cizucu hosts the photo poster project in cities around the world.
By simply posting a photo on cizucu, creators can take part in a physical photo poster exhibition and meet fellow photographers they may not have encountered otherwise.
In this issue, we spoke with Mildlywildthings (Kei Chan), a Singapore-based photographer, about why they joined, what they experienced, and the photograph they chose.
Could you introduce yourself?
Hi, my name is Kei Chan, a hobbyist photographer based in Singapore. I began my photography journey in 2020 but only started pursuing it more intentionally in 2024. As an introvert, photography became a natural way for me to express myself quietly, honestly, and without the need for words.
My work is largely inspired by everyday life. I am drawn to subtle moments, familiar places, and emotions that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced routines. To me, photography is an act of observation and presence; it is about slowing down, paying attention, and finding comfort in the ordinary.
This perspective is also reflected in my creative handle, mildlywildthings. With a naturally mild personality, stepping outside my comfort zone - going out, exploring, and creating feels rather “wild” in its own way. Through my images, I hope to share this sense of calm and remind others that even the most mundane moments can hold beauty, meaning, and joy.
Why did you decide to participate?
This exhibition marks my first experience presenting my work in a physical space. While much of my creative journey has taken place online, the lack of real, face-to-face interaction became a key reason for my decision to participate. Over time, I found myself connecting with many people who shared similar interests, yet those connections often felt incomplete without the ability to put faces to the names and conversations I encountered digitally.
cizucu's photo poster project offered a space that went beyond simply displaying work. It created an opportunity for creators to gather, share, and connect as a community. Participating in this exhibition became a personal challenge for me, especially as someone who is quiet by nature. By stepping into a physical setting, I hoped to meet fellow creators, exchange perspectives, and experience photography beyond the screen.
More importantly, I wanted to understand what photography means to different people, how they see, feel, and express through their images. This exhibition represents not just a milestone in my journey, but a step toward building more meaningful and human connections through photography.
How was the experience?
The exhibition exceeded my expectations in many ways. The organisers managed to strike a thoughtful balance between maintaining a light-hearted, welcoming atmosphere and coordinating a diverse group of creators without making the experience feel rigid or overly formal. This made it easy for me to share my stories behind the photographs without feeling pressured or overwhelmed.
One of the most meaningful aspects was discovering how many creators existed within the same geography, people I might never have encountered otherwise. The sense of pride and fulfilment I felt was hard to put into words. Never did I imagine that my photographs would be displayed in poster form within a gallery space.
The gallery talk was conducted smoothly, giving each creator the opportunity to speak and allowing us to experience the works through one another’s perspectives. It felt less like a presentation and more like a shared moment of understanding.
As the exhibition came to a close, seeing the staff carefully pack our posters and witnessing their genuine enthusiasm reaffirmed how much care went into every detail. Lastly, I am deeply thankful to all the fellow creators who took the time to listen to my story. It was truly inspiring to experience your work and share this journey together.
Why did you choose this photograph?
I chose this particular piece because it reflects how I naturally see and experience the world - from a distance, and with a sense of calm observation. The photograph captures a human figure standing beneath a dense canopy of green, partially concealed by nature. There is no dramatic action, only stillness, scale, and atmosphere.
What drew me to this scene was the contrast between the human presence and the overwhelming abundance of nature. The figure feels small, almost intentionally placed. To me, this mirrors how we often move through life - present, but not always at the centre. The umbrella acts as both a physical and emotional boundary, suggesting protection and introspection.
This image resonates deeply with my own personality. I am drawn to moments where silence speaks louder than movement, and where meaning is found not through spectacle, but through presence. The lush greenery surrounding the subject creates a sense of comfort rather than isolation, reminding me that solitude does not have to feel lonely.
I chose this piece because it invites the viewer to slow down, to observe without expectation, and to find beauty in quiet moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed.
A message to those considering joining photo poster project
To creators who are considering joining, I would say this: take the step, even if you feel unsure. I entered this exhibition with hesitation, not knowing what to expect and questioning whether my work was “ready.” What I discovered was not pressure or competition, but a space built on sincerity, openness, and shared curiosity.
Creating can often feel solitary, especially when much of our interaction happens online. While digital platforms allow us to connect, they cannot fully replace the experience of meeting people face to face, hearing their stories, seeing their expressions, and understanding the intentions behind their work. This exhibition reminded me of the importance of physical spaces in building genuine creative connections.
Participating allowed me to see photography beyond my own perspective. Listening to fellow creators speak about their work expanded how I view images, stories, and even my own creative process. As someone who is naturally introverted, this experience challenged me in the best way possible.
If you are looking for a place to share your work without feeling overwhelmed, to learn from others, and to be part of a supportive community, I truly believe this exhibition offers that. Sometimes, growth begins simply by showing up.
