Yean Chin’s journey into photography began unexpectedly during the pandemic in 2020, a time when many found themselves restricted to their immediate surroundings.
Like many others, she sought solace outdoors, using her evening jogs as an opportunity to explore her neighbourhood.
“I started with my Samsung S10, just taking photos during my evening jogs,” Yean recalls.
What started as a hobby to fill the time quickly turned into a passion, especially as she discovered the vast world of photography on Instagram.
“By looking at photos posted by other photographers on IG, I got inspired and learnt about the basics of composition.”
The turning point came when she made it to the semi-finals of the Alpha Creator 3.0 contest. As part of the competition, she was loaned a full-frame camera and lenses for two weeks, an experience that opened her eyes to the potential of professional-grade cameras.
“That was my first hands-on experience with professional cameras, and I was amazed at their capabilities,” she shares.
From that moment, she knew this was more than just a hobby, and she invested in her first professional camera, the Sony A7M3, alongside two lenses: the Sony 12-24mm lens and the versatile Tamron 28-200mm lens.
This marks the beginning of Yean’s exciting journey, which would later evolve into a deep exploration of various genres of photography.
From humble phone snaps during evening jogs, she has now ventured into more complex and professional realms, showing that passion, not equipment, is what truly drives creativity.
Finding Her Style – From Landscapes to Wildlife
As Yean progressed on her photography journey, she began to experiment with different genres and techniques.
“I get emotional just watching the sun rise, its golden rays bathing the surroundings,” she says. For her, the unpredictability of landscapes—dependent on weather, lighting, and timing—was both a challenge and a joy.
As restrictions from the pandemic kept large events and gatherings at bay, Yean found herself spending more time in nature parks, and soon, her focus shifted from landscapes to wildlife.
“I ventured into wildlife photography, particularly birds in flight. It’s a challenging genre that requires patience, ‘luck,’ and quick reflexