3 Key Questions for Key Creators in Singapore | ppp launch in Singapore | ISSUE #151

In commemoration of the 〈photo poster project〉 launching in Singapore, we interviewed 18 key creators based in the city.

The first-ever Singapore ppp will take place at 〈Prinsep Gallery〉 on January 24–25. Application for participants is now open!

I started with wanting to document the growth of my children and over time, I started to see photography as the marriage of technical precision and soulful storytelling. I’ve always been fascinated by how a glass and sensor pair can become a vessel for genuine warmth. I love it because it allows me to "capture life" rather than just document it. Whether I’m testing the latest ens or walking through a quiet neighborhood, photography forces me to slow down and seek out the beauty in everyday scenes. Ultimately, it’s about demystifying gear to reach the heart of the moment. I don’t just want to know how a camera performs on paper; I want to see how it breathes life into a photo essay and immortalizes the quiet, candid moments of our daily lives.

Since starting this journey, I’ve evolved from a technical observer into a curator of life’s beauty. While I began by focusing on the "how" like the specs and performance of the gear, I now prioritize the "why." Reviewing equipment for millions of readers has taught me that honesty is the most vital setting on any camera. I’ve become more observant and patient, moving beyond just testing gear to using it as a bridge for storytelling. Photography has refined my perspective, shifting my focus from the hardware itself to the candid, daily moments it allows me to immortalize. I no longer just see a tool; I see a way to share the warmth of the world with my community.

Joining the ppp exhibition is a natural extension of my belief that photography should be approachable and community-driven. As a reviewer, I spend much of my time analyzing the technical "precision" of gear, but the PPP exhibition shifts the focus back to the "soul" of the image. What draws me to cizucu’s platform is its commitment to demystifying the exhibition process—making it easy for creators to transition from digital screens to large-format A2 prints. For me, this event isn't just about showcasing a single frame; it’s about stepping out from behind the lens to engage in "real-life" storytelling and conversations with fellow photographers.

I love photography because it has changed my life. It encourages me to slow down and enjoy the moment. And with each capture, I get to relive the moment for all time. Photography challenges me to see the world from a different point of view and that sparks creativity.

I started wildlife photography in 2021. Then, my goal was simple: to share the beauty of nature in hopes that people would learn to love and protect wildlife. Now, I want to evolve from a photographer to a photojournalist, raising awareness of conservation efforts.

As I pivot my work toward conservation and storytelling, I value spaces where images can be experienced slowly and thoughtfully, encouraging reflection rather than passive scrolling. PPP creates opportunities for genuine human connection between photographers, viewers, and the stories behind each image. Presenting work in a physical, public format allows photographs to reach audiences who may not actively seek out wildlife or conservation imagery online. I see ppp as a meaningful platform to share my work within a global photographic community, exchange perspectives, and contribute to thoughtful dialogue with like-minded people.

My love for photography goes back to childhood, when I’d watch my grandfather rewinding his Leicas like clockwork. I didn’t know a thing about apertures. I was just obsessed with the sounds. That cranky rewind whirr, the sharp 'tak' of the shutter to tiny-me, it felt like a miniature firearm. Probably not the most wholesome comparison, but that’s what pulled me in: cameras as toys that made cool noises. Over time, the sound-play turned into something deeper. Photography challenges me to grow; every frame is a lesson in light, patience, timing, and sometimes in understanding myself. It constantly demands curiosity, experimentation, and persistence and I love that it never stops pushing me forward.

Photography has changed me in more ways than I expected. It reshaped how I see the world. I notice details, light, timing, and how everything connects. It also forces me to stay adaptable, because nothing ever goes exactly as planned, and the shot won’t wait for me to complain. Even though I can shape the light the way I want, patience is still essential. Understanding a subject takes time — I need to read their energy, earn their comfort, and guide them toward the expression and mood that matches the concept. The lighting might be instant, but the connection never is. Most importantly, photography taught me to step back and look at the bigger picture. Not just when composing an image, but in life too because sometimes, changing your perspective changes everything.

