Marking 20 years milestone of TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog in 2026

Year 2026 also marks a special milestone for my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog, my website celebrated its 20 years milestone in April 2026. What a visual storytelling journey that I embarked on in April 2026 over two decades (not out and still counting).

I have my fair share of ups and downs, on both personal and professional basis, took countless photographs (and my first 10,000 or more were mediocre/poor when I look back), photographed almost anything and everything at the start. Here is the story of my TGH Photography and Travel 20 years milestone celebration, my thoughts, feelings and reflections. 

Over the two decades, I slowly sharpened and improved my visual storytelling craft, as well as my photography that defined my work and style today. However, I am not resting on my laurels, I am continuously learning and improving myself.

Photographing, Documenting and Telling Visual Stories (History, Heritage, Culture, Arts, Nature and Urban landscapes) 

In 2026, as part of my TGH Photography and Travel 20 years milestone celebrations, I am working on more personal works and projects relating to history, heritage, culture, arts, nature and urban landscapes. In the past few years, I wasn’t working on those sectors as much as I used to some time back.

The pace of changes and developments got me reflecting and thinking again, that I got to get back on track to photographing, documenting and telling visual stories in the areas of history, heritage, culture, arts, nature and urban landscapes.

Most recently, I bought a Samyang MF14mm f/2.8 RF lens, pairing it with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II. One of the small rewards for myself to celebrate my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone. Celebrating World Photography Day 2026, here are some photographs of Singapore, this is home truly. I am looking forward to capturing more memories and visual stories of Singapore with my Samyang MF14mm f/2.8 RF lens.

Happy World Photography Day 2026!

We, visual storytellers/photographers, together with fellow creatives from other genres, have been facing various economic/business challenges and technological changes in the world today. The proliferation of AI technology has impacted a photographer’s (and fellow creative) career/job in both good and bad ways. We still have to navigate our way in leveraging AI technology to help us  in our visual storytelling/photography, while learning and understanding more on how it can further impact/affect us.

Beyond technology, there are intangible and invisible forces that we constantly face and battle with, our inner most fears, as well as external forces, the voices of society, people’s and photographers’ judgments and criticisms of our visual storytelling craft and photography works. 

On World Photography Day 2026, let’s continue to persevere in this photography journey that we chose, why we start/are into the craft of visual storytelling/photography in the first place. Keep photographing, documenting, and sharing visual stories, priceless moments of our Home, for ourselves, our family, relatives, friends, society and the world that we call Home.

Wishing all fellow visual storytellers, photographers, and those who love and appreciate photography a Happy World Photography Day 2026!

The post World Photography Day 2026 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Your Canon Event and 20th Edition Canon PhotoMarathon 2026

Your Canon Event, an experimental maker festival, has hands-on workshops, experiential play zone, and community-led activities spanning hobbies such as a botany, tabletop gaming and miniature model painting. 

“With ‘Your Canon Event’, we set out to redefine what a modern maker festival could look like, and reflect how creators engage with imaging today,” said Too Kok Yong, Head of Singapore Operations Group, Canon Singapore. “We seek to create a collaborative space where Singapore’s vibrant creator communities could celebrate their distinct passions and engage in visual storytelling, in the spirit of kyosei—living and working together for the common good. Seeing so many creators connect these diverse hobbies with our PowerShot V Series and EOS V Series, alongside the incredible milestones of our 20th Canon PhotoMarathon, underscores our commitment to empowering creators at every stage of their journey.” 

At Your Canon Event, the festival programme consisted of hands-on stations, from postcard making Play Lab to craft stations, designed to show how imaging technology fits into everyday creative hobbies. Attendees also got the opportunity to experience first hand with Canon’s compact and agile EOS/PowerShot V series cameras that seamlessly integrates into specialised lifestyle workflows.

Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 – Photography Category

Here are the three themes for the photography category at Canon PhotoMarathon 2026. Just for fun, sharing what I shot and submitted during the competition. 

