It wasn’t my first time visiting Singapore, but this trip was special. With my trusty camera in hand, I was eager to dive into street photography in Singapore and capture the vibrant city life. Honestly, I was worried I wouldn’t find many compelling moments. Time was limited, and street photography depends so much on chance. But guess what? The results made me smile. While not every shot was perfect, that’s part of the magic when you’re exploring street photography in Singapore.
I only had a few free hours for shooting, so I made the most of it. My last street photography session was in Penang, and I was excited to see how Singapore compared. It wasn’t part of my original plan to shoot in the Lion City, but when you’ve got a camera and some time, you’ve just got to give it a go.
The Perfect Gear for Street Photography in Singapore
For this trip, I packed light. My Fujifilm X-T4, paired with the Fujinon XF35mm f2 R WR lens, was all I needed. If you’re into Fujifilm street photography in Singapore, this lens is a great choice of Fujifilm lenses for portraits and streets. It’s compact, lightweight, and lets you capture candid moments from a comfortable distance. While it’s not the best for wide landscapes or grand architecture, it’s perfect for capturing those raw, fleeting moments that make street photography special.
Exploring Chinatown: A Photographer’s Playground
I was in Singapore for a company event and stayed at Capri by Fraser in Chinatown for three days and two nights. Huge thanks to my company for the cozy stay—it really added to the experience. The location was ideal, just a 10-minute walk from Chinatown’s vibrant streets.
On my second day, I decided to start early—7:30 AM. The weather was cloudy, and the streets were still waking up. This calm vibe gave me the chance to ease into the session. As I wandered, I couldn’t help but admire the incredible murals and wall art scattered throughout Chinatown. If you’re looking for the best places for street photography in Singapore, Chinatown is a goldmine.
Compared to Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, Singapore’s streets felt cleaner and more organized. Vendors were just starting their morning routines, setting up their stalls and prepping for the day ahead. Capturing these quiet, authentic moments reminded me why I love street photography so much.
Temple Street and Trengganu Street: A Candid Photographer’s Haven
Not sure where to start, I turned to Google and found Temple Street and Trengganu Street recommended for photographers. Let me tell you, these streets are a treasure trove for Chinatown Singapore street photography tips. I spent four hours exploring every corner, looking for unique angles and candid moments.
The vibrant streets of Chinatown offered endless opportunities. I came across hidden wall art in back alleys, which added a creative touch to my shots. These little details make street photography in Singapore so rewarding. Even if you’re wandering aimlessly, you’re bound to stumble upon something interesting.
Of course, Chinatown isn’t just about candid moments. It’s also home to iconic landmarks like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The architecture here is breathtaking and provides a great contrast to the modern skyscrapers in the distance. While I missed some spots, like the building that resembles New York City’s Times Square (which I found online), I didn’t mind. Sometimes the best adventures happen when you don’t over-plan.
Rain, Injuries, and Unplanned Moments
Unfortunately, it rained heavily on the evening, throwing a wrench in my plans to visit Marina Bay Sands. To make matters worse, I injured my toe in the hotel room—it was bleeding and made walking painful. This experience reminded me how crucial travel planning is, especially for unpredictable situations. Be sure to check out the essential travel checklist guide to stay prepared for your next trip.
That said, sticking close to the hotel wasn’t such a bad idea. Even with limited mobility, I managed to capture a few more candid street moments. That’s the beauty of street photography in Singapore—there’s always something happening, no matter where you are.
Why Street Photography in Singapore Is Unique
What sets Singapore apart is its mix of modernity and tradition. You’ll find sleek skyscrapers and futuristic architecture just steps away from cultural landmarks and historic streets. This contrast creates a unique backdrop for photographers. Whether you’re shooting in Chinatown, Marina Bay, or hidden alleys, there’s always a story waiting to be told.
If you’re using Fujifilm gear, you’ll love how the film simulations bring out the city’s colors and textures. For example, I used some of my Fujifilm recipes during my session. It added a subtle, muted tone to my shots, which I think worked beautifully for Fujifilm street photography in Singapore. At first, I was shooting using the Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 400 film recipe but because of the gloomy weather and the images look darker, I decided to use the Kodak Gold 200 film recipe, Nomadic Mood and the Moody Metropolis 500T for night.
If you are struggling at night photography, check out my how to shoot night street photography guide.
Final Thoughts
Though my time was short, street photography in Singapore left me with unforgettable memories. Chinatown’s vibrant streets, lively vendors, and stunning murals provided endless inspiration. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to explore the best places for street photography in Singapore, like Temple Street and Trengganu Street.
Would I come back? Absolutely. There’s so much more to explore, and I’d love to return with a better plan and more time. Until then, I’ll cherish the moments I managed to capture, knowing that street photography in Singapore always has something new to offer.
