Photographers, Filmmakers, Videographers, Creatives, can now capture impressive 48MP photos and 4K videos with the DJI Flip 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with one tap of a button. They come fully equipped with comprehensive protection at all times, if you are a beginner drone pilot/user, you can confidently navigate the skies with DJI Flip.

“Building on the success of our consumer camera drones, we are introducing DJI Flip to combine the simplicity of the DJI Neo with the stunning photo capabilities of the DJI Mini to make both aerial photography and close-up portraits accessible for everyone,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Product Experience Director at DJI. “DJI Flip combines creative tools like AI subject tracking¹ and intelligent shooting modes¹ with safety features like our latest foldable propeller guards and automatic braking, making it easier than ever for people to capture stunning aerial footage no matter their level of photography or drone expertise.”

Key Features of DJI Flip

Ultra Safe and Reliable Flights 

DJI Flip makes drone flying safe and reliable, thanks to its foldable, full-coverage guard that wraps the propellers to avoid injury or damage to the drone. It’s made of lightweight and strong carbon fibre string, the guard’s support structure is only 1/60 the weight of guards made with traditional polycarbonate material while maintaining the same stiffness and durability to ensure safe flights.

Intelligent One-Tap Aerial Photography 

With DJI Flip, it makes flying a drone simple, without requiring special training in most countries and regions. This palm-sized drone is lightweight and compact, making it an ideal travel gadget for capturing any adventures. 

Whether you are hiking through forests, or climbing steep peaks, DJI Flip makes drone flying simple. With one tap of the mode button, Photographers, Filmmakers, Videographers, Creatives, can select from six intelligent shooting modes to capture impressive footage. 

DJI Flip has AI Subject Tracking feature, that can also be enabled to keep a subject in the frame. The six intelligent shooting modes include Drone, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix and Boomerang. 

Strong Camera with Smart Enhancements 

The DJI Flip can capture high-dynamic 48MP photos with more highlights and shadow details. The camera is powered by 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor including Dual Native ISO Fusion, f/1.7 aperture, and 2.4μm 4-in-1 pixels. It can also capture photographs up to 4x zoom. Intricate details can also be preserved with next-gen SmartPhoto, which combines HDR imaging, scene recognition, and more for images that pop.

DJI Flip can record HDR video at 4K resolution and 60fps, promising footage with true-to-life quality. It also supports slow-motion recording at 4K/100fps and 10-bit D-Log M Colour mode. The 4:3 aspect ration CMOS sensor provides enough space for vertical crops while maintaining a 2.7K resolution, optimised for smartphone viewing and social media without any cropping needed.

DJI’s intelligent shooting features easily produce professional-grade work:

• MasterShots: Allows DJI Flip to automatically perform diverse camera movements, shooting multiple clips and editing them with music, cuts, and effects for fast and simplified cinematic footage.
• Hyperlapse: Select from four options, including Free, Circle, Course Lock, and Waypoint to capture timelapse footage at up to 4K horizontally or 2.7K vertically.
• FocusTrack: Find creative ways to follow your subject with FocusTrack. The suite includes ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, three powerful storytelling tools.
• Panorama: Supports shooting 180°, Wide Angle, Vertical, and Sphere panoramic photos to capture magnificent landscapes.

Other Standout Features 

• 31-minute Max Flight Time: DJI Flip’s Intelligent Flight Battery delivers up to 31 minutes of flight time, ensuring seamless creation without battery concerns.
• Automatic Braking: DJI Flip’s 3D Infrared Sensing System support automatic braking for enhanced safety, even at night.
• Next Level Video Transmission: When paired with the DJI RC-N3 or RC 2 remote controller, DJI O4 video transmission supports up to 13 km of 1080p/60fps video transmission and has excellent anti-interference capabilities, allowing you to explore vast landscapes with clarity.
• Fast Charging and Data Transfers: The DJI Flip Parallel Charging Hub charges two batteries simultaneously, significantly reducing charging time. With the DJI Fly app, footage can be transferred at speeds up to 30MB/s.
• Fly With or Without Remote Controller: The DJI Flip can be operated with the DJI RC-N3 or RC 2 remote controllers. It can also operate with the DJI Fly app or Voice Control¹ for hands-free flying. When connected to your phone, it can capture audio and intelligently reduce noise, automatically filtering out propeller noise.