I chose to join ppp because what they’re building resonates with me not just as an idea, but as a direction. Stepping into 2026, I found myself wanting to do more than repeat what I already know. I wanted to contribute to something that feels meaningful, to be part of a community moving with purpose. Joining PPP became a way to shift my perspective, challenge myself, and align my work with something that reaches beyond just me.

I love photography because it allows me to express what I cannot put into words. It became my subconscious language — a way to reveal emotions and thoughts that exist beneath the surface. Through photography, I express quiet tensions, fleeting feelings, and moments that often go unnoticed. When I photograph, I am free from expectations and the need to explain myself. I respond instinctively, guided by emotion rather than logic. Photography gives me space to slow down, observe, and listen inwardly. It allows me to be fully present in the moment. More than a creative practice, photography gives me motivation and direction in life. Each walk and each frame becomes a gentle dialogue with my subconscious, and something I genuinely look forward to every day.

Since photography entered my life, I experienced a quiet but profound change. Before that, my days felt repetitive and confined by work and routine. I often felt bored and disconnected, with little to look forward to. Photography shifted my attention inward and outward at the same time. I no longer feel bored or lonely. I walk the same streets almost every day, yet each walk reveals something new—subtle gestures, light, reflections, and moments that exist beneath the surface. Photography taught me to slow down and observe with intention. It also gave me a sense of freedom. In a society shaped by expectations and fixed paths, photography allows me to move instinctively and honestly. Through each image, I find release, clarity, and a deeper connection to myself.

I want to join the cizucu photo poster project because it resonates deeply with how I experience photography. I am drawn to the idea of photographs existing not only as images on a screen, but as physical presences that people can encounter in everyday life. A photo poster slows the viewer down and invites quiet observation. My work explores subconscious emotions, subtle tensions, and moments that often go unnoticed in the city. Presenting these images as posters allows them to live beyond the frame and become part of a shared space. I am especially inspired by cizucu’s thoughtful approach to community and storytelling, where personal voices are valued. This project feels like a natural extension of my practice — a way to share introspective work in a simple, honest, and accessible form.

These days I love photography for how it allows us to compartmentalise our sights, and curate our vision. It is a crazy world we live in now so we need focus and simplicity more than ever.

It has been quite some time since I started photography so it had a huge part to play in the way I grew up. It made me a calmer and more tolerant person I believe, from times at quiet high rised spots to street snapping at my own pace in a busy city.

I wanted to enjoy the excitement of showcasing my work again after many years, as well as to be a part of the Singaporean vision that the ppp audience gets to see.

I love photography because with it, it turns everyday scenes into something worth paying attention to. It makes the small moments feel important, and reminds me that beauty isn’t rare, we just move too fast to notice them.

I started to become extra sensitive to my surroundings, observing every detail when I’m exploring a new place. What looked mundane originally became interesting.

I joined ppp because I’ve long wanted to share my perspective and connect with others. Also an opportunity to try step out of my comfort zone and interact with the public.

It's visual storytelling. A photo can express emotions, draw people into conversation, and it freezes that moment captured in time, which will last forever.

Over time, I've learned to see situations and people in a new way, and to understand and interpret what the potential picture means.

I love that this project is physical and personal; a nice return to a time before AI and social media.

