Ok, so over my time here I have taken one or two city scape shots but I think thats just more the nature of having lived here so long. The other side of "what" to shoot is often "what" to do, and that is something that can also be limiting. Even for visitors, I really have a problem recommending places like Sentosa or the new Integrated Resorts World. A lot of time and effort to go there and nothing of any consequence to experience.
The Singapore River; well its not really a river rather than a long-ish dead end canal, which is actually getting longer as its currently being extended into an area known as Bishan. The boat visible above is a frequent sight of the Singapore River cruises that, without the Japanese patronage, would likely not survive. A 30 minute ride up and back that maybe beats walking if all you want is a quick look and feel for the city.
The symbol of Singapore - the Merlion. This is located in... Merlion Park, which is in the CBD and is a common tourist location. I still cant understand how I ever achieved this shot without hoards of people along the steps...
In the same vicinity as the Merlion, and something you could never plan for, I came across this local team in the middle of filming a Tamil movie production. Although nothing spectacular it made for an interesting distraction given I was only there to grab a Starbucks.
Actually, when it comes to things to do in Singapore its about two things - eating and shopping. And, Orchard Road would have to be the centre of the shopping component. Singaporeans love their branded goods. Above was at the opening of "another" Louis Vuitton shop, this time in the Ion Shopping Mall. Actually, LV bags amuse me no end... people paying in excess of S$1,000 for what just a "plastic bag".
Sort of the antithesis of these Anya Hindmarch bags emblazoned with the slogan "Im not a plastic bag".
One of the newer shopping malls on Orchard Road - Ion. Im sure Im not going to get offers to use my shot for promotional work - who wants to recognise those untidy buskers. To me the building was merely secondary and my only reason to ever enter it is to access the subway station below it. Actually, I've lived here long enough to remember when the site of this shopping mall was an open expanse of parkland. Filippinos - mostly domestic helpers - would congregate here on mass on Sundays - their one day off a week.
So back to photography... the street is much more interesting; and a lot less intimidating than a western city. These guys above were part of some paid advertising event on Orchard Road - I forget what it was for now but I do remember their costumes were bright red.
As I'll allude to more and more as I write this, much of what's worth shooting is just random. Stuff just happens - anywhere and without warning. A Singapore Capoeira club providing an impromptu demo along Orchard - fun and interesting.
And no self respecting street shooter would seen dead without that shot of people juxtaposed against larger than life advertising murals - Singapore, once again obliges.
And before I leave the Orchard area, how can I forget the buskers. There's a range - I guess like any city - but the bad are really bad, and then others like this couple are really good. All in all they make for an interesting mix.
Accommodation for most Singaporeans is the apartment. Private apartments referred to as "condominiums" and public housing [read Government built sold and managed] referred to as "HDBs" - arising from the Government body that administers them, the Housing Development Board. 80% of Singaporeans live in HDBs which are built in clusters around amenities to form townships. These townships are often referred to as Heartland.
The style and structure of HDBs ranges from old and dilapidated to modern and impressive. These above are a couple of styles from the township area called Toa Payoh. On the lead up to National Day - Singapore's independence from Malaysia on August 9th 1966 - HDBs all over Singapore hang the National flag from their apartments.
So what happens in the heartlands? Its about people leading their lives - its quiet and primarily about food and family. Most HDBs have exercise and play areas - one for kids and one for adults to undertake "some" exercise.
People sit around and watch the day go by, often oblivious to events happening in front of them. However, the majority Chinese contingent are not usually the most obliging whenever they see a camera.
It doesn't matter where you go in Singapore, you'll always find people just whiling the time away...
Although not something I go out of my way for but local supermarkets offer an interesting window into peoples' lives. Im not consistent but I do often carry a camera with me whenever I go out.
The Heartland townships can offer a treasure of rewarding photo opportunities on live. Probably not the best hunting grounds for those merely passing through as it takes time to understand where you really are, what you're actually looking at, and what you can and cannot get away with.