Short Hands on Experience with the DJI Flip

I had a preview and short hands on experience with the DJI Air 3S in Singapore when it was announced in January 2025. Although I do not have many extensive drone flying experiences, I always wanted to add drone photography, drone videography / cinematography to my photography and content creation services. 

Flying the DJI Flip wasn’t too difficult for a beginner like myself, it was fun although I still have a lot to learn about drone flying. Check out fellow technology blogger Joe Teh of Techielobang TikTok video on the DJI Flip in action at the DJI Flip launch event.

With more hands on experiences and learning about DJI drone flying, starting from my DJI Air 3S coverage, followed by DJI Flip, I am still looking around adding a DJI drone to my photography and content creation services, I am looking at producing travel vlogs and potentially explore other business opportunities with drone photography, videography and cinematography. 

DJI also has another drone that caught my attention, DJI Neo with a very attractive price point. Therefore, I am considering the DJI Flip and DJI Neo, I have fellow techies, creatives, photographers, filmmakers and videographers sharing their DJI Flip and DJI Neo flying/content creation experiences with me.

Hopefully, I would be to share more about my DJI drone flying journeys down the road!

Pricing and Availability 

The DJI Flip is available to order from online platforms: Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, Amazon and authorised retail partners, in the following configurations:

• DJI Flip retail price $519
• DJI Flip (DJI RC 2) retail price $739
• DJI Flip Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2) retail price $929

For more information, please visit https://www.dji.com/flip 

* Information courtesy of DJI Singapore and Redhill *

The post DJI Flip: All-in-One Vlog Camera Drone appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography

First up would be my photography sector, my regular and usual approach from both business and leisure/personal perspectives.

Photography (business)

On the business side of things for TGH Photography, Q1 got off on a not too bad start, taking into consideration the slower start in January 2024, followed by Chinese Lunar New Year festive season in February 2024. Although some deals faced some challenges and didn’t materialise, it’s an inevitable part of running and doing a business. 

With the uncertainties and challenges in the economy ahead, hopefully the momentum and consistency built up in Q1 2024 can be carried forward into the rest of the year.

Photography (leisure/personal)

I continued to enjoy my leisure/personal photography in the midst of everything juggling a business and a few big hats concurrently. Bird photography/wildlife photography was fulfilling for this particular migratory bird season in Singapore from October 2023 to March 2024. 

On my personal photography projects that I am planning to start, working on them and brining it to “life” via physical prints either in zines or photo books. Although I haven’t officially selected them, one would be on heritage sector, most likely it would be from an existing/ongoing heritage documentation project that I started some years back. Another project idea is on my travel visual storytelling, I would share more in the Travel sub-section below.

I am also exploring a photography collaboration with overseas photographer, it would really be a wonderful experience to publish a photography zine overseas with them. Let’s see how this would turn out for me, whether it comes to life. 

Travel

An area that I have been working on before the global pandemic hits, from travel photography, visual storytelling and content creation. Although it’s not taking off as I would like to, I am going to continue working on this, from my personal travel visual storytelling to my networkings. 

Travel content creation 

I read about the challenges and impacts of AI on travel content creators. These would be of great interest to me as a travel content creator being part of my portfolio of works, as well as being a technology writer. I would share more of my findings when I had more insights from my research.

Together with my travel content creation and travel visual storytelling plans for 2024, I am thinking between a travel photo book or a travel storytelling style book that is always on my dreams and plans. Which should I choose? 

Geo-politics and world economy

The geo-politics tensions across different parts of the world are a concern for world tourism and travel, let’s hope they would not escalate further hampering and derailing the world economy further. Current economic sentiments are not good even though we have been reading news on over-tourism in some countries such as Japan. 

Last but not least on my travel, it’s really time to plan a short getaway soon, it’s been years since I left Singapore for an overseas trip due to the global pandemic (last trip was in 2019 to Malaysia). 