I love photography because it lets my creativity breathe— turning moments into meaning, and vision into something tangible. That’s why I create. That’s why I shoot. That’s why photography matters to me. 📸✨

Photography changed how I see the world. It taught me patience, observation, and intention. Instead of chasing perfect shots, I now focus on honest stories—finding beauty in everyday moments and quiet details. Through my work on Instagram as _5fivegraphy, I’ve grown creatively and emotionally, learning to trust my instincts, slow down, and connect more deeply with people and spaces around me. Photography didn’t just shape my creative voice. It shaped who I am—as an observer, storyteller, and creator. 📸✨

to grow through inspiration and community. I believe photography is not just about creating images, but about learning, sharing, and seeing the world through new perspectives. PPP represents a space where passion meets purpose—where photographers inspire one another to refine their vision and stay true to their creative voice. Joining PPP is my way of challenging myself, staying inspired, and growing as a storyteller alongside like-minded creatives. I’m here to learn, to contribute, and to evolve—together. 📸✨

I started my journey as a landscape photographer, and what made me continue on this path is the sense of freedom photography gives me. It allows me to move, explore unfamiliar places, and experience the world at my own pace. More importantly, it became a platform for me to tell stories, stories about places, light, and the quiet moments that often go unnoticed. As a landscape photographer, I’m constantly trying to recover the feeling of being there, to translate what my eyes and emotions experience into a single frame. It’s not about exaggeration or perfection, but about staying honest to the scene and making the photograph feel as close as possible to how it was seen and felt in real life. Over time, photography became more than just capturing landscapes. It became a way for me to slow down, observe deeply, and share my perspective with others, inviting them to see the world the way I see it, even if just for a moment.

Since starting photography, my perspective has changed more than my technical skills. In the beginning, I was very focused on gear, settings, and getting the “perfect” shot. Over time, I learned that meaningful photographs come from patience, empathy, and presence. I’ve become more observant and intentional and not just in photography, but in life. I learned to embrace imperfections, trust my instincts, and focus on storytelling rather than trends. Photography also taught me resilience: some shoots don’t go as planned, some ideas fail, but every experience becomes part of the growth. Today, I approach my work with more calm, clarity, and purpose than when I first started.

What attracted me most was the community and the intention behind the project, supporting creators, encouraging storytelling, and valuing the process as much as the outcome. And PPP feels less like a platform and more like a shared space for photographers to reflect, create, and connect. Being part of it aligns naturally with how I see photography today.

I think it is the excitement of freezing a moment, capturing something that holds meaning for me, personally. In the fast-paced lifestyle of Singapore and as an introvert, photography gives me a reason to step out, slow down, and simply observe. It allows me to enjoy the quiet moments and notice the little things happening around me that might otherwise be missed.

I think photography has made me more patient. I have learned to accept that sometimes you miss the shot and that is part of the process. And over time, it has also deepened my appreciation for life. Through photography, I have met people from very different walks of life, backgrounds and circumstances from my own. It really made me realise how big the world is and I feel like I am discovering it slowly, layer by layer.

I guess what draws me to it is the concept of being able to share the story behind a photo, in person and in a more intimate setting. I have been on Instagram since the beginning, and I have seen how it has evolved from a community of photography lovers to a much more commercially driven space. I kind of miss the good old days when people would just come together and share their love for photography.

It all started with random snaps when mobile photography became widely available back in the 2000s. But the passion ignited when Instagram was introduced to the world and there were people who actually appreciated my shots.

The biggest change has got to be my visual perspective: how I see the world in lights and shadows, or leading lines in architecture, etc. It’s like everything around us can easily be a photo opportunity, depending on the story you want to tell at that point in time.

Being involved in the Singapore Instagram community for a few years really got me into connecting with people through photography, whether virtually or in real life. Hosting photowalks around Singapore neighborhoods and exchanging different perspectives while creating new friendships created a lot of good memories back in the 2010s. So, when the opportunity at PPP arose, I didn't hesitate to get involved with the project.

Photography is my main creative outlet. It allows me to transform mundane, often overlooked subjects into art that invites new perspectives. My favourite genre is wildlife photography, as I have always been drawn to nature. Pursuing this genre as a hobby encourages me to explore natural spaces and observe species I might never have encountered otherwise. Through photography, I am able to capture the beauty of Singapore’s biodiversity and share it with others. Beyond that, photography is also a deeply healing practice for me.

