Photography by Ryan Cheng

Teacher’s Day celebration brought two subjects into my mind, learning/training and photography. I wasn’t formally trained in photography, I learnt through National Geographic Magazines, photography books, going hands-on and learning from my mistakes. However, I was blessed to meet different photographers in my photography journey over the decades who were willing to share their invaluable photography knowledge, skills and experiences with me. 

To my few photography friends/disciples that came under my tutelage, I hope that I am a good enough photography teacher. Training and sharing my photography knowledge, skills and experience are also another form of learning and gaining more knowledge, skills and experience for myself.

To myself, learning never stops, no matter what education level or life stage I am at right now. Besides continuous learning new skills and knowledge in photography and videography, I learnt to produce and publish my own photography zines, with more zine projects on the pipeline. 

Next up for me is digital arts and NFT, the next field that I am going into. The NFT sector is not entirely new to me, I am learning more about them, to keep up with the developments and what I need to do. 

Another field that I am working on is photography therapy zine/book through my nature, landscapes and outdoors photography. The ongoing global pandemic has taken a huge toll on our mental and emotional health. I wasn’t spared, I knew it deep down personally, how damaging it can be on us. My photography therapy works are meant to help lighten your stress in a small way or another, through my photographs and activities.    

Never stop learning, never stop teaching, in life, in my photography.

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Why SG55 Edition?

The decision to choose the theme “SG55 Edition” came from SingapoRediscovers – Explore your own backyard, a S$45 million tourism campaign getting locals to explore Singapore. This was like a continuation of what I had been regularly doing, photographing, documenting and sharing local Singapore destinations and locations that are off from the tourist trail over the past decade. I sincerely hope that this small bite size zine/guide would be a good handy local travel guide for my friends who would be visiting Singapore when the Covid-19 situation is under control and international leisure travel is allowed again.  

Another step up to my printing experience levels 

Printing photographs, photo books and zines have been a great learning and fun experience for my photography journeys in both personal and professional aspects. From mini photo prints with Canon Mini Photo Printer to A3 photography prints with Canon PIXMA Pro-10 photo printer, publishing my own photo book of my Hokkaido 2014 travel photography adventure. Printing my TGH Photography Zine Vol 1 – SG55 Special Edition is another step up for me in my printing experience levels. 

Writing and Creativity 

Creating, publishing and printing my zine has expanded and extended my writing and blogging from the internet/social media world to the print world. When I first started my photography blog in April 2006, I never expect myself to reach this level of writing, creativity and printing zines and photo books. 

Learning new skills, knowledge and self-improvement never stops, no matter what level of professional expertise or life experience that I am currently at right now. This is what self-learning and self-improvement over the years had brought me to the stage I am in today. From a humble photography blog, to a photography and travel portal/blog, a commercial photography business setup, a writer and publisher. 

Printing using MagCloud Platform

I was introduced to MagCloud a few years ago by fellow photographer Callan Tham, his photography zines were published by them (I was inspired by Callan’s zines!) and I had an idea of the quality and printing capabilities of MagCloud platform. I would like to explore more formats options from MagCloud beyond the Digest format that I am using it for publishing my photography and travel zine. 

For fellow photographers and creatives, please visit and check out MagCloud platform! 

Do support my zine works!

Visit my TGH Photography Zine Vol 1 – SG55 Edition on MagCloud and check it out!  

Year 2020 has been a very difficult year for the whole world, some industries have been hit harder than the rest. Photography industry is one of them, earnings had taken a hit, the journey ahead is still choppy and challenging to navigate. 

TGH Photography Zine Vol 1: SG55 Special Edition

By GengHui Tan in TGH Photography Zine Collection

12 pages

Diversification and adapting new business strategies are on the way, writing, publishing and printing zines is one of the avenues. Do support my zine works! 

Special Thanks

There are a few people that  I would like to thank: 

1) Fernando Gros and Craig Atkinson for inspiring me with their zines publications, their own unique art and creative directions.

2) Isaac Ong for helping me in the proof reading and editing my content write up. 

My TGH Photography Zine Vol 1 – SG55 Edition is the first of my upcoming zine projects that I have been planning for, with a few special themes/projects planned. My zines is also a mini book prototype for the bigger projects that I have embarked on, establishing the foundations for my future book prints.

Printing a zine has been a wonderful and learning journey, giving my photography, documenting and writing a platform to showcase them in a physical print form to hold, read, treasure and share. 

A special TGH Photography Explorer Series Production with Canon EOS 1DX Mark II, EOS RP and EOS R6 cameras.

The post Launch of TGH Photography Zine Vol 1 – SG55 Special Edition appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

First and foremost, let me share with you more information on the Canon PIXMA TS6370 printer.

“The latest stylish additions to the PIXMA printer family takes home printing to a whole new level,” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “With a multitude of

new features at their fingertips, users are able to perform a variety of tasks and discover new and creative ways to print from the comfort of their homes. We hope to empower every home user with high-quality printing and provide them with the imaging solutions they need.”

Product Specifications PIXMA TS6370

Now, let me bring you into my printing experiences with the Canon PIXMA TS6370 printer

Print

As a photographer doing a printer review, printed A3 photography prints and published my own photo book, this segment gets the most attention, detail and scrutiny from me. Having previously reviewed the Canon PRO-10 printer before purchasing my own Canon PRO-10 printer for my own photography printing, I might have higher expectations and demands on photography prints.

Printing photographs on the PIXMA TS6370

The PIXMA TS6370 can print up to A4 size photo paper, the printing speed was pretty fast for a home all-in-one printer. I printed different photos on the Canon PP-208 4 X 6” Photo Paper Plus Glossy II that were provided for my review.

For my colour prints, I like the prints output, colours were accurate. While for the black and white photo prints, it didn’t meet my requirements. Although I have to side track and highlight that black and white printing is “a big and independent segment of printing world”. For those who are keen on black and white photo printing, the Canon PRO-10, PRO-1 and ImagePROGRAF PRO-500 (a printer that I am considering to upgrade from my PRO-10) are the printers for you to look at!

Creative Printing

Since the birth of digital photography and smartphone photography, there was a period whereby the art and love for printing were lost when users were glued to their smartphones, tablets, laptops and monitors. However, as technology progresses along with users getting jaded with just viewing, there was a resurgence in printing, from small pocket sized prints to the large prints.

Canon had a full suite of creative printing opportunities, from the new ways to print: Iron-On Transfer Media and Double-Sided Matte Papers, along with other creative print media options such as Canon magnetic photo paper, photo stickers. This full suite of creative printing media along with the PIXMA TS6370 printer, opens up family fun, artistic, creative and bonding time with their children.

Iron-On Transfer Media

The DF-101 Dark Fabric Iron-On Transfer Media were provided for my review. This was a segment that I was quite excited and curious about, how would the Iron-On Transfer Media turn out? I chose photographs from my collection as well as photographs provided by my nieces, we printed them out and ironed them onto the cotton fabric t-shirts and tote bags.

For a special type such as the Iron-On Transfer Media, it would not be fair to compare them directly with the normal photography prints. Overall, the Iron-On Transfer Media prints from the PIXMA TS6370 printer were sharp, you might see and feel that the colours is a bit different, probably due to the different type of medium and material.

There are a number of different methods to utilise Iron-On Transfer Media, from printing a full A4 size and iron onto the fabric, or using the Creative Park app templates. This would also be a good family activity time, printing and creating your own Iron-On photos/designs t-shirt or tote bags.

Insider Tips on using Iron-On Transfer Media:

• Follow the instructions closely on how to prepare and iron-on the media to the fabric
• Follow the washing tips and precautions for fabrics with the Iron-On Transfer Media
• Remember to peel the back of the Iron-On Transfer Media before using the iron on them

Printing a Photo Zine with PIXMA TS6370

I had been planning to publish my own photo zine for some years, it took me a while after some procrastination and distractions, that I finally published and printed my own trial/pre-launch photo zine with the PIXMA TS6370 printer.  For fellow photographers and creatives, who like to DIY and print your own zine, the PIXMA TS6370 is more than capable with its duplex printing capabilities and print output quality.

I printed directly from my MacBook Pro, my photo zine was saved as a pdf file, I chose booklet option setting, printed my zine out, duplex printing before putting them together with staples, a very personal fulfilling DIY photography project brought to life with the PIXMA TS6370 printer.

Scan

Although most smartphones can scan with their smartphone camera and smartphone app, don’t underestimate the quality and accessibility of a scanner, like the all-in-one PIXMA TS6370, just put your document on the scanner and let them do the job for you, instead of positioning your document and taking photo with the smartphone.

It’s pretty fast, easy to use and you can check it on the Canon printing apps before saving it to your camera roll on your smartphone or tablet.

