mind.

Make a booking at the Quanhua Temple where you can stay for a night to take in the rich culture and admire the beautiful sights of this mountainous county. Try some local Hakka treats along the Nanzhuang Old Street, or sit down for a meal at one of the numerous restaurants in the area! After a long day, relax your body at the Tai’an Hot Springs where you can soak and soothe yourself in the hot spring water.

Catch “Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail” on AXN

If you are just as excited like me, remember to catch Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail across AXN Asia Networks and on AXN Asia YouTube channel! They premiered on 27th September 2022, remember to catch up and follow their history, heritage, culture, food and trekking adventures.

For more information on Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail, you can visit https://www.axn-asia.com/SecretsoftheRaknusSeluTrail 

Watch the full clip here on YouTube! Also catch “Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail” Podcast on YouTube!

Thoughts and views from a fellow travel photographer and travel writer

As a travel photographer, travel writer and visual story teller myself, that have my own personal photography and documentation projects into history, heritage and cultural sectors, watching “Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail” has a deep personal connection inside me. 

While I am not a Hakka, my strong interest in history, heritage and cultural sectors have brought me to understand my Hokkien roots, as well as Teochew, Cantonese and Hakka over the years. There’s so much more for me to learn and understand such rich history, heritage and culture.

Watching “Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail” not just given me a greater and deeper insights into Hakka culture, history and heritage, this docutainment special is also an inspiration for us visual story tellers on documenting the areas of history, heritage and culture. 

Coming soon, a Q&A conversation with Danny and Chris, bringing you closer into this “Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail” docutainment special. 

* Information and pictures courtesy of KC Global Media and White Label PR *

The post Trek into “Secrets of the Raknus Selu Trail” on AXN and discover Taiwan’s Best-Kept Secrets appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

From the modern iconic Marina Bay, Gardens By The Bay, Changi Airport, to our heritage buildings and districts such as our museums, those images are some of the cityscapes that would come to your mind when we mention Singapore. 

For a country that is small in land size, do we have the wide landscape view that allow us to use our telephoto lens such as a 70-200mm to compose and isolate tight landscape scenes that we photographers enjoy when we travel overseas? How about using longer telephoto lenses such as 600mm or 800mm for cityscapes or landscapes? Is that even possible? 

I have been photographing Singapore Cityscapes for a period of time, through my documentation and exploration perspective, from photographing iconic famous landmarks to the heritage, cultural and the heartlands in Singapore, usually through my work horse lens, the wide angle zoom (now 16-35mm, formerly 17-40mm). 

We may be a small country, the changes in Singapore’s built and natural landscapes have been ongoing. This is like a perpetual documentation project to photograph Singapore Cityscapes as it changes over the years.

My recent review adventure with the Canon EOS R3 brought me revisiting different locations in Singapore, along with RF600mm f/11 IS STM lens and RF800mm f/11 IS STM lenses that I am also reviewing as well. Lenses with focal length such as 600mm or 800mm are usually associated with sports and wildlife photography. Are they even suitable for landscape/cityscape photography?

Here are some Singapore Cityscapes shot with the Canon EOS R3 with RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM lenses. 

Stay tuned for my upcoming review articles (and more photos) on the Canon EOS R3, RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM lenses! 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R3 Explorer Series Production * 

The post Singapore Cityscapes (600mm and 800mm perspectives) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography by Ryan Cheng

From April 2021 to August 2021

A quick recap, I celebrated a milestone “Celebrating 15 years of TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog” in April 2021. Things was looking quite alright at that time but life doesn’t go as planned many times. 

Phase 2 Heightened Alert (P2HA) came into effect in May 2021, I got into some wrong end of some personal situations, I spiralled down, got stuck in a rut, depressed, I asked myself on the topics of “Fate and Time”. A few friends came forward and pulled me out from my rut.

During my recovery journey, there was an “Blessing or Omen?”, followed by me “Reflecting H1 2021 and New Themes for Photography and Travel in H2 2021”. Another round of P2HA was implemented again in July 2021, it definitely was very tough and challenging on us mentally, emotionally and financially. 

Most recently, I wrote a personal tribute to my former DSG Scoutmaster who recently passed on, this would give you insights into my humble beginnings decades back, that’s where I started my love for outdoors, travel and exploration. 

Photography business

Operating and running a small business (such as my own sole proprietorship photography business) during this global pandemic is one of the toughest life/society/economy lessons that you can ever have in running a small business of any kind.

This was a period of pivoting, adapting, adopting, changing, making strategic and directional changes. Beyond just photography services, I am in the midst of developing and expanding my TGH Digital Studio, into Digital Marketing, Content Creation, Social Media Marketing and Videography services. 