Creative 

On the creative side of things, I am kickstarting my TGH Research and Learning Series on Artificial (AI) in 2024, continuing where I left off in 2023. I have both professional and personal interests in Generative AI from various perspectives, as a photographer/creative, a technology writer and an end consumer. AI technology is huge, I am still learning, researching and understanding the potentials and impacts.  

Through my ongoing research and learning series, I might experiment more with Generative AI on photography, videography and designs.

Heritage

Over the past decade (and still counting), I have embarked on history, heritage, culture and arts documentation via my photography and writing, the collection of photographs can be viewed here #OurSGHeritage on Flickr. 

In 2024, I am planning to bring a current personal heritage project to life, and I am also looking to get more active and involved in heritage sector, contributing through my visual storytelling and writing with organisations involved in the history, heritage, culture and arts sector. 

Moving Forward in Q2 and beyond in 2024

The uncertainties, poor economic sentiments and a slowdown in the world economy can and have already been felt on the ground level. The challenges and constraints would still be ever present, moving forward in Q2 and beyond in 2024, I would continue to work smart, be strategic and work extra hard, hopefully the momentum and consistency built up in Q1 2024 can be carried forward into the rest of the year, in the are of my photography/content creation business, amidst the uncertainties. 

Q2 2024 has just begun, time to take on the challenges ahead, moving forward in Q2 and beyond on 2024.

The post Reflecting Q1 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

“Canon remains steadfast in our commitment to empower photographers with the precise tools necessary to realize their creative visions. As we continue to expand our RF lens portfolio, we remain attuned to the diverse needs of photographers. In addition to our exceptional super telephoto RF lenses, we recognize the significance of wide-angle capabilities. The RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM seamlessly covers the full focal range within our RF ecosystem, boasting an expansive 10mm rectilinear field of view and improved optical image stabilization. Its lightweight design enhances value, addressing photographers’ ultra-wide needs.” Said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

The Advantage of Going Wider

The wider the focal length, you can view the bigger difference every 1mm makes. At the focal length of 10mm, the area covered by this lens is nearly twice that at 14mm, and 1.4x that at 12mm, which significantly increases possibilities when shooting large subjects in tight spaces.

With this unique perspective effect that exaggerates relative distances, objects near the lens look bigger and more impressive. Concurrently, this wide-angle zoom lens capability allows the flexibility to frame the scene tighter, making this ultra-wide angle EF10-20mm f/4L IS STM lens an asset for expanding creative expression.

When paired with an APS-C EOS R camera, this lens continues to be an ultra-wide angle lens, capturing a field of view from 16 to 32mm on a full-frame lens.

Powerful yet Light

If a lens goes wider while maintaining maximum aperture and performance traditionally meant that it would be a heavier lens. However, this RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM lens goes against this with a dramatic weight reduction. The RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM lens weighs approximately 570g, shaving off over 600g off the EF11-24mm f/4L USM lens, even with its additional Optical IS unit, yet this is of a smilier size to the existing f/4L trinity lenses.

The portability also makes it ideal for handheld shooting and use with gimbal, making the RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM a powerful yet light lens.

Outstanding Image Quality All the Way to the Edges

The RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM lens is Canon’s first ultra-wide angle zoom lens with a focal length under 13mm to equipped with the Optical Image Stabilizer (Optical IS). With this feature, users can now take long exposures hand-held with up to 5 shutter stops of image stabilisation (6 stops through Coordinated Control IS with compatible cameras). Optical IS also works in tandem with Movie Digital IS to achieve image stabilisation during video shooting, ensuring smooth handheld footage even while walking.

The RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM additionally supports the new Peripheral Coordinated Control (2), which effectively compensates the peripheral blurring that tends to occur with ultra-wide-angle lenses. This works with the optimised lens configuration and in-camera correction to control distortion and chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range. This results in outstanding image quality that is on par, if not better than that of the EF11-24mm f/4L USM’s stellar reputation.

