You have to be living under a rock to not know that social media is on a steep incline with Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook at the top of the social media game today. So, it comes as no surprise that just about anyone with a social media account of sorts are producing better and better photographs to win some likes and followers to stay afloat.
Pretty faces aside, how else can one rise to be among the who’s who on digital platforms these days, right?
Besides just having an Instagram handle, anybody with a film camera, the latest iPhone and anything else in between (armed with photo editing apps, no less) is loosely deemed a “photographer” right now. Aim, shoot, edit, post. Easy peasy? Not quite. What sets a legit photographer apart – digital or otherwise – from the amateurs is a creative eye which only a select few possess.
In honour of National Day, here are 16 amazing local talents switching up the photography scene in Singapore.
What’s hot on Instagram right now is the Wiggle 3D effect, where an image of a subject is caught in a stereoscopic manner to give a sense of depth. It’s really cool, so that’s probably why Tim Tan made a whole Instagram account for it.
But what really makes it stand out is that he gave his shots an old school feel using Fujifilm 400 to achieve that look.
It also doesn’t hurt that cool kids like Malaysian singer Yuna and Korean R&B prince Dean are more than willing to participate in his venture.
Follow @perspecgifs
Fashion photographer Lenne Chai seems to hit all the right angles with her lenses.
Capturing stunning mood shots and strong fashion images seems to be the name of her game, but what sets her apart from the rest is her style that is a well-balanced mix of soft, romantic and slightly quirky.
Follow @lenneigh
The light seems to hit all the right spots for Jayden Tan’s striking photographs.
Versatile and stunning, the young photographer uses his craft to capture fabulous shots that will get heads turning for all the good reasons.
Follow @jaydenation
Vibrant, colourful, and lively, Mathieu’s Instagram feed is a curated gallery of gorgeous shots that express a youthful spirit.
Why else would Apple have tapped on this young Singaporean talent to shoot the brand’s campaign?
Follow @redwashed
Jason’s Instagram feed is a visual delight, giving ordinary every day surroundings a breath of new life shot after shot.
He pushes the envelope a little further with cheeky insertions of puns in his captions which will make you go “I see what you did there!” if you’re sharp enough to spot them.
Follow @jsnjnr
We wait with bated breath for every Instagram update from Juffrie Friday.
The young photographer/filmographer captures his travel and adventures with impressive images, melding his tasteful creative eye behind the lenses and his hunger for thrill perfectly with every image.
Follow @juffrie
This young gun has a way of capturing stunning pensive shots of surroundings and projects, showcasing his normcore aesthetic that leaves one craving for more.
Follow @esyk
Leslie’s artistic eye and photographic skills combine to catch some of the most enthralling snaps that pulls you in one photo at a time.
Follow @blackmobil
Sharp, focused, mood-filled shots are the names of Qi Yao’s photography game.
The fashion student showcases his flair for photography and his love for life with remarkable images on his grids.
Follow @runyoko
Chrystal’s lovely panoramic shots ignite the itch in us to go out, be free and embrace life and all the beauty it encapsulates.
Follow @chrystlm
Zantz’s effervescent fashion shots are uplifting and impressive, making him the photographer to get on your radar if you’re looking to stimulate your senses.
Follow @zantz
Whether it’s events, people, or simply his surroundings, Ashley’s awesome images reflect the simple pleasures of life beautifully through his lenses.
Follow @ashleymakphotography
Khai’s fresh eye, fantastic photography skills, and outgoing spirit all combine to give a cool downtown vibe that we see on his remarkable Instagram page.
His Hypebeast-esque aesthetic has not only garnered him a strong fan base in the photography scene, but also put him among Sony’s go-to photographers in Singapore.
Follow @kharizulazmas
Yik Keat’s images pretty much sum up that this photographer is all about mad skills when it comes to producing breathtaking visuals.
YK’s saturated shots have garnered him a strong Instagram following, so much so that Ultra 2017 – Singapore’s biggest music fest this year by far – roped him in to be the event’s official photographer.
Follow @yk
Taking photography to a whole other level quite literally, Jonathan’s drone-shot images taken from high-level perspectives are charming and refreshing in the best way possible.
Follow @clotwork
Pensive shots are Irfan’s weapon of choice when it comes to posting captivating images on his magnificent Instagram page.
Dark and melancholic, Irfan brings new life to images of every day going ons in Singapore.
Follow @_roniin
Text: Syed Zulfadhli/Harper’s Bazaar Singapore