Theme 1: Vibrant

Theme 2: Value

Theme 3: Voice

Of course, I took a few different photos of each theme before deciding which photo to submit for the competition. 

Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 – Video Category

A brand new segment, the inaugural video category, the video storytelling competition that adds a new dimension to Canon PhotoMarathon in its landmark 20th edition in 2026. Considering how the media landscape and media consumption has changed so much over the past decade, video visual storytelling has become a common feature of people’s life, daily living, work and content creation. 

Have a look at Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 – Video Competition Winners on YouTube! 

Youth Category

There was an amazing turnout in the Youth Category, specially designated for creators aged 25 years and below, a standout highlight for this 20th milestone edition. This category showcased a rising wave of Gen Z and younger talent bringing fresh perspectives to the competition’s themes – including the dedicated video category on Kyosei, that challenge participants to capture stories of community, sustainability, and integrity  that defines today’s youth. 

Giving Back to Society

APSN, a social service agency that supports individuals with mild intellectual disability, has a long-standing partnership with Canon Singapore that dates back to 2006. They returned to participate in Canon PhotoMarathon 2026. 

This partnership includes specially designed workshops to sharpen APSN students’ technical skills, loan of cameras and organising guided photo outings led by Canon Singapore staff volunteers. 

This continued participation reflects Canon Singapore and APSN shared commitment to make photography more accessible and creating opportunities for youths with mild intellectual disability to express their creativity.

Over my 12 years (including 2026 edition) of Canon PhotoMarathon participation, I have seen APSN participating and being a part of this photography competition. Their participation may not be as well known to the public or Canon PhotoMarathon attendees. However, I feel they deserve more mention and recognition on Canon Singapore giving back to society with APSN, using photography and visual storytelling as a medium and platform to tell their stories.

For more information on Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 event highlights, and winning submissions, please visit Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 | Canon Singapore.

Reflecting My 12th Year in Canon PhotoMarathon

In this special 20 years milestone year 2026 celebrating my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog, as well as 20th edition of Canon PhotoMarathon, it was also my 12th year participating in Canon PhotoMarathon in 2026. Here are my (pretty lengthy) personal thoughts and feelings from my 12th year participating in Canon PhotoMarathon.

First and foremost, going to take a quick time machine trip back in time, I didn’t join Canon PhotoMarathon when they first started in 2003, my maiden Canon PhotoMarathon participation was in 2008, followed by 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

12 years and counting, I have experienced and seen for myself how this photography competition has changed over the decades from local Singapore market to other ASEAN countries, from camera technology to connectivity with apps and devices. The outreach and approach has also changed along with how the media landscape, social media/internet and technology evolved over the decades. 

However, the core spirit remains the same, the love and fun for photography, in a short and fast paced timeline constraints powered by three different photography themes, pushing our creativity and photography planning to its limits.

I didn’t win any prize in my 12 years of participation, it’s alright though, even though I would love to win some prizes! Instead, I gained intangible and priceless stuff, such as the many friendships over the years with different groups of photography friends, such as my own photography kakis in the early blogging days, former EOS World Community Ambassadors group that I was part of, the Instagram community and other photographer friends met along the way (it’s like an annual event to meet and catch up. Maybe I should take selfies for memories sake). This 20th edition year was a great catch up with some of Canon Singapore folks that I haven’t met for a while, and also PhotoSphere SG, one of the sponsors for Canon PhotoMarathon. 

Even though it’s my 12th year participating, this marks one of my visual storytelling adventures highlight in my TGH Photography and Travel 20 years milestone celebrations/achievements, together with the milestone 20th edition Canon PhotoMarathon in 2026.

The post TGH Photography and Travel 20 years x 20th edition Canon PhotoMarathon appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Celebrations till date (April to May 2026)

Looking back at my TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years milestone celebrations till date from April to May 2026, there wasn’t much celebrations and I hope that I can do a few more group celebrations.

I have yet to start working on my 20 years milestone celebrations photography zine, I would need to start on this personal photography zine project soon! There is also an idea/inspiration to print 20 selected 12×18 photography prints from my collections as part of my 20 years milestone celebrations. 

TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Profile Shoot

While waiting for my new PGYTECH OneMo Tactical photography backpack and accessories (customised patches, new hats, new t-shirt) to arrive, I was coordinating, planning and discussing on my 20 years milestone profile with my disciple/intern Jermine, guiding and mentoring her along the way. Finally, my 20 years milestone portraiture profile shoot finally took place at the end of May 2026!

A fresh new profile shoot, something very different from previous profile photo editions, no more mysterious profile look with sunglasses and balaclava. I would be curating the new profile photo for my social media accounts soon!

Photography 

Photography (Business)

I am still striking a balance between caregiver role at home, and everything else, I am still working to secure more photography projects and shoots, in an ongoing very challenging and disruptive world today, slowing world economy and more uncertainties, coupled with more curveballs from technology disruptions by AI.

Photography (Personal / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation)

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Looking forward to produce more different visual stories and content creation in month of June 2026 and beyond, continuing on from where I kickstarted in the past two months. Collaboration with photography brands are on the cards, do keep a lookout!

For the month of June 2026, looking out for I Light Singapore 2026, arts related events, as well as heritage documentation for Harbourfront Centre (former World Trade Centre).

Personal Photography Time

My personal photography time has been reduced due to changes at home, taking on the caregiver role as well as helping out in household work. As I continue to navigate my journey of balancing photography business, personal photography, caregiver, taking care of home and the rest of my other things in life, I hope to find more (precious) time for my own personal photography.

Photography Exhibitions

There is an upcoming photography exhibition, the 21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition (NAPE) 2026 is going to be held at LASALLE College of the Arts. I have a photograph selected for this year’s 21st NAPE! Last year 2025, I also had a photograph selected for the 20th NAPE!

Feeling humbled and happy that a photograph is selected for this year’s 21st NAPE 2026! Do visit the 21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition (NAPE) 2026 if you can!

21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition (NAPE) 2026

• Dates: 13th – 23rd June 2026 (Closed on Sundays)
• Opening hours: 12pm to 7pm
• Venue: Gallery 1, LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street, Singapore 187940

Photography Competitions

Asia Cat Expo 2026 

This photography competition closing date is 6th June 2026, I would try to photograph my cute and chubby neighbourhood cats in action on the competition theme “Cats at Play”. 

More information can be found here: https://asiacatexpo.com/ 

Earth in Focus 2026 Film & Photography Competition 

Regular submissions is taking place between 16th May to 15th July 2026 if you are keen to participate in this competition.

More information can be found here: https://www.earthinfocus.co/

20th Edition Canon PhotoMarathon 2026 Singapore 25th July 2026

If you are familiar with the Canon PhotoMarathon Singapore, it’s coming back soon, giving you a heads up in advance! I have participated in quite a number of Canon PhotoMarathons over the years, I would need to dig out my archives and check how many did I participate in!

More information about Canon PhotoMarathon Singapore 2026 can be found here: https://snapshot.asia.canon/cpm2026/sg/en 

Personal Updates

My status quo is still the same, I am still finding the balance between being a caregiver role at home, along with everything else. This still remains a delicate and tricky situation. It’s not going to get easier, probably gets more challenging and difficult down the road. 

There are good days, there are bad days, who can understand, who can empathise, without judgement? Nobody can see or feel the amount of stress, pressure, emotional and mental drain inside us caregivers. 

June 2026! Let’s Go!

Even though I am still finding and striking a balance, I would work towards a fun and creative June 2026! Let’s Go!

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for June 2026 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Where It All Began

Founded in 2006, the TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog has grown from a humble personal photoblog into a multi-disciplinary visual storytelling, photography, and content creation platform, documenting journeys across photography, travel, heritage, arts, and technology.