Nimble AutoFocus

The lens focusing system, including the STM motor and focusing lens, is designed to optimise AF performance. This ensures swift focusing during still photography, along with high-precision, smooth and quiet AF drive during video recording. Performance is on par, if not better, than the EF11-24mm f/4L USM. It also newly adopts the lens position sensor used in Nano USM lenses, which, when combined with the lead-screw type STM, shortens startup time so users can start shooting quickly from power-on.

Intuitive and Innovative Design

As with the esteemed L-series lenses, the RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM boasts a sturdy and durable design, complete with fluorine coating and dust- and drip-resistance quality. On top of the RF lens’ control ring for exposure control, a new function button can be assigned as a convenient shortcut for various functions and is easily accessible with the left thumb. The lens has a rear gelatin filter holder for those who wants to explore more creative expressions through the use of different filters. 

Pricing and Availability

The RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM will be available at Canon authorised dealers from 20 October 2023 at the recommended retail price of $3,599.

Technical Specifications

Notes:

1.  Among all Interchangeable lens for cameras compatible with 35mm full-frame sensor (excluding fisheye lenses). As of October 10, 2023. Based on Canon research.
2. Available only on EOS R5 updated to firmware ver. 1.9.0 or later. Movie Digital IS must be turned off.

* Information and picture courtesy of Canon Singapore and Gloo *

The post Canon Expands Horizons with RF10-20mm f/4L Ultra-wide angle lens appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

tThese tickets will allow passengers to explore various destinations across Asia and receive surprise gifts fro Vietjet at an altitude of 10,000m above sea-level. This promotion is applicable to all of Vietjet’s domestic and international flights, including Singapore – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang routes, for travel schedule from 9th October 2023 to 31st October 2024 (excluding public holidays, peak seasons).

For Singaporeans who love travelling to Vietnam, a highlight of this promotion for Singaporeans is that you are able to book affordable air tickets and explore the breathtaking sceneries of countries such as Vietnam, Australia, India, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and more.

On a separate note, passengers flying with Vietjet from 12th to 22nd September 2023, stand a chance to participate in the meaningful “Welcome Mid-Autumn, Spread Love” – a programme that donates all proceeds earned from mooncakes sold in Vietjet flights, to underprivileged children. Together with Vietjet, passengers can play their part to spread the warmth and loving spirit of the Mid- Autumn Festival, by contributing meaningful gifts to these children for their new school year.

Hope to visit Vietnam again!

My last trip to Vietnam was in March 2018, to Hoi An and Da Nang, I hope to visit Vietnam again soon as world travel and tourism are getting back in force since the global pandemic situation. The regions/destinations that I am planning to visit in Vietnam are Hanoi, Hue, Sapa and Mt Fansipan! I hope to fulfil and visit my Vietnam travel wanderlust destinations in the near future! Time to relaunch my travel photography, visual storytelling and travel writing!

* Information and pictures courtesy of Vietjet Air and Rothman & Roman *

The post Vietjet celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival with SGD0 ticket promotion appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

   Photography by Isaac Ong

Inspired by Fernando Gros “How to choose a Yearly Theme”, this is my 4th year writing and announcing a Yearly Theme, an approach that I personally feel that it’s more forward looking for a new future, a new era of working, thinking and how we connect as an individual, as a collective, society and the world. It’s not that goal settings or setting resolutions are no longer popular or useful, they still have a purpose and it still works for some people or industries

Recap of previous Yearly Themes

Before I announce my Yearly Theme 2023 for my photography and travel, let me bring you back  into my previous Yearly Themes through a recap below:

• Year 2020: Striving to Excel
• Year 2021: Recovery and Rejuvenation 
• Year 2022: Onward

Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) – “Explore”

Now let me introduce and announce my Yearly Theme 2023 for photography and travel – “Explore”.

Why “Explore”? 

The word “Explore” has always been part of my life, from my Scouting days in school, to my traveler explorer days, in both my professional/business and personal life. My photography themes/projects have always been on exploration, in both nature, wildlife, history, heritage and cultural areas. 

Photography 

In year 2023, I am going to explore new collaborations in both professional and personal capacities. 

On the photography business sector, there would be changes and approaches to my portfolio of services or specialisation.

On my personal photography segment, there are a lot more plans, ideas, collaborations and new collaborations that I more than want to explore, the personal side of photography keeps my passion and fire burning in a commercial photography, content creation world.

If there is something deep inside me that I want to do, they would be along the lines of 

• Back to basics, back to analogue 
• Honing my craft and eye for creativity 
• Collaborating with like-minded creatives for new projects  

Some sectors that I would like to explore further are photography training/educator and consultancy. I made some progress and headways in the two sectors, I am going to continue building up from there. 

Travel

I made a decision not to travel out during 2022 when borders reopened along with the lifting of risk management measures, even though my travel wanderlust was strong. In 2023, I am planning to re-explore my travel photography and travel writing again, after a 3 years hiatus due to the global pandemic situation.

I hope to explore new travel destinations (ASEAN, Japan, Europe) that I haven’t previously visited. Of course, I would still love to revisit some of my favourite travel destinations. I am also planning to explore the area on Sustainability further and wider in travel, tourism, hospitality industries, around the region before venturing further out.

Writing and Publishing Books and Zines

One of my new philosophy in photography, writing and creativity is “Bringing my projects to life”, into prints, zines or books. In a heavy social media usage and consumption world where everything is digital, maybe a return to analogue or old school, can spark us a revival in how we work and live.

Therefore, I am going to explore new personal visual storytelling projects, beyond my current ones. I want to explore further, wider and deeper as a content creator and visual storyteller.

Should I go for a photo book or a new travel visual storytelling project or new zine collection project? Or all of the above? Exploring new publishing projects for year 2023, I would share more in details when the time is ripe.

Complementing my photography training and consultancy, I am going to explore publishing photography guides for the modern creative and social media world.

New set of Uncertainties and Dark Clouds in 2023

In a period of uncertainties and crisis (hopefully it doesn’t reach that stage), there might be new opportunities. Time to explore other opportunities as a new set of dark clouds (challenges and uncertainties) looms over 2023. We are facing inflation, higher costs of living, economic slowdown (or even possibly world recession) and geo-political worldwide crisis in a worst worst case scenario. 

In a period of uncertainties and political crisis in some regions (hopefully it doesn’t escalate beyond that stage into bigger crisis), there might be new opportunities. Time to explore other opportunities as a new set of dark clouds (challenges and uncertainties) looms over 2023.

Yearly Theme 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal)

In this year 2023, I decide to try something different again, I chose two themes, one for my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog, one for my TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog. What did I choose for my Yearly Theme 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal)?

Explore with me in my visual storytelling journeys in 2023

I would like to invite you and join me, come explore with me in my visual storytelling journeys in 2023. 

Together we can and we might explore something new, heart warming and touching visual stories.

The post Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

A Recap – Yearly Theme 2022: Onward

My Yearly Theme for 2022 was “Onward”, moving into 2022 from 2021, I felt that this was most suitable at the point in time as the world was edging closer towards reopening of the economy and lifting of risk management measures for the global pandemic COVID-19 that impacted us so much from 2020 to around mid 2022.

Photography / Visual Storytelling

Business/Commercial Photography

This sector has small improvements, however there is a lot of room for growth and improvement especially in a rebuilding phase as we emerge from a post global pandemic period. Through my networking this year, some project ideas came up, some discussions are ongoing, keeping my fingers crossed that they can take off in 2023.

Training and Consultancy 

I mentioned about these two areas previously. They came about from my diversification of my photography and content creation suite of services. These two segments are more private and confidential versus some of the other points that I wrote down here.

The potential for growth and expansion is there for these two areas, going to build on them in Year 2023.

6 years in the business (2017-2022) | Renewed another 3 years 

Before the end of the Year 2022, I was sent a reminder email that I need to renew my sole proprietorship business registration for 2023 onwards. In the blink of an eye, I went through 6 years in the photography business from 2017 to 2022, and during this tenure, around 2.5 years of my time was caught totally off guard and thrown off my tracks when the global pandemic hit in 2020 to mid 2022. 

