Category: Landscape

Landscape Pictures

Where the Day Begins

Where the Day Begins
Lower Seletar Reservoir became one of my father’s favourite morning grounds with a camera. During his health journey over the last few years and through the quiet months of COVID-19 restrictions, he returned here often to watch the day begin over the still water. In the later years he sometimes left the heavier cameras behind and simply used his iPhone. By then, it was less about equipment and more about recognising the scene — the light, the reflections, the calm before the city fully wakes.

This photograph was taken just this past Sunday morning. I captured the moment with my Canon R5, though I also made an iPhone version at the same time. The R5 image feels a little more natural to me, less shaped by computational processing. But I suspect my father would have reminded me that what matters most is noticing the moment in the first place. A version made with the iPhone can be viewed here.

And on mornings like this, it is easy to understand why he kept coming back.

Following the Light

Following The Light
Lower Seletar Reservoir was one of my father’s daily playgrounds with a camera during the years when he was battling cancer. Many mornings began here for him, walking along the reservoir’s edge and watching the changing light over the still water. I joined him on a few of those walks before, but it has been a while since I returned at sunrise. This morning felt like briefly stepping back into the quiet rhythm he once enjoyed.

To Father, With Love


To the world, you were world-renowned photographer, Tan Lip Seng, Hon. PSA., FRPS., FPSA., MPSA, EFIAP., ABIPP., from Singapore.

To my elder brother and me, you were simply the best father we could ever have asked for.

You captured our childhood through your lens, leaving us with a treasure trove of memories — each photograph a testament to your love. Your passion for photography became mine too, guiding me to embrace it not just as a hobby, but as a lifelong pursuit.

Two years ago on a family trip to Desaru, I photographed my growing children (your beloved grandchildren), inspired by what you once did for us. And even then, you never stopped. You turned your camera towards me, capturing moments of me capturing them — layering memories upon memories, with your quiet, loving presence behind it all.

In your final days, you told us, “Every extra day (with us) is a bonus.” And indeed it was. We are profoundly grateful for every extra moment heaven granted us with you.

Together with Mum, elder brother, my wife, and your grandchildren, we will hold these memories close and cherish them —every single day of our lives.