Photography by Isaac Ong

I am curating and updating my new portraiture photography portfolio for my TGH Photography website, adding pet photography and zen / therapy landscapes portfolio too!

On the topic of collaborations and partnerships, there are ongoing discussions, stay tuned!

Zines/Books Updates

Ever since I published my first official zine TGH Photography Zine Vol 1. – SG55 Special Edition in December 2020, I really wanted to publish more photography and travel related zines on a regular basis. This proved to be quite challenging, from my project and time management perspectives.

I have three ongoing work-in-progress zines/books

• Meow Mixed Media
• 15 years milestone zine/book
• Photography therapy + playbook

There was an initial plan to publish a photo book based on one of my personal documentary projects that would be partially funded through my application for funding from organisations. Looking at my current situation and timeline, I am most likely going to postpone this to next year 2021, concentrating on my current work-in-progress zines/books.

Travel and Tourism

We haven’t been able to travel since the global pandemic hit the whole world in 2020. I reckon many of us are feeling the urge to travel out and away, we have been “stuck” in our home country for a period of time, wishing that we are back to the pre-COVID19 days when we can travel freely and easily.

I wrote an earlier article on, “When we restart tourism?”. Initially, I was a bit optimistic that we might be able to travel soon in Q3 or Q4 2021. However, during that time when I published my article, there were quite a fair bit of world developments in the global pandemic situation, the Delta variant is a lot more tricky to handle than the whole world initially thought it was able to do so. 

After following and reading news, updates and views from various industry sources, I am holding back my optimism, choosing to be more cautious and prudent. While countries are currently working towards opening up their tourism industries in selected areas/regions, I have to plan and consider carefully before making any travel decision, there might not be any travel for me in 2021, it might just be early 2022 instead.

I am also enlightened by fellow TTOT (Travel Talk on Twitter) co-host Sonja’s words and advice on traveling during this pandemic. Let’s see how the world travel and tourism situation develops in the next few months.

Meanwhile, I am establishing new networks, partnerships and collaborations in the travel and tourism sectors. When the suitable time arises, I would share more details and updates in this area. 

Digital Arts and NFT

I have been talking about this topic on digital arts and NFTs for a period of time. This is still a very new area for me to enter into, I haven’t fully embark into this arena yet. I am still researching on which NFT marketplace is more suitable for my photography works, how to go about minting my digital artworks. 

This is an area that I am currently working on, I hope to share more updates soon when it is appropriate to do so. 

Personal Documentary Photography Projects

Whenever I am not doing commercial photography, I have my own personal documentary photography projects, some I have already embarked on, so it’s a continuation in a way. There are also some new personal projects that I am going to embark on. 

Here’s a list of my ongoing personal documentary photography projects:

• Photography therapy / Nature therapy / Shinrin-Yoku 
• Old Jurong Line Nature Trail 
• Clementi Nature Trail
• Dover Forest 
• Old Place/landmarks/neighbourhoods that are going to disappear 

Keep a lookout for them in my upcoming articles!

Printer Review + Printing photos as gifts

I am reviewing Canon’s PIXMA G670 photo printer, I would be taking this opportunity to print curated 4R and A4 photography prints for a small group of people who had helped me during the past few months, especially during the period when I was stuck in a rut, they were the ones who lent their helping hands and emotional support, they pulled me out from the bottom and walked with me in my recovery journey. 

Oh yes, do keep a lookout for my PIXMA G670 photo printer review!

Canon lenses rebalancing in progress

Canon L lenses are superb lenses, I have been using some lenses for a period of time. For those who have been following my Canon explorer stories since the start of my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog, you would know how long I have been using some of my Canon L lenses.

I was contemplating some changes and upgrades since last year, I finally made a decision in the first quarter of 2021 to do a “rebalancing” my Canon lenses setup. It took me a while to get my lenses and accessories sold as well getting in my new lenses.

Out

• EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
• EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Mk I
• EF 300mm f/2.8L
• Extender 1.4x TC
• Extender 2.0x TC

In

• EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Mk II (used)
• EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM (used)

Coming soon (Hopefully!)

• Sigma 150-600mm (used) 

New (used) f-stop gear Satori-EXP camera backpack + wardrobe revamp 

Over the years, I learnt the world (and ropes) of buying and selling used goods especially in the photography market. I found a used f-stop gear Satori-EXP camera backpack at a very good price on Carousell, adding it to my photography bags setup (A rebalancing of my photography bags is coming soon too!). Even though it’s a very used camera backpack, I still like it a lot! I was inspired to make some changes to my wildlife/outdoors photographer/explorer setup with a wardrobe revamp, I do need to replace some of my older apparel due to wear and tear over time.