Running a small business is never easy, it’s already that tough and difficult. This global pandemic situation was a real setback, the life and business lessons were huge for the past 2.5 years. The next few years are not going to be easy with a new set of dark clouds and challenges facing the world economy.

Dark Clouds/Challenges looming ahead in 2023

In this year 2022, just when the world is relieved and happy to be recovering, reopening and moving away from this global pandemic that turned the world upside down for the past 2.5 to 3 years, the world economy is facing a new of economic challenges (high inflation with a recession looming over us) and political instabilities in some parts of the world.

Personal Photography

Visual Storytelling/Creative side of things

I have been a visual storyteller since I started this TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog back in 2006. My visual storytelling has evolved over time, improvements, as well as changes in my writing styles and approaches with my photography. 

From publishing photo books and photography zines, journaling and simple designing through handy apps such as Canva, I have explored more on the creative side of things over the decade. In a world so much driven by social media, some of us are inclining to return back to basics, the craft, art and eye for photography and creative stuff, through hands on art and craft work or analogue/film photography.

Analogue / Film Photography

I recently inherited some old film cameras from a former commercial photographer in the film era,  his nephew is my fellow photographer friend Chester Tan, also a fellow technology writer and talented musician.

When I started off film photography more than 3.5 decades back, medium format (MF) film photography was out of my reach. Now I have an opportunity to enter into MF film photography, as well as a return to analogue/film photography.

On this story, I would share more updates in another article. 

Videography / Filmmaking 

I have been slowly building up this segment, as a complement to my photography, visual storytelling and content creation segments. I am looking to produce my own short works with help from other filmmakers/videographers in both personal and commercial projects. 

Some themes that I am looking at are cinematic travel vlogs, exploration and heritage projects. I didn’t manage to produce more as I would like to in Year 2022, I would be planning some projects  for Year 2023.

Of Photo books, visual storybooks and zines

Launch of 2nd photography zine – TGH Photography Therapy Zine and Playbook 

This took me a bit longer than I expected, I officially announced the launch of my 2nd photography zine in November 2022. On a personal basis, this was a publication that meant something deep and personal to me. It’s not perfect, it’s more of a personal achievement to overcome and get myself out of a dark period. 

If you would like to purchase it, my 2nd photography zine is available for purchase a physical and/or digital copy on MagCloud. 

What’s next in 2023?

After publishing my 2nd photography zine, I am planning to publish more in the year 2023, I would share more in details when I finalise my projects and approaches. Just a short teaser, I am exploring a new photo book (Theme: Old playgrounds or sunsets) or a travel visual storybook (Hokkaido travel adventures) or a new zine collection (B&W street photography)? Or a combination of all of them?  

Travel

International Travel

Although my huge massive travel wanderlust is urging me to get away from Singapore, to a nearby regional destination at the very least. I decided not to join the travel deprived crowds when many countries border restrictions were lifted along with lowering of risk management measures. 

Costs of traveling is one of the factors for consideration, getting my photography business, content creation and writing back on track were my key priorities in 2022, thus I pushed back traveling overseas in 2022, as much as I would love to.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that I would be able to travel in Q2 2023.

Local Travel

Nobody really gives a look at local travel in Singapore (Do we even have a domestic tourism market? Some might ask). During the pandemic lockdown period, Singaporeans did manage to explore more of Singapore (in both good and bad ways), I am re-exploring Singapore again, nature, outdoors and old places. 

Something Personal

Recovery from an uneventful down time in 2021

A few uneventful events got me spiralling down into a rabbit hole in 2021, it took me a while to get myself out of that situation, allowing me to enter 2022 with a clean slate of mind, personal well-being and mental health. 

JOMO versus FOMO

JOMO = Joy of missing out, FOMO = Fear of missing out. The world of social media in recent times had been getting more messy and complicated, oversharing, excess showing off, all wanting fame, likes and first to post/share. 

There was a time when I was FOMO, however I got so delusional on some aspects of social media, even though I am still actively using social media platforms, just more selective. I am moving into JOMO mode.

