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.

Wonder/Wander

Wonder/Wander
The last (and third) theme for the Canon PhotoMaraton 2024 I participated in last Saturday was “Wonder/Wander”. Heading indoors, we decided to explore this theme using a semi-slow exposure trick I have employed before in urban indoor photography. Looking for a high vantage point in a busy setting is the first step. The next is to look for groups of people with different vibes of activity so as to create what I call an “oasis of calm in a sea of chaos” effect. The effect in my final submission was done all in-camera as required by the rules. This version shown here is enhanced later in Lighroom for colour balance, clarity and luminance but is otherwise largely similar to the original.

Harmony

Harmony
I last took part in the Canon PhotoMarathon in Singapore 2016 with my father eight years ago. With the event coming back finally after a long hiatus (not helped by the COVID-19 pandemic), I finally dusted off my Canon camera and lenses and headed out with my father for some “photo-hunting”. The first theme for the Photo-Marathon was “Harmony”. Announced at only at 10 AM (registration had started as early as 8 AM), the lighting was already starting to get harsh and less photography-friendly. Given two hours to complete the theme, I settled in the end for a shot of two bridge maintenance workers hard at work under the Read Bridge. This is a Lightroom-enhanced version of the original I submitted (the rules allowed for only photos straight out from camera, with in-camera edits the only form of editing allowed).