These are my new additions/changes in my wardrobe revamp

• New trekking/wildlife exploration cargo pants (for my commercial photography wear as well)
• New buff/bandana 
• New Merrell hiking boots
• A long sleeve outdoor/trekking black colour shirt from my wardrobe
• Selecting another jungle hat from my collection 

Therefore, I am commissioning a new photographer profile shoot, new wildlife/outdoors photographer/explorer profile photographs are coming soon! 

Videography and Filmmaking Updates

In case you missed it, I do have a YouTube channel, please do support and follow! I haven’t been updating my videography and filmmaking channel. Maintaining photography and videography/filmmaking concurrently was much tougher than I expected. 

Videography/Filmmaking is an area that I have identified to be lacking in, a skill to learn, improve and as a form of creative production to complement my photography and content creation. I am working on some new video/short film projects:

• Photography therapy / nature therapy / Shinrin-Yoku project with therapeutic music composed by a very talented musician, composer, photographer and technology writer Chester Tan. 
• A new profile video with my revamped outdoors/wildlife photographer/explorer wardrobe. 

Last but not least

Last but not least, thank you for taking the time to read till the end of my photography, travel and updates 17th August 2021. This time round, it’s probably a lot more lengthy than my previous updates! Our reading and attention time span has drastically reduced in this modern social media driven environment. 

I really appreciate the support and encouragement that you have shown for my photography, content creation and writing works over the years, walking with me as I explored, sharing the different worlds and stories through my photographs and stories.

The post Photography, Travel, Updates 17th August 2021 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Where it all began

It all began in 2006 when I wanted to start a photography blog. During that era, having a blog was not only something that I wanted to do for myself, I wanted to produce and publish visual stories, just like a National Geographic Magazine photographer and journalist (I grew up reading National Geographic Magazine and kind of follow their visual storytelling style). 

At that juncture in time, it was kind of cool to own a blog, social media had not really “exploded” into the scene at that time. I started on blogspot platform before migrating to my own domain name and hosting, setting up my own brand name/domain name, my own frontal space. Huge credits to Jack who helped me to setup my photography blog at that time, as well as Brian who helped me with IT technical support over all those years. 

As the years progressed, it transformed and grown from a small and humble photography blog into my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog of today, covering my visual stories, travel adventures, documentation works, photography topics, cameras, lenses and accessories review,  sports, wildlife, hospitality and food adventures. 

15 years adventure – Many ups and downs

My 15 years adventure writing and publishing visual stories wasn’t exactly a smooth and stable journey, it was full of ups and downs, from reaching the heights of recognition in 2015, to the lows from setbacks and departure of loved ones/close folks from 2016 to 2017. 

When you are in the creative sector, there will definitely be scrutiny and criticism, my website was deemed messy and not suitable to be a photography portfolio website. I reflected on it, established a separate photography portfolio website, thus allowing this to continue its visual storytelling journeys as a portal/blog and supplementing my photography portfolio website. 

There were others who questioned the value and relevance of my photography and travel portal/blog in today’s social media trends and usage. One even created their own blog after questioning my website, that is probably a compliment to what I have accomplished for my website over the past 15 years.

I learnt and grow old together with my website, visual storytelling, gaining more photography skills and knowledge, producing and publishing photography prints, photo books and zines.  

Revamp and Rebrand

Revamp and rebrand, the time is now to introduce TGH Digital Studio, comprising of my TGH Photography business, my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog, my TGH Technology and Business portal/blog and working closely with my partnerships and collaborations. 

Photographer | Visual Storyteller | Content Creator | Technology Writer | Digital Artist 

I started TGH Photography as a sole proprietorship business in 2017. It was a very difficult start for me as I learnt the hard truths and brutal realities of running and managing a business, let alone a business in the creative industry. 

The amount of emotional and mental stress took a toll on me as I was also hurting from the loss of my loved one/closed ones during the period 2016 to 2017. Not many knew about it, I don’t talk much about it, the world we live in, sometimes just judge you by dollars and cents.  

During this short period of time from 2017 till date, I also learnt that providing standalone photography services is not going to be sufficient in this fast moving social media and internet driven world that we are living in. I started to learn videography/filmmaking from scratch, having photography knowledge and skills does shorten my learning cycle. This is still an ongoing learning  process, I have so much more to learn, improve and add on new skills and knowledge, adding to my expanded scope of professional services.