Maybe JOMO would free me up from those shackles, allowing me to concentrate on honing my craft, creativity and writing even further and better, as a writer, a visual storyteller.  

There were still struggles

I am not going to paint a beautiful scenario or picture, like people posting on their FB or social media platforms, smiling, enjoying life and living a fun and exciting lifestyle.

There were still struggles over the whole year 2022, hidden away from social media. Not many people or nobody can really know what I am going through.

Year 2022 Theme: Onward vs Year 2022 in Reality 

Year 2022 in reality was definitely Onward for me, even though the economy wasn’t giving us a smooth and easy recovery, I have to ride out the usual ups and downs like the rest, even as the world economy is working towards reopening and returning back to a more normal living of pre-pandemic days.  

Last But Not Least

Reflecting Year 2022 in my photography and travel segments is just one half of my equation of my Year 2022 in Review. The other half of my equation of my Year 2022 in Review can be found here in this article: Reflecting Year 2022 (Technology | Business | Personal) on my TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog.

I would like to say a big Thank You to the various camera, travel, tourism, food and hospitality brands/organisations and PR agency folks that I worked closely with in Year 2022, to my readers for their utmost support for this year.

Wishing you a Happy New Year 2023! Good luck and all the best in the new year ahead!

The post Reflecting Year 2022 (Photography | Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

During the journey leading up to this launch, I do have a lot of thoughts, feelings and emotions, behind the scenes in producing and publishing my second photography zine that couldn’t really go inside there, I wanted to share some of them here below. 

What is my second photography zine all about? It’s a lot more than just sweat and tears 

The motivation and story behind my second photography zine came about from some personal crisis in a middle of an ongoing global pandemic situation. There were a series of situations that took place in 2021, I won’t be going into detail anymore. In a nut shell, I spiralled down into a rabbit hole and I have to find my way out and up. 

My second photography zine has a unique and special theme – photography therapy theme, heading to the outdoors, nature, photography walks with friends, all forming part of my route to recovery. 

On a side note, if you are interested to read and know about my lengthy rantings, you can visit and discover my articles on this TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog and TGH Technology and Business portal/blog (where I write and publish personal articles as well)

Why do I write and publish a zine, and not as a book?

I decided not to go in an official book format/style, I would like it to be a bit less formal and a photography zine allows me to explore and test it out further, my photography zines are my building blocks towards a more formal visual story telling style book down the road.

“Nobody is going to buy your book/zine”

A feedback/comment that I heard previously, both a constructive and brutal harsh feedback/comment in a capitalist world that we live in. This is also on me to constantly improve my writing, style and types of visual story telling projects. 

We are living in a goldfish memory world that probably has only a 1-2 minutes attention span, glued to videos and driven by social media flaunting, or only looking at article headline and not reading the full article/story. 

Let’s bring back the world of reading, not just online, also reading from a physical book/magazine/zine again, in a world driven by internet and social media. We are also supporting fellow creatives and writers too! 

Question: Where can I purchase your second photography zine?

For my relatives, friends, supporters and followers from outside Singapore, my second photography zine is available for purchase on the MagCloud. For those living in Singapore, you can also order from MagCloud platform! 

As for my family, relatives, friends and supporters in Singapore, I would need to speak to local publishing/printing company Grenadier Press, and print them for the local Singapore market. I have yet to finalise how and where I am selling them. I might have a chat with my regular photography shops and place my zines for sale at the local Katong Square lifestyle and vintage market held every first weekend of the month.

Acknowledgements 

There are a number of people that I would like to sincerely thank them from the bottom of my heart, from being there for me when I was at the rock bottom. I wrote a pretty lengthy acknowledgements inside my second photography zine.

Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart to the following folks that played a significant role/part in my second photography zine that you might or might not have known: Chef Keith, Ryan Cheng, Isaac Ong, Wendy Kong, Michael Tay, Sue Fang, Tiffany Ngan, Belinda Tan and Fernando Gros.

What’s next in 2023?

Till my next photography project in 2023, which form and type should I embark on? A new photography book from my list of personal projects, a visual story book on my travel or a new set of photography zine? 

