SG Nomad Photographer

Tag: Golden Hour

  • Heritage Trail in Singapore Photography: Documenting Chinatown’s Living History

    The morning light was just beginning to cut through the humidity, casting a soft glow on the colourful shophouses of Keong Saik Road. Most photographers flock to the more obvious spots in Chinatown Singapore, but I have always found magic in its quieter pre-dawn moments. I was watching an elderly man practice tai chi in…

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    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…

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    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…

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    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…

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    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 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…

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    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 Ultimate Camera for Singapore Travel Photography: 5 Options Compared

    Singapore is a photographer’s dream, offering a stunning mix of contrasting visuals. We are always seeking to capture the perfect photo. Cameras are used in a wide range of applications, from travel and street photography to landscape and architectural shots. To do justice to this diversity, choosing the right travel camera is crucial. The perfect…

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    Ethan Chua
    A photo of two different kinds of DSLR cameras sitting on top of a wooden table equipped with different lenses.

  • Singapore Street Photography: Dawn at Chinatown Complex Market – The Story Behind My Award-Winning Market Series

    My alarm rings at 4:00 AM—long before most people are awake. But for a Singapore street photography enthusiast like myself, this time is perfect for exploring the living heart of the city. The streets of Chinatown remain draped in quiet, but within the iconic Chinatown Complex Market, stalls flicker to life and the real Singapore…

    Written by

    Ethan Chua
    Early morning at Singapore’s Chinatown Complex Market, where elderly shoppers select fresh vegetables under dim corridor lights, while fish and leafy greens glisten on ice across the aisle. A vintage Fujifilm camera hangs in the foreground, framing the bustling wet market against colorful shophouses and red lanterns outside, capturing the atmospheric dawn that defines this award‑winning street photography series.