Just when I thought things would get a bit more stable, the world was hit by the global pandemic COVID-19 in 2020. In a nutshell, this global pandemic threw everything out of the window. This was almost like back to square one, back to ground zero. This was like a reset switch – Adapting, adopting, changing and re-strategising. During that circuit breaker period, the acceleration to adapt, adopt, change, strategic changes and directional changes was fast. 

Although I started solo in my photography business, I am glad that I now have a small team! I have Isaac helping me in photography/videography/video editing/editor and JingYi for creative design/digital artworks/illustrator/layout artist/.

Partnerships and Collaborations

I have been partnering and collaborating with other friends/content creators/photographers over the years. Some have been ongoing for a while, some are new on board.

Hpility SG

One of my first partnerships and collaborations (we started off in 2017) that I worked with in a few areas, from photography, videography and digital marketing. 

Easy Travel Recipes

Easy Travel Recipes is my travel and food partnership and collaboration. We are still discussing on how to expand and combine our strengths and resources in the travel and food segments moving forward.  

3 Blind Mice

This is a foodie consultancy, photography, videography, food tasting/cooking media production and regular feasting partnership and collaboration, founded and established after our foodie trip to Vietnam in 2018 by Chef Keith Crackling Roast, Chef Jude and myself.   

Meow Mixed Media Production

A mixed media photography and digital artwork collaboration co-founded by Isaac, JingYi and myself, borne from a passion of photography, cute cats and digital artworks combining together. 

More details and information would be shared when I make an announcement and share more information and details on what we are doing.

CryptoIKI

I am entering into the digital arts space with CryptoIKI, exploring the world of NFT and see how I am able to bring my photography works and mixed media artworks into this space. Keep a lookout as I explore and share my digital artist journey here. 

Upcoming projects/works

I have embarked on a number of different personal projects over the years, from documentary photography, publishing photography book and zines, photography prints. For this 15th year milestone year, I have embarked on a few personal projects. 

Books/Zines

Currently, there are three books/zines being planned on my timeline. 

1. Mixed media photography and digital artwork collaboration zine with Meow Mixed Media Production

Coming soon, I would keep it under wraps for now! Stay tuned and keep a lookout for our official announcement! 

2. A zine to celebrate my 15 years milestone (2006 to 2021)

I am still working on my zine, I have yet to decide whether i am going for a photo book magazine style approach showcasing a selection of photographs shot from 2006 to 2021, or short visual stories of key events with photographs from each year.

3. Publishing a book from one of my heritage and cultural personal works/documentations 

I have been documenting and photographing history, heritage and cultural fields/interests over the past 15 years. This would be an ideal time to bring one of my personal heritage projects that I documented to the next level, publish into a book and bring it to life in both physical print and electronic book format.  

A few other artwork projects with Meow Mixed Media Production are in the planning/discussion stages. We are a very new creative start-up collaboration, when the time is right, I would make the announcement with the team members and share with everyone on my website.

15 years milestone, what’s next? 

I will continue to produce more higher standards visual content stories with my photography and videography for my photography and travel portal/blog. When the global pandemic COVID-19 is under control, I hope to resume my international travel adventures coverage.

Life is an adventure, it will never be smooth sailing. Who knows where my visual storytelling with my photographs and videos can bring me to, beyond greater heights or faraway destinations?

Last but not least

I would like to thank my family, relatives, loved ones, old friends, supporters, followers and readers for following, reading and supporting my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog over the past 15 years. I really appreciate the support and encouragement that you gave me over all these years. 

To all the various brands and agencies that I worked with, thank you very much for believing and trusting in me to work together, helping me to grow and expand over the past 15 years. 

Last but not least, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for reading this lengthy story of how I started my humble photography blog in 2006 over a 15 years (not out and still going strong) time frame in 2021, marking its milestone celebration of my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog. 

The post 10th April 2021 – Celebrating 15 years of TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

As I looked back in time on my stories that I wrote, “Start of Circuit Breaker in Singapore – 7th April 2020” and “Begun the Circuit Breaker has in Singapore”, there were so much things happening and taking place during that time when we entered into Circuit Breaker mode. It was a very difficult and stressful time for everyone of us here in Singapore. 

I didn’t take many photographs outside during that period due to the circuit breaker. Most of the photos were shot at home or from my window looking out and around my neighbourhood. I was reviewing the Canon EOS M6 Mark II during that Circuit Breaker period.

What do you remember from your circuit breaker period in Singapore? Here were some of the photographs that I took during the Circuit Breaker in Singapore that started on 7th April 2020. 

