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 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
1. Annabel Law
What started out as a hobby introduced to her at the tender age of 11 has now turned into a production house. But Annabel Law‘s foray into photography wasn’t without its ups and downs (heavy emphasis on the downs). Despite being misled by a mentor in her early years and experiencing the struggle of running her own business, Annabel persevered. She now proudly runs an all-female team of wedding photographers in Singapore. A definite breath of fresh air in what’s considered to be a male-dominated industry. Annabel’s works comprise dreamy and ethereal bridal shoots, as well as intimate fine art boudoir.
2. Kholish Iffan
If portraits are the name of the game, Kholish has it down to a perfect T. From weddings to brand launches and even graduations shoots, this photographer knows how to make a statement. Just scroll down his Instagram page and you’ll be hit with a wave of vibrant images, from electrifying party shots to moody vibes. Plus, we have to commend his black and white portraits because getting a monochromatic shot just right takes a ton of skill!
3. Amrita Chandradas
When people say a picture is worth a thousand words, they’re probably talking about the portfolio of Amrita Chandradas. As a documentary photographer, almost every picture that Amrita captures has a story behind it. The often sombre depictions of nature, landscapes and individuals coupled with Amrita’s sometimes cryptic captions make for an incredibly thought-provoking journey through her work.
4. Leslie Heng
Leslie Heng has been in the Singapore photography scene for quite some time. Look through his feed and you’ll see the city through his lens: stunning, surreal buildings steal the limelight. And yes, his love for great architecture extends to places all across the globe.
5. 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’s 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.
6. Yik Keat
Look through Yik Keat‘s portfolio and you’ll see a versatile mix of interior design photography, portraits and lifestyle shots. Though varied, his style is very moody; you too can cop the same aesthetic with his Lightroom presets. Cool thing to note: he’s worked with big brands like Adidas and the Singapore Tourism Board. He even made it on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list!
7. Klaus Tan
After starting out as a hobbyist photographer in his teens, Klaus created a reputable resume under his belt by the age of 20. He took the first prize for the Singapore Young Photographer Award by City Developments Limited in 2018. His works have also been published on Forbes, HuffPost and Financial Times, and he’s 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. Not to mention the mouthwatering snaps of his three Michelin-starred clients.
8. 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 creativity behind the lens.
9. Lenne Chai
Just take a look at Lenne‘s IG feed for some much-needed fashion inspiration. This Singaporean Los Angeles-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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Yais Yusman and Yafiq Yusman
Yes, you guessed it. This photography duo is made out of twins. For them, everything isn’t 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? Most of their photos are shot using iPhones!
Like what you see? Show these photographers in Singapore some love and give them a follow!
