I have found that going on regular photowalks benefits me in many ways. For one, I can manage my weight easily, even though I’ve had a strong appetite for food lately. Additionally, I discover new aspects of my city, particularly the decorations that change frequently to reflect the current holidays we are celebrating. With the pleasant weather tonight, I embarked on a mini adventure around the North Bridge Road and South Beach Road area.
The timing couldn’t have been better—I arrived just in time for the blue hour, which is something I always aim for during nighttime photowalks.
I believe it’s the best time for photography because the light from the sky perfectly complements the city lights. Taking photos earlier usually produces lackluster results since many city lights haven’t been switched on yet. On the other hand, taking photos after the blue hour often results in grainy images, with the sky appearing too dark or uninteresting. This leaves me with only about half an hour to capture my shots before the sky gets too dark. Since I’m taking photos handheld and without a tripod, long-exposure shots aren’t an option.
I began my journey at the CHIJMES cathedral, which is an excellent subject during the blue hour thanks to its stunning architecture and striking lights.
A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the entire cathedral within the frame, as the space around it is quite confined. I experimented with various angles from different corners around the cathedral, and here are the results of my efforts.
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I may be a big fan of modern architectural designs, but there’s something about cathedrals built in the Gothic style that gives them a truly timeless quality. It’s as if the beauty of this cathedral will remain fascinating, no matter how much time passes.
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Although CHIJMES no longer functions as a cathedral, having been transformed into a commercial establishment, I’m glad they have retained its traditional appearance. It feels as though the spirit of the building remains, even though it has deviated from its original purpose.
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South Beach area
From here, I continued my stroll toward the South Beach area, as I intended to head to Suntec City for dinner.
During this photowalk, I discovered that I could create an interesting photo effect while waiting for the pedestrian crossing's green light. When people remain still while vehicles rush past, it creates the impression that the person is frozen in time, while everything else becomes a blur.
I didn’t stay too long—I simply took a photo of the Chinese New Year display they had set up before moving on to Suntec City.
Another photo effect I discovered is that when I take a photo of people walking in front of me while matching their pace, it creates the illusion that they are walking very quickly, with the surroundings blurred out.
Suntec City!
Finally, after an hour of walking, I reached my final destination. It was already past my usual dinner time, but that was fine. I wasn’t even tired from the walk, though I was starting to feel hungry, so I decided to cut it short. However, on my way to the mall, I couldn’t resist taking a few more photos along the way.
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As I approached the mall, I heard loud, lively music and noticed a group of people gathering in the open space in front of the mall. As I got closer, I realized they were dancing or possibly doing Zumba (though I’m not entirely sure). However, it was clear that it was a dance exercise, and the participants appeared to be people who work in the nearby offices.
In conclusion, this photowalk turned out to be a fulfilling and inspiring experience, allowing me to explore my city in a new light while capturing its beauty through my lens. From the timeless architecture of CHIJMES to the vibrant energy of the streets, every moment reminded me of the joy of discovering something new. As always, these walks not only fuel my passion for photography but also leave me feeling recharged and connected to my surroundings.