The shot below is one of my favourites from Singapore. Shot in the newer heartland area of Punggol, this was a night time public celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. This was 400 speed film pushed to 3200 with the only light being that from the candles.
Street photographers always seem to have an attraction to the subway. Unfortunately, the Singapore subway, known as MRT, is a pretty boring place for photography in general. However, hang around long enough and you'll eventually find some interesting characters.
Being majority Chinese, Singapore has a mass of temples across the nation. An easily accessible one is "Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho" Temple off Rochor Road and adjacent to Little India. Signs indicate no photography but are referencing inside. At different times of the year depending of the fesival, this temple can be over follwing with people.
Chinese New Year is one of those times. Thousands of people come both to attend and pray as well as watch the events. There are often performances and theatrics...
An interesting semi-touristy area is Arab street. A small street that runs off North Bridge Road it caters to locals and tourists looking for nik-naks of Middle Eastern origin. I personally, have a nice almost metre tall Shisha I acquired from there.
Adjacent to Arab Street is Sultan mosque. An impressive structure that is worth spending some time around and makes for some interesting and great shots. And, the locals are even friendly...
One street over from Arab Street is Haji Street. Often a hangout for young kids who sit around and gossip over a Shisha of flavoured tobacco and some nibbles.
One of my favourite areas of Singapore to shoot is Little India. I have returned time and time again and it always offers something new. In Little India, a lot happens on the street. Its a mix of tourists and the local southern Indian community who usual seem to go about their lives oblivious to the others.
Along the side of the footpath are stalls selling cheap clothing, beads and trinkets. Further along is the 24hr sell everything Mustafa complex. A basic bare-bones store with no frills or much customer service but if they sell its going to be the best price you'll find in Singapore.
Indians are the largest purchasing ethnic group for gold globally and Little India in Singapore is no exception. The main street is lined with jewelry stores with the latest intricate designs just waiting to be desired by your Indian princess...
And I'm sure that no one took my last reference of "Indian Princess" seriously. Well not everyone that buys gold bracelets and necklaces is a princess but you never know what you can meet being out and about in Little India...
Especially on weekend, its a lively place. People working, trading, shopping and young Indian kids just hangin' out.
The weekend also attracts lots of marketing from phone companies trying to offer the foreign worker Indians, and locals, the best deal in pre-paid call back to the motherland plans. Speakers continually blasting out offers in Tamil with such distorted sound you have to wonder if even they understand it; to novel approaches of rollerbladers wearing billboards and handing out flyers.
Little India also hosts a Muslim community along with a very unassuming and rudimentary mosque.
Whenever festivities occur in Singapore you frequently find large temporary marquees being erected. Armies of Indian workers can be seen across the frameworks feverishly assemble these structures in a matter of hours.
However, the part that draws me back, again and again is the Hindu Temple. Located on Serangoon Road, the heart of Little India, it open at 4 pm and is open to the public. There are always vendors selling their wares around its entrance that you almost need to step over.
The main entrance at the temple is impressive with a large wooden door covered in ornate bells that devotees ring as they enter. Often I will sit around on the steps near the door just looking for opportunities to present themselves - and many abound.
Depending on days and the events the crowds in the temples can vary. Devotees seeking blessings are always present, continually filing through. Some leave as quickly as they arrived, where others appear to sit, ponder and meditate for hours.
Other times, families or friends just use the grounds to sit around and chat. However, its always strange to witness the faithful being almost oblivious to the constant tourist crowd.
Below was a lucky chance for me. I just happened to drop down to shoot in Little India this day out of something to do. Turned out it was the Indian festival of "Holy", which is usually identified by the throwing of colourful powders on all who pass be. Singapore ensurers this practice is somewhat tamed down. However, it didn't stop the relevant temple ceremonies, which provided some interesting shots.
I've already mentioned that the public and tourists mingle with the devotees in this temple almost uninterrupted. These shots below are an example of how unperturbed people are by your presence.
And when not performing tasks, temple priests are often willing to pose for shots as well. No matter how often I return there is always something new to photograph here. This is probably the best location in Singapore for those that love people photography...
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