SG Nomad Photographer

Author: Ethan Chua

  • The Complete Guide to Becoming a Professional Photographer in Singapore

    I remember standing on the Helix Bridge one humid Tuesday evening, my shirt sticking to my back and my tripod slippery with sweat. I was trying to capture the Marina Bay Sands light show for a potential client, but everything was going wrong. The crowds jostled me, my lens fogged from the humidity, and I…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    This image captures the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore framed by soft, out-of-focus foliage and vibrant pink flowers in the foreground. The city skyline is illuminated against a deep teal twilight sky, reflecting a warm glow over the calm water below.

  • Secret Places in Singapore: A Visual Journey Where Locals Escape

    There is a rhythm to the back lanes of Singapore that most never notice. One evening during golden hour, I wandered behind the restored shophouses of Joo Chiat. The setting sun filtered through gaps, painting stripes of light across cracked pavement. An old uncle sat on a plastic stool, listening to a crackling radio; a…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    Towering, tree-like structures called Supertrees glow with vibrant pink and purple lights against a deep blue twilight sky. Their intricate, branch-like canopies fan out over vertical gardens in this striking low-angle shot of Singapore's Gardens by the Bay.

  • Hidden Places in Singapore: Essential Gear for Shooting Undiscovered Spots

    The late afternoon sun cast long shadows as I pushed through the dense foliage. I was chasing a rumor, a whisper of a forgotten reservoir tucked away behind the more popular trails of MacRitchie. After what felt like an hour of navigating unmarked paths, the trees finally opened up. Before me lay a perfectly still…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    A vibrant, colorful mural of a bird adorns the side of a pink building, juxtaposed against a modern skyscraper with a glass and honeycomb facade. The scene captures a striking contrast between the expressive street art of a traditional neighborhood and the sleek architecture of a contemporary city.

  • Singapore Country Photo Guide: Traditional Markets Through My Lens

    Most photographers visiting Singapore head to iconic spots like Marina Bay Sands or Gardens by the Bay, and understandably so; they are architectural marvels. However, for me, the true heart of the island beats within its wet markets. The air, thick with fresh produce, spices, and steamed buns, the vendors calling out specials, and the…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    The image showcases the iconic, colorful Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore under a bright, cloud-filled sky. Visitors walk along the OCBC Skyway, a high-altitude walkway that offers a close-up view of these towering vertical gardens and the city skyline.

  • Singapore Hawker Culture Photography: Capturing the Soul of Community Dining Rooms

    In Singapore’s fast-paced cityscape, where gleaming skyscrapers and engineered gardens dominate, the true heart of the city beats strongest in its unpolished hawker centres. These vibrant food hubs are the lifeblood of Singapore’s food system, serving as essential community dining rooms where diverse ethnic groups gather to eat, share, and preserve traditions. Singapore hawker culture…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    A man sits alone at a small table in a traditional coffee shop, surrounded by empty chairs and worn wooden furniture, capturing the quiet rhythm of everyday community dining spaces.

  • Singapore Photos That Tell Stories: My Journey with Heritage Artisans

    The air was thick with humidity as I navigated the labyrinth of back alleys behind Jalan Besar. It was that magical time, the golden hour, when the sun dips low and paints the city in hues of honey and amber. I was searching for nothing in particular, just letting my camera guide me, when a…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    A large, colorful mural depicting local vendors and daily life is painted on the side of a building next to a modern high-rise apartment complex. The artwork features men engaged in various activities, such as pouring drinks and arranging flower garlands, celebrating traditional street culture.

  • Singapore Photographs: The Art of Documenting Dying Trades

    I stumbled upon it by accident. I was chasing the golden hour light through the back alleys of Jalan Besar, camera in hand, when a rhythmic tapping sound drew me in. Peeking into a dimly lit workshop, I saw an elderly man meticulously carving intricate designs into a large wooden panel. The air was thick…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    Towering, vine-covered "Supertree" structures dominate the landscape of Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, connected by a curved aerial walkway. In the background, the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel stands tall under a bright, sunny sky.

  • The Colors of Little India During Deepavali: A Visual Celebration in Singapore Photography

    Every year, as Deepavali approaches, a corner of Singapore undergoes a breathtaking transformation. Little India, always a vibrant neighborhood, shifts into a higher gear, becoming an incandescent wonderland of light, color, and sound. For a photographer, this festival is more than just a cultural celebration; it is a visual feast, a sensory overload that presents…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    A vibrant neon archway featuring a peacock, traditional instruments, and the words "Deepavali Festival of Lights" illuminates a busy street in Singapore's Little India. Below the glowing decorations, long-exposure light trails from passing cars create a sense of movement through the festive urban landscape.

  • Prime Lenses for Street Photography: My Top 3 Picks (and Camera Stores) for Singapore’s Streets

    Street photography in Singapore is a thrilling challenge. It is a dance between the chaotic energy of a hawker center during lunch rush and the quiet, geometric precision of the CBD. You have to be quick, discreet, and ready for anything, from the harsh midday sun to the dim, moody lighting of a back alley…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    A person wearing a white bucket hat, black t-shirt, and teal sneakers sits on a set of concrete stairs while holding a professional camera. They appear to be resting or reviewing photos in a sunny urban setting, framed by dark marble walls and a yellow-edged step.

  • Beyond the Obvious: Hidden Gem Photo Spots in Singapore’s Botanical Gardens

    The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a crown jewel of our city. Photographers flock to its iconic locations like the National Orchid Garden and the Symphony Lake stage. While these spots are undeniably beautiful, they are often crowded, making it a challenge to capture a truly unique image. The Gardens are…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    A paved pathway leads through a lush green lawn toward a classic white gazebo situated in the center of the frame. Large, mature trees with spreading branches flank the walkway, creating a natural archway in this serene park setting.