Last but not least

Last but not least, thank you from the bottom of my heart, to my family, relatives, friends and supporters who believe, trust and supported me in my photography and personal journeys, writing over the past decades (and still counting).

I have my fair share of criticisms, making (I lost count) mistakes in my personal life, professional career and from running my own small business. There are also people who look down on me (who doesn’t have them in your life?). We have to take it on our chin – learn from mistakes and life lessons, change, adapt, adopt and improve.

It’s not perfect, there’s always room for improvements, my photography business, personal photography, writing, publishing photography books, photography zines and I can only get better.

Thank you once again, for joining and following me my visual storytelling photography adventures over the years!

The post Official Launch of my Second Photography Zine appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

GTFO means “Get There Fuss-Free, Ok?”! Circles.Life has a brand new solution designed for Singapore’s travel-hungry wanderlusts and jet-setting lifestyle, that can’t wait to get out and travel again, as the world is emerging from the shadows of the global pandemic situation. 

Circles.Life is the original disruptors of the telco industry, they are now looking to disrupt the global roaming mobile networks for us travel hungry wanderlusts. The Circles.Life Jetpac plan is a new travel lifestyle initiative, it’s a subscription based product that is going to promise travel freedom for all. 

Travelers, we know how expensive global roaming rates can be. With Circles.Life Jetpac, that is going to change. You can get unbeatable global roaming rates, monthly hotel vouchers and free group lounge access for flight delays.

What’s more, there is no need to be a Circles.Life customer to enjoy Jetpac! It’s open to everyone! All you need to do is to set it up once, and you can travel like a pro!

Circles.Life Jetpac Plan Options

Pro Pac ($20 per month)

• 20GB * global roaming data, with rollover up to 10GB
• Access up to 1,100+ lounges in case of flight delay, for up to 6 travelers 
• Stack up to $240 cash-back a year on 500,000+ hotels worldwide

* Plan reverts to 5GB after the first month 

Lite Pac ($10 per month)

• 3GB global roaming data, with rollover up to 6GB
• Unlimited access to 1,100+ lounges in case of flight delay, for up to 2 travelers

If you want something more comprehensive than Pro Pac and Lite Pac, you have to check out Circles.Life Insure Pac ($30 per month), it’s a Pro Pac+ with travel insurance! A peace of mind for you travel wanderlusts to travel fuss free, truly GTFO with Travel SIM + travel incentives + travel insurance!

For more information on JetPac, please visit https://travel.circles.life/shop/ 

To all the travel hungry wanderlusts out there, you have to check out Circles.Life Jetpac, maybe it’s time (for me and you) to disrupt and make the changes to your travel adventures planning. The time is now to GTFO and Travel Fuss-Free with Circles.Life Jetpac! 

The post GTFO and Travel Fuss-Free with Circles.Life Jetpac 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.

Looking back at World Tourism Day 2021 and World Tourism Day 2020, how would be we approach World Tourism Day 2022, rethinking tourism and its future, from both demand (consumers) and supply (providers) perspectives? How can the world rethink tourism, make the necessary changes and transform world travel and tourism for the future of Mother Earth and human race? What is the future of tourism and travel that we want, beyond just consumerism and capitalism?

Rethinking tourism, there are a number of areas/issues on hand that the world travel and tourism industries are looking into. Personally, the areas/issues that I am interested in are on sustainability, eco-friendly and community-based tourism. From a travel photographer/travel writer perspective, and as a co-host for TTOT (Travel Talk on Twitter) chat community, I believe that we consumers can play an integral part, we can be more responsible and prudent in how we consume resources.  Everyone can and must play a part to make the changes and transform, from the consumers/customers to the tourism and travel providers.

Community-based tourism is an area that I would like to explore further, how we can help and benefit this sector that might not fully benefit from the growth and boom of tourism growth over the decades.

On 27th September 2022, World Tourism Day 2022, as the world is Rethinking Tourism, what is the future of travel and tourism, and what do we want for our future generations, in a post pandemic world? 

The post World Tourism Day 2022 – Rethinking Tourism appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.