Candid, people photography
Outside Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple on Waterloo Street, a woman pauses to buy 4D tickets from a wheelchair-bound seller beneath his brightly coloured umbrella. Behind them, worshippers offer flowers and joss sticks amid the constant movement of the crowd. In post-processing, I brought out the warm, vivid colours of the two subjects and their small patch of shade, while keeping the busy temple background subdued. It is a quiet meeting of faith, chance and everyday life.
Taken during this year’s Canon PhotoMarathon for the first theme, “Vibrant.” With the weather less than ideal and time running short, I settled on the colourful façade of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. A slower shutter speed turned the passing traffic into streaks of motion, adding a sense of movement while the temple and its visitors remained still. The photographer in the centre, capturing the same scene, completed the composition.
Photography has always encouraged me to look beyond the obvious subject and consider the stories that surround it. In this scene from Shenzhen, China, the balloons naturally draw attention. However, it was the vendor carrying them who held my gaze. The photograph became a reflection on the unseen effort behind the small moments of happiness that brighten our daily lives.
I am honoured that Seller of Joy (售喜) has been selected for the 21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition (NAPE) 2026. The exhibition holds special significance for my family, as my late father, Tan Lip Seng, was the inaugural Photographer of the Year when the exhibition was first launched in 2005 and remained a regular contributor for many years thereafter.