I’ve been shooting street for almost 2 years now, and looking back at all my “keeper” shots, the feeling when I took each and every one of these photographs is still pretty vivid in my mind. I may not remember the settings for the camera, but the thought process I had at the moment of the shutter click I can still recall. And every time I browse back to these old shots, there’s always this one photo that’s special to me. This was my first good street photograph – the first one that didn’t look like an ordinary snapshot – the one where I thought to myself “Hey, I can do this thing.”
It was in one of my first few times shooting in Orchard Road when I spotted him. I don’t usually like shooting street performers because I always felt it was too easy – and most that I’ve seen just looked ordinary. Nevertheless, I still decided to take a quick photo. When I went in front of him, I quickly noticed the print ad on the bus that stopped for the red light. It was perfect. My heart began to pound so fast as I raised my camera to take a few shots with the old man and the print ad. I was so nervous – I thought the old man might react negatively, and the bus might ride away with the print ad at any moment. I was right about the bus, but couldn’t be more mistaken about the old man. He smiled and waved at me. I gave a faint smile and walked away.
Later, when I reviewed the photo, I knew it was something I could be proud of. My first good street shot. The performer on the lower left, the smiling girls on the upper right, the juxtaposition was spot on. Even the taxi driver looking on added an extra touch. It made me want to capture more. And so far, that desire hasn’t stopped yet.
Nowadays, I always see the old man in Orchard Road every time I shoot street on the weekends… and I always give him $2 as a token of appreciation for that one good shot. I think I’m beginning to be a familiar face to him. Every time he spots me to give alms, he laughs, waves at me and says “Thank you, thank you, gentleman!” I always smile back.
Recently, I got that chance to take a quick portrait of him. This was taken 1.5 years after my first good shot. And he’s still got it.. he’s still got that charm to make you smile :)
Do you remember your first good photograph?
Great story Danny. You’ve got the eye even back then. Always looking forward to your projects. Ngayon dalawa na tayong pinoy sa Streephers :)
@ken: Big thanks, ken! Yup, dalawa na tayong pinoy dun hehehe. I noticed your shots there too. Maybe someday I can try film too… I have a big respect to your style. Very cool, man :)
Hi Dan,
absolutely great shots. Maybe bacause they came from a great eye.
Hope to see you at work around here, this sunday!
Regards,
D.
I don’t know how I stumbled across your work but it has been a huge inspiration to me!
Especially all the shots you have of women. I often shy away from photographing women for fear of the creeper stigma.
Keep the projects coming!
oh yes! :) a great great start, for sure.
I’ve always liked this. I think there are not enough good “as is” street photography of the ordinary folk in Singapore, unless it’s for a government or shopping ad or at a hawker centre. I hope to see more of photos like this. You’ve a wonderful knack.
YOU are an inspiration. Thank you for your whit, your amazing talent, and your words well written. I hope to catch your blog again. :)
yes i do actually
inkew it was a good shot
but ididnt realise how pwerful the image was until i showed it to my family. their reactions swerev asll the same. i was so proud and realised this is what i want to do.
fabulous portrait !!! love !
Danny, I am great inspired by your works. Well done!
There is something very humane – very honest tone about your work. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration for many for sure.
I was there too, couldn’t get a good photo out of him. Great work !
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