Photography has given me a new level of confidence in both myself and my artistic abilities. Through it, I discovered a medium in which I could develop a unique and personal style of expression - one that is appreciated by my friends, family, and members of the photography community. Over time, I have also grown into an identity as a wildlife photographer, which has given me a strong sense of purpose within this passion of mine. Engaging in wildlife photography has also deepened my understanding of conservation and sustainability issues within the natural world. I have learned to appreciate Singapore’s biodiversity and the fragile habitats that allow it to thrive. This growing awareness motivates me to capture wildlife from unique and compelling perspectives, with the aim of raising awareness about the rich biodiversity that exists within our small city-state. As a result, themes of conservation and human–wildlife coexistence have become increasingly present in my recent work.

I joined ppp as I saw it as an opportunity to meet like-minded creators from the local photography community and create connections with them. I also thought of the project as a way to gain inspiration from other photographers to develop my own style. Lastly, I am always grateful for a platform to be able to display and show my work to others.

I love photography because it allows me to freeze moments that would otherwise disappear. Every photo carries a feeling, a story, or a memory. Photography also allows me to connect with people from different country in a meaningful way.

Photography taught me that patience and time are inseparable. Some moments can’t be forced, you have to give them time to unfold. Waiting for the right light, the right emotion, or the right movement often makes the difference between an ordinary image and a meaningful one. Through photography, I’ve also learned to respect the important of the timing, and to trust that the best moments come when you allow time to do its work.

Try different platforms to connect with more people, allowing my photography and passion to reach a wider audience. Through photos and social media, I hope to create genuine connections.

My passion for photography took root years ago with the tactile experience of a film camera. I was captivated by the alchemy of the process—how a single click could initiate a chemical reaction that revealed a hidden image. To me, photography is a way to slow down time, allowing us to fully appreciate light, color, and the intricate narratives that shape our reality. It preserves fleeting moments that can never be replicated, finding value and beauty in the unique, frozen instances of our lives.

I started as a purist, captivated by the slow chemistry of film and the preservation of reality. Today, digital tools and AI have transformed me into a visual storyteller. I have moved beyond the technical constraints of the past to embrace a new era of creation—one where I can choreograph scenes, blur the lines between fiction and reality, and craft images that are limited only by imagination, not the camera settings.

Joining the ppp projects by cizucu represents a vital step in my evolution as an artist. While my foundation rests on the tactile history of film, I am eager to engage with a community that actively explores the dynamic intersection of new media and traditional photography. I seek to connect with like-minded individuals who understand that the image is no longer just a captured moment, but a choreographed narrative where reality and fiction blur. This platform provides the perfect stage to 'give light to my words,' allowing me to translate my internal narratives into tangible visual forms through the lens of modern technology. My goal is to contribute to this creative ecosystem and be a meaningful part of the 'Habitat,' creating work that respects the alchemy of the past while embracing the limitless potential of new media to tell atypical stories.

I like photography because it feels like catching thoughts before they escape. A rectangle traps a circle of light, a triangle of shadow, a crooked line pretending to be accidental. Photography turns randomness into evidence, proof that this moment existed and didn’t ask for permission. I like how a photo can be quiet but loud with meaning, how blurred can say more than sharpness. It’s geometry mixed with instincts and angles arguing, colors colliding, patterns breaking rules. When I take photos, I’m not just looking, I’m rearranging the world into something that makes sense to me, even if it only makes sense for a while.

Since I started photography, the way I move through the world has changed. I slow down and notice small details I used to miss—light on a wall, textures, quiet moments between actions. Photography taught me to take breaks, to pause instead of rushing past everything. It made me more spontaneous too. I will stop mid-walk, change direction, follow curiosity without overthinking. I’ve also learned to appreciate art more, not just in galleries, but everywhere. Through photography, I’ve learned that paying attention is its own kind of creativity, and that time doesn’t always need to be filled,it can simply be observed.