Copy

This compact all-in-one PIXMA TS6370 is suitable for your home or small office, when you need to copy and print documents, it’s easy to use and pretty fast too.

Connectivity and Setup

The PIXMA TS6370 printer is a modern printer that allows users with numerous ways to connect and print. They are equipped with a Wireless Connect button that aids in Wi-Fi setup, wireless direct technology that allow direct connection to mobile devices without a wireless router.

They also have the latest feature to be added, compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which enables voice activated printing. This was something that I didn’t get to try using when I had the printer for review.

While my experience in setting up the printer connection wasn’t that smooth, once it was connected and properly setup with the Wi-Fi network, printing from the Canon apps on my iPhone XR, iPad Air 3 and MacBook Pro was smooth sailing and easy to use.

Through the Canon Print App, you can check on the ink levels of the PIXMA TS6370 printer, making it easier for you to know the time when you need to replace the inks cartridges.

Pricing and Availability

The retail recommended price is S$239 in Navy Blue Colour is available at all Canon authorised dealers.

Summary of Thoughts and Views on the PIXMA TS6370

• A value for money compact sized multi-purpose and connectivity printer, for home, small office, fun and creative usage.
• Pretty good quality photo printer for home and leisure use
• Fast printing and scanning
• Fun and creative printer for family fun, activities, journaling, creative art works
• 1.44” OLED screen is a bit too small for my liking, keys and buttons, user-interface are not to my liking as well.
• The Canon apps Creative Park and Print apps make it easy for users to use the PIXMA TS6370 for print, scan, copy and creative fun.

If you are looking for a home use or small office all-in-one printer, you can consider the PIXMA TS6370. I reckon this is a value for money multi-purpose all-in-one printer ideal for both home, small office and family bonding time for creative, artistic and fun prints.

• I would like to thank Canon Singapore and Ogilvy for the opportunity to review the Canon PIXMA TS6370 printer. *

The Canon PIXMA TS6370 review was shot with the Canon EOS RP, a TGH Photography x Canon EOS RP Explorer Series Production.

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How did the Canon PIXMA TS6370 printer came about?

Here’s the story behind it, there was an opportunity to review the Canon PIXMA TS6370 printer recently, I decided to test out the capabilities and functionalities of this printer, publishing my trial/pre-launch photo zine, in 3 different sizes, namely A4, digest and small booklet since the PIXMA TS6370 can do duplex printing! A more comprehensive review of the Canon PIXMA TS6370 printer can be read inside this article.

Why do I want to start my own photo zine?

It probably started with hanging out with fellow photographer friends, regardless of their genre or specialisation, our love for photography away from commercial works, we are into the artistic, creative, personal and tangible aspects of photography through prints, photo books and zines.

Who are the fellow photographers and creatives that influenced in my creative zine journey? Some of them are Fernando Gros, Callan Tham, Craig Atkinson, AikBeng Chia, just to name a few that have influenced and inspired me with their photo zines and photo books.

When the photo zines were published, I was happy yet relived at the same time, I finally shook off those personal expectations on my shoulders (and procrastination too!). I am now working on a regular photo zine series to be published every quarter, do keep a lookout for my updates and announcement on my first official photo zine, coming soon! On the other hand, I might work on special theme photo zines along my photography journey, it can be from my own personal projects or from new ideas and inspirations.

Although my pre-launch/trial photo zine is not perfect, I am glad that the Canon printers such as the PIXMA TS6370 printer can do duplex printing, for those who wish to DIY, publish and print your own zines at home, it’s going to be much easier and more convenient.

There is always room for improvement, a work-in-progress, constantly learning, improving and expanding my holistic photography portfolio, on both personal and commercial basis.

Future/Upcoming plans for my photo zines

My photo zine, is a mix of both personal, artistic, creative, marketing and publicity showcase of my photography works and writing. There is a commercial aspect to my photo zine as well, although this is not the first and foremost priority, it’s more of covering part of my operating and printing costs.

I currently have an online printer and bookshop platform in mind, it’s MagCloud, introduced by Callan. This is a platform whereby I can upload my photo zine, for both printing and for sale for readers to purchase a physical and pdf copy of my photo zine. I am also considering owning a PIXMA printer such as the TS6370 whereby I can print ad-hoc photo zines when the need arises or print my own photo zines and sell it on my own website.

Coming up next would be my first official photo zine publication, stay tuned and I would share more information and stories behind it!

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