Chinatown is a bustling hive of activity throughout the day. The streets are filled with people of all ages, but it is the older folk who really seem to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood.
I visited Chinatown on a few separate occasions, taking street photographs of the people and activities that make the area so special.
Check out the photographs below! Scroll till the end for some helpful street photography tips.
Elderly gentlemen engaging in an intense game of Singaporean/Malaysian checkers (also known as “Dum”).
I don’t know how to play the game; but based on his expression, I think it’s safe to say that he was not winning.
Street performance just in front of Chinatown MRT station’s entrance.
Elderly musician playing a traditional Chinese percussion instrument. There’s something about him that radiates charisma.
Waited by the overhead bridge beside Cross Street Exchange for the perfect subject to step into this triangular frame. Do you think it was worth the wait?
Egg deliveryman making his rounds. He must have amazing balance to be able to cycle with so many cartons of eggs.
Chinatown is a great place for street photography because of its rich culture and vibrant community. There is always something interesting to see, whether it is people going about their daily lives or special events taking place. If you’re looking for a place to capture the charm of a historic district, Chinatown is the perfect place!
Here are some tips for taking street photographs:
- Be inconspicuous. The key to street photography is to capture candid moments without being noticed. This means being discreet and blending in with the crowd. Avoid carrying a big camera bag or lots of gear. The less attention you draw to yourself, the more natural your subjects will be.
- Look for interesting moments. The best street photos are those that capture moments of human interaction, emotion, or surprise. Be on the lookout for people doing something interesting or unusual.
- Tell a story. Your photos should be more than just snapshots. They should tell a story about the people and places you're photographing.
- Use the right gear. A wide-angle lens is a good choice for capturing the landscape or scenes with a lot of activity, while a telephoto lens can be used to isolate your subject from the background. If you're afraid to get too close to your subjects, a telephoto lens would be the better option as you'll be able to shoot from a further distance.
- Be patient and persistent. Street photography is not always easy. It takes time and patience to find the right moments and to get the perfect shot. Don't get discouraged if you don't get the results you want right away. Just keep practising and you will eventually get better.
I hope this blog article has inspired you to visit Chinatown and take some street photographs of your own.
If so, I would love to see them! Tag me on Instagram (@darylchiaphotography) and I’ll be sure to take a look at your photographs.
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