Looking back at 20 years of TGH Photography and Travel

When I started to look back at my 20 years of TGH Photography and Travel, to be honest, I don’t where to start. This 20 years is not that long a period in our lifetime, it’s not short either in the blogging/social media world today. Times have changed, culture, social and media landscapes have changed so much over the past 20 years.

While I got ChatGPT to help me out on a summary of key achievements, highlights, accolades, media relationships, partnerships, they did a pretty good job (I reckon they have learned quite a fair bit about me with me feeding my website articles quite regularly into ChatGPT).

Beyond the feel-good factor and the wonderful stories, there’s also the other side of my journey that many of you don’t see, feel or understand (of disappointments, fears, managing stress and expectations, fighting egos, used and at times being looked down by others, not just in the photography field, also in the creative and social media communities).

Let me bring you on a 20-year time travel from my photo blogging days in 2006 to today’s TGH Photography and Travel visual storytelling journeys in 2026.

Key Achievements and Growth

• 20 years of continuous publishing (2006–2026) – demonstrating longevity and resilience through major digital shifts from blogging to social media ecosystems
• Evolved from a Blogspot site into an independent branded digital platform, forming part of the wider TGH Digital Studio ecosystem
• Built a strong body of work across:
  • • Photography & photojournalism
    • Travel storytelling
    • Heritage and cultural documentation
    • Events, arts, and community coverage
• Expansion into videography, digital content creation, and multimedia storytelling in response to industry changes
• Produced photo books, zines, and print works, extending digital storytelling into physical formats

Highlights and Creative Milestones 

• Coverage of major events, festivals, exhibitions, and national initiatives, including SG60-related exhibitions and arts programmes
• Participation in national-level photography exhibitions, with works selected and exhibited (e.g. Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025, National Photography Art Exhibition 2025)
• Development of long-term personal documentary projects in heritage, culture, and wildlife photography
• Continued evolution of visual storytelling style and editorial voice over two decades
• Recognition through consistent invitations, collaborations, and coverage opportunities across industries

Accolades and Recognition 

• Photographs selected and exhibited in recognised exhibitions and competitions, contributing to Singapore’s photography scene
• Acknowledged for visual storytelling contributions across photography, travel, and heritage sectors
• Built credibility as a trusted independent content creator and visual storyteller over two decades

Media Relationships and Industry Engagement 

• Established working relationships with:
  • Camera and imaging brands (e.g. Canon ecosystem collaborations and feature coverage)
  • Tourism, arts, and cultural organisations
  • Event organisers and lifestyle brands
• Regularly invited for:
  • Event coverage
  • Product launches and media previews
  • Community, heritage, and cultural storytelling projects
• Active participation in photography communities, exhibitions, and industry networks

Partnerships and Collaborations 

Over the years, the platform has collaborated with a diverse network of partners and creative collectives, including:

• Hpility SG – photography, videography, and digital marketing collaborations
• Easy Travel Recipes – travel and food content partnership
• 3 Blind Mice/4 Amigos – food media production and creative collaboration
• PR agencies/PR folks that I worked closely with – GLOO PR, Burson (especially those from XPR), IN.FOM, APRW, Brand Cellar, a group PR folks formerly from Ogilvy PR   

These collaborations reflect a strong emphasis on cross-disciplinary creativity and community-building.

Ups and Downs, Highs and Lows

Earlier you read about TGH Photography and Travel’s achievements, highlights, accolades, media relationships, partnerships over the past 20 years. Those are the highs, proud and humbling achievements through lots of hard work, perseverance, striving to learn, adapt, adopt and improve. 

There were times where I talked about my ups and downs, my highs and lows. Most people, if not everyone, just see the external facade, your end results and success. They can’t see, feel or understand what goes on behind the scenes, how I got there or how many times I fell.

