Get inspired by these cool photographers in Singapore who make the world a nicer (looking) place.
In this day and age of social media, everyone can be a photographer with smartphones that can actually take DSLR-worthy snaps. But hey, it takes more than just fancy camera features to be a standout in this saturated scene. You need a keen eye for great shots, a natural flair for composition and a knack for superb storytelling. Want to get started? Let these photographers in Singapore inspire you…
Photographers in Singapore we love
Leslie Heng
With over 60k followers on Instagram, Leslie Heng needs no introduction. He’s been in the photography scene for quite some time. A quick scroll through his feed and you will see Singapore through his lens: Stunning, surreal buildings steal the limelight. And yes, his love for great architecture extends to places all across the globe.
Nguan
One of Singapore’s prolific photographers, Nguan’s distinct style stands out in his cinematic pictures of people, places and everyday life drenched in soft pastel shades that invoke a sense of nostalgia. And if longing is a theme you get from his pictures, that’s because it is intentional. In an interview, Nguan once said that Singaporeans are restless by nature and he hopes the photos capture their deep desire to be in a different time or place.
Yik Keat
Look through his portfolio and you’ll see a versatile mix of interior design photography, portraits and lifestyle shots. Though varied, his style is very moody; and you too can cop the same aesthetic with his Lightroom presets. Cool thing to note: At 24, he has already worked with big brands like Adidas and the Singapore Tourism Board.
Klaus Tan
He began as a hobbyist photographer in his teens and now the 20-year-old has a reputable resume under his belt. He took the first prize for the Singapore Young Photographer Award by City Developments Limited in 2018, his works have been published on Forbes, HuffPost and Financial Times, and he has clinched ambassador roles with big names like Unsplash and Olympus. All that aside, we’re truly mesmerised by his bird’s eye view of the Lion City that’s reminiscent of the Hong Kong skyline.
Jayden Tan
With eye-grabbing visuals, conceptual shoots and familiar references to life in Singapore, Jayden Tan creates images that evoke curiosity, purpose and humour. Who can forget his ‘Char Bor’ series in 2016, featuring a woman donning everyday local items as must-have accessories? Think chilli padi packets as earrings and the classic “Good Morning” towel as a stylish headpiece. Not to mention the fashionable photo series of “Make Yishun Great Again”. These days, if he isn’t busy running his production agency Headquartors, you can find him working his creative juices behind the lens.
Lenne Chai
Just take a look at Lenne’s IG feed for some much-needed fashion inspiration. This Singapore-based photographer has travelled all over the world to work with high-profile fashion magazines including Elle, Teen Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel Singapore and more. We’d say her style is quite whimsical, adventurous, and has an ethereal touch to it.
Aaron Chan
Aaron, who goes by the moniker Elephnt, seamlessly captures the mundanity of HDB life and turns it into something spellbinding. Looks like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all. Playing with angles and light, his portfolio is awash with unique POV shots of HDB buildings, catching the elusive in-between moments of residents. Like what you see? You can purchase his photobook, Ways of Seeing.
Khairul Azmas
Nailing the hypebeast aesthetic in each shot, Khairul is a self-taught photographer. After deciding to give full attention to his passion, he left his corporate job of five years as a marketing professional in 2015. The rest is history. Since then, he has worked with tech behemoths like Sony and Samsung, and he’s even conducted workshops with Apple. Achievements aside, we’re livin’ for his high-energy photos of Singapore and beyond.
Yais Yusman and Yafiq Yusman
Yes, you’ve guessed it. This photography duo is made out of twins. For them, everything is not what it seems. Yais and Yafiq breathe new life to the architectural structures of familiar buildings in Singapore by looking at them with fresh perspectives and flirting with lighting and reflections. The coolest part is, most of their photos are shot using iPhones!
