Photographed this morning at home, in natural light.
Using a wide aperture and close focus, I aimed to reduce the flower to texture, tone, and suggestion—less a botanical subject, more an impression. The shallow depth of field allowed the background petals to melt into abstraction, drawing the eye to the quiet details up front. It’s a familiar subject, seen differently through light and distance.
Sometimes, simplicity invites deeper looking.
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.
My wife has been buying sunflower blooms of late to decorate the home… convenient photography subjects! Capturing a few of them together in a photograph can be tricky though (in terms of composition and achieving the right depth of field and focus). I read some online recommendations about using a blue background to complement the bright yellow of the sunflowers. In the end, I made a blue makeshift background out of a yoga mat that we had at home!