From the highs of an interview feature article (close to a full page) with The Straits Times in 2015, mentioned inside the Acknowledgments section of this book titled, “No Missing Tools: Creativity In An Age Of Abundance” by Fernando Gros, a very talented creative, writer, photographer that I looked up to (especially in writing well thought out articles/topics).

As for my lows, from not being wanted anymore in a photography community without being informed that I had been contributing, building, growing and helping,

The Inner Struggles That Not Many See 

Social media platforms, networks and presence are both a boon and bane for us photographers, and creatives. On the one hand, it opened up presence, branding, awareness, growth and a cohesive, friendly social network (in the early days).

On the other extreme end of the social media, it revealed the ugly side of human beings and human nature. What are some of the inner struggles that I faced during my 20-year journey here?

Ego – One of human beings great enemies (both intrinsic and extrinsic), this can blind us especially among photographers and creatives. I am not immune to this, I made this mistake too, letting my ego got the better of me. Some life lessons learned during those ego related incidents over the decades.

Jealousy – We are human beings with heart, mind and soul, filled with emotions and feelings, jealousy is common and prevalent, in life, and not just in photography. In this current social media thirsty world filled with narcissism and showing off, it can make other people jealous. Even when you keep a low profile, stay grounded and humble, people still come for you.

Criticism – In life, not just in photography, criticism is like a daily staple for everyone of us. Some criticise in an ethical, clear, concise and calm manner with a kind heart to help you, some (many of those human beings) disguise and hide behind their criticism to put a person down.

Bitterness – Many a times, things don’t go out our way in life, that would be a sense of bitterness creeping inside us. During this 20-year journey, I had my fair share of disappointments, giving rise to bitterness. Sometimes, it’s not conducive for my mental and emotional health. However, those situations at times have also served as a motivation to improve myself further and to be better.

Anger – Combine a potent mix of ego, jealousy, criticism, and bitterness, and we can get angry easily and often. This would take some time, growing old, getting mature, in knowing how to handle the anger inside me. 

Why I am not chasing trends/styles on social media – Initially I did chase some trends/styles, as I gradually developed my visual storytelling and creative side (cross disciplinary learning from artists and writers) over the years, I started to not chase trends/styles on social media as much. Instead I wanted to have my own visual storytelling and creative style.

My Struggles and Lows in a Nutshell 

Over the past 20 years,I have had my fair share of criticisms, there are a few people who looked down on the work I did here, even judging and putting me down under the disguise of “giving me friendly advice”. Many life lessons learned, shaping me and helping me to change, adapt and improve myself during the past 2 decades.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter (What does the next decade look like?)

Entering its third decade, the platform continues to focus on:

• Higher-quality visual storytelling and multimedia content
• Deeper heritage and cultural documentation
• Expanded creative collaborations and long-term projects
• Growth within the digital content, photography, and creative industries

Positioning and Legacy

Over 20 years, TGH Photography & Travel has established itself as:

• A Singapore-based independent visual storytelling platform
• A bridge between photography, travel, heritage, and digital culture
• A personal yet professional archive of evolving creative work and industry engagement

To Celebrate or Not to Celebrate my 20 Years Milestone? 

So this thought came into my mind, to celebrate or to not celebrate my 20-year milestone? Some ideas and thoughts popped up, and it’s not like I am going to do some big celebration due to limited budget and I also didn’t go around seeking sponsorships. 

Some of my 20 years milestone celebration plans are:

• Small group dinners gatherings with friends from social media, bloggers, PR, photographers, spread over the months of April to June 2026.
• Working on a special edition 20 years magazine size photo zine with a curated selection of photography works and visual stories from my past 20 years.
• Printing my own customised embroidery patches (2 designs), I am looking at printing the round patch as a gift for my friends and supporters.
• Considering printing customised photography t-shirt gifts from my 20 years TGH Photography and Travel archives
• Bought a new photography backpack as a reward for myself, also as a celebration gift
• Buying new photography t-shirt and accessories for a new profile photographer shoot to mark 20 years milestone
• Planning to get new content creation toys: either a used compact camera for my leisure and media events use, I am looking at a rangefinder style camera as I always wanted to own a rangefinder style camera for my daily usage, street camera. Another consideration is an entry level drone that I can learn, have fun and for social media content creation  

20 Years (Not Out!) – Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

If you have faithfully and diligently read up to the last few paragraphs, thank you for taking the time to read all the way here (a pretty lengthy article I reckon)! I might not have covered everything or spilled everything that happened during my 20-year journey. 

