Fleeting moments frozen in time
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 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.
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.