I join ppp to step beyond my own frame and meet people who see the world differently. Photography lets us share perspectives without speaking the same language, and I wanted to experience that exchange. Through other images, I can appreciate their worlds through their eyes and what they notice, what they value, what stops them in their tracks. The world maybe small, but our viewpoints are endless, and photography feels like a connecting thread. Joining ppp is about connection, curiosity, and understanding how one moment can look completely different through another lens.

Photography is my way of seeing and experiencing the world. Once I see a frame, it is impossible to unsee it, and so, the camera is not only in my hands but embedded in my head. Even without a camera, I will always be photographing. It gives me small joys every time I notice how beautiful the world is - how a shadow appears, how the light casts a golden glow, and how a face lights up with a smile. It’s funny how these captured memories remain real as time passes, and all the other moments seem to fade or become altered. Photography is selective memory, but it plays such an important role in all our individual lives. It has a way of affecting us, our memories we keep that affect our emotional states, the stories we leave our children, It documents more than we can ever imagine, more than words can say. It’s such a powerful medium

Through the assignments I have photographed over the last 18 years, photography has opened up my world and my experiences in ways I could not have imagined. I’ve had front row seats at the Beijing Paralympics for example. I’ve been privileged to be behind-the-scenes and backstage to witness many important events. I’ve had to opportunity to mingle with people from all sorts of backgrounds and all walks of life - the famous, the poor, the rich, the ill… I don’t think any other job gets you that kind of access, and I grow with each scene I witness. Photography also forces me to confront and ask questions. It’s not just about pressing the shutter but dealing with all other communication-related issues when you need to prepare for and set up a shoot. It’s definitely made my more conscientious and emphatic.

I was approached by ppp, in fact this was the first time I’ve heard of it. It’s a brilliantly simple idea, and I love how photographers with all sorts of backgrounds come together to display their work. I also love that ppp is launching worldwide, in a way that connects people across cities. I’d love to support this idea and wish you every success!

I love photography because it gives meaning to my journeys and everyday life. Whenever I travel, photography becomes a way for me to slow down and truly experience a place — not just passing through it, but feeling it. From extreme cold landscapes to quiet streets and moments in between, photography helps me stay present and connected to what’s around me. More than capturing how a place looks, photography allows me to remember how it felt to be there. Every image holds a memory — the atmosphere, the effort, the waiting, and sometimes the discomfort. That emotional connection is what keeps me coming back to photography.

Photography has changed my mindset and how I see the world. I’ve become more patient and observant, learning that the best moments can’t be rushed. Whether I’m chasing light, waiting for weather, or simply observing people and surroundings, photography has taught me to trust timing and embrace the process. Traveling as a photographer has also made me more adaptable. Things don’t always go as planned — weather changes, conditions get tough, and moments are unpredictable. Through these experiences, I’ve learned to stay calm, flexible, and open-minded. These lessons go beyond photography and influence how I approach life and challenges.

I joined photo poster project (ppp) because it gives photographs a life beyond the screen. After spending so much time creating images through travel and personal experiences, I appreciate the idea of turning photographs into something physical — something that can be seen, shared, and lived with. What attracted me most is how ppp brings together creators from different parts of the world through print. It’s a meaningful way to share stories across cultures while celebrating individual perspectives. Being part of a project that values storytelling, intention, and community aligns closely with how I see photography, and I’m proud to be part of it.

To me, photography is a way of living and an attitude of life. It is personal, not about anyone else but you, how yourself see this world through your own perspective. Who doesn't love capturing personal private moments? I don't know, but I do love and will do so for the rest of my life, for sure.

The world becomes more worth living along my way of taking pictures.

PPP has a key value that resonates with me, which is not to monetize our social lives but to tell the genuine story behind a photo. I used to do many printings and I love to show the best of photos on paper, instead of screen. So here we are, to meet the people who appreciate the same value.