We are not out of the woods yet in our fight against COVID-19, not just in Singapore, around the whole world too. While the situation here in Singapore has improved over this one year time frame from 7th April 2020 to 7th April 2021, we cannot let our guard down against our battle against this ongoing global pandemic. 

One last message, we DO NOT WANT another Circuit Breaker! Everyone of us here must play our part and continue our fight against COVID-19. Slowly, we can get back to a more normal lifestyle again soon. 

The post Do you remember 7th April 2020 – Circuit Breaker in Singapore? appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

This was for the long-running series “On The Red Dot” programme that airs on Channel 5 and ChannelNewsAsia. The episodes that that been produced and aired on TV were really good, excellent content, nostalgia for some of the content they produced and they also covered current issues too. You can catch up and watch “On The Red Dot” episodes on CNA Insider YouTube channel!  

When On The Red Dot episode 35: Places We Miss: The Last Goodbye on Tanglin Halt was aired on TV, I watched it with great nostalgia, the older generation HDB flats, the kampung spirit, two storey shophouses and delicious local hawker food. Although I did not stay in Tanglin Halt, it was part of my growing up years, passing by/through Tanglin Halt on my way home from secondary school days, from Gan Eng Seng School to Clementi.

Here are some of the photographs of Tanglin Halt that I shot in 2015.

I was honoured and humbled that my photographs that I shot in 2015 played a small part in this On The Red Dot episode. My personal photography documentation on heritage, history, culture and old places have always been ongoing, mainly through my photography and writing down notes. All these journeys of mine took time, at times putting it one side and moving into another area before returning back to it again.

This is the time to revisit and continue my documentation of Tanglin Halt. I made a quick trip down recently after this episode was aired, with the Canon EOS R5 camera that I am reviewing. This was meant to be a short photography fieldwork, to reconnect with this area before planning my schedule in the months ahead to continue. 

From the kampung spirit, shophouses, delicious local hawker food, the former rail corridor/green corridor and the older generation HDB blocks. I would try my best to document, photograph and cover as much of Tanglin Halt before it’s gone forever.    

Tanglin Halt – Time to revisit in 2021, to continue on my personal photography and documentation of old places in Singapore before it’s gone forever into our history books, websites and archives. This would be taking place over the next few months.

Remember to get your international driver permit from INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS ASSOCIATION when you can travel out to explore different destinations around the world by car!

A special TGH Photography x Canon EOS R5 Explorer Series Production.

The post Tanglin Halt – Time to revisit in 2021 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Everyone of us in the extended family felt a huge loss when she left us on 20^th November 2016 (农历十月二十一). It was the start of a mourning period (I also wrote a personal heartfelt article for my paternal grandmother on her passing in Jan 2017)  with key ritual dates on the 7^th, 14^th, 49^th, 100^th, 清明节2017, 1^st year anniversary in 2017, 清明节2018 and followed by the 2^nd year anniversary (in year 2018) of her passing with a grand memorial service, rites and rituals.

Entering into November 2018, the period of her 2^nd anniversary, the extended family began preparing for the upcoming memorial service and rituals known as <做功德>  over 3 days of Taoist rites performed along with lots of food offerings. As I am participating in the rites and rituals over 3 days, I didn’t manage to take many photographs. All these big ritual services were not just for my grandmother’s 2^nd year anniversary memorial service, it was done together with and, also for my other ancestors who were no longer around.

While I really wish to go more in-depth into the rituals, I would not be able to do so in my article here. Moreover, this is a memorial and remembrance time dedicated to my paternal grandmother.

26^th to 27^th November 2018

This special memorial and remembrance service <做功德> started on 26^th November evening. Since this was my first time attending and also participating in this service, I was basically “lost”, I just followed instructions.

There were some key takeaways personally for me, <做功德> is very different from a funeral. I will not forget the words, wisdom and sharing by the chief priest, on the topics of filial piety, family unity, remembering her legacy and sacrifices. This is not just a memorial and remembrance service, it was also a celebration of her life and legacy.

28^th November 2018 (农历十月二十一)

The final day of the <做功德> rites and rituals, this was also her death anniversary. A number of different rites and rituals were conducted, followed by a big buffet dinner attended by the extended family, relatives, friends and neighbours from the village.

The grand finale was the burning of the tall paper house, surrounded with heaps of joss paper. Once this final rite was conducted, this also marked the end of her memorial service, as well as the mourning period for the extended family.

Our matriarch, our grandmother, will always be in our hearts, mind and soul, even though she is no longer around. She will always look after us from the Heavens above, protecting and blessing us, just like she always do when she was still around on Earth.

做功德，祖先保佑！

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