This is a very personal article, a recap of the journey of the past 20 years on my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. Sharing my past 20 years ups and downs, the good and bad, sounds like a broken recorder on repeat ranting mode. Yet, it’s more than just surreal, it might also have triggered some touch points inside your heart, mind and soul, such as the struggles, stress, and pressure we face, not just as a photographer, or as a small business owner.

No words can describe my deep and personal immense gratitude and thanks for all the support and encouragement that you have given me during my past 20 years of visual storytelling, photography, content creation and writing on my humble TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. 

20 Years Not Out! Would you like to continue travelling together with my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog visual storytelling, photography, content creation and writing journey, for the next 10, 20 years and beyond? 

The post Celebrating 20 Years of TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Kickstarting 20 Years Milestone Celebrations April 2026 

In April 2026, I am going to celebrate my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone (since I began my visual storytelling journey in April 2006). 

Counting down to 10th April 2026, I am looking back at my past 20 years journey here, collecting and writing my thoughts, feelings, and emotions, my visual stories and memories, milestones and achievements over the past 20 years, I will be sharing more on the day in April 2026 when I celebrate this 20 years milestone.

Maybe I might end up writing a lot (a.k.a. ranting) more than usual, making me sound like a broken recorder playing on repeat, I won’t know yet, I would just let my feelings, emotions and thoughts flow through into my writing and visual storytelling as I work towards my 20 years milestone celebration story.

Seeking Collaborations, Partnerships and Sponsorships

I am still seeking collaborations, partnerships and sponsorships to mark my 20 years milestone celebrations, whether it’s in the photography, travel or content creation space, I understand that it’s going to be challenging in this current economic and political uncertainties. Nevertheless, let’s have a chat and hope we can work something out that benefits both parties.

20 Years Milestone Celebrations Plans for April 2026

I am not rushing to squeeze every plans that I have for my 20 years milestone celebrations in the month of April 2026, taking it easy, spreading them out over a few months. Planning a few small dinner gatherings with small close group of friends that supported me in this journey till date, also with partnerships and collaborations in my photography business and content creation segments.

Photography

Photography (Business) 

Just for this month of April 2026, I would make an exception by not sharing or discussing on my photography business side of things. I would definitely be working on my photography business whenever the opportunity arises during this month.

Photography (Personal) / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Since this month of April 2026 is a major milestone for me, my personal photography / visual storytelling / content creation would be around the topics of milestone celebrations, gatherings over dinner or lunch, launching my personal photography zine projects to mark this 20 years milestone, as well as continuing my heritage, culture and arts visual storytelling.

21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE)

I am curating my entry submissions for the 21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE) in April 2026, submitting them before the submission deadline. Keeping my fingers crossed that one of my photography submissions would be selected. 

Personal

The roles of a caregiver and taking care of some segments of my household matters are now an intergral part of my daily life. Not as straightforward as I would like it to be,  I am still learning to juggle and balance my photography business, content creation, personal life and also as a caregiver for my elderly parents, especially for my Mum.

Past few months has placed me under a lot of pressure and stress, emotionally and mentally drained. No matter what, I still have to persevere and carry on forward. Thankful to friends who gently reminded me to take good care of myself, or else I won’t be able to take on my caregiver duties. 

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

If you’ve been following, reading, or supporting along the way—Thank You!.

Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or just arrived, you are now part of this journey too.

And the story is still being written.

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for April 2026 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.