SG Nomad Photographer

Author: Ethan Chua

  • 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…

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    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…

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    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…

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    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…

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    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.

  • From Concept to Print: The Photography Journey of My “Heartlands” Exhibition

    An image begins as a fleeting idea, a whisper of a concept. But to transform that idea into a tangible print, hung on a gallery wall for others to experience, is a journey of a thousand small steps. My “Heartlands” exhibition was the culmination of such a journey, a deeply personal project that took me…

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    Ethan Chua
    Several clusters of uniform, white high-rise apartment buildings stand prominently against a vast, pale blue sky with wispy clouds. A dark canopy of trees lines the bottom of the frame, contrasting with the bright, modern architecture towering above.

  • Black and White Images: Photography Shops and How to Photograph Singapore Architecture

    There is something undeniably powerful about a black and white architectural photograph. Stripped of color, a building’s soul is laid bare. Its lines become sharper, its textures more profound, and its form more sculptural. In a city like Singapore, a vibrant tapestry of colonial-era shophouses, futuristic skyscrapers, and sprawling heartland estates, this monochrome approach offers…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    This monochromatic photograph captures a low-angle view of the iconic Marina Bay Sands structure, emphasizing the vertical lines of its three towers and the curved cantilevered roof. The image features a prominent grainy texture, giving the modern architectural landmark a vintage, film-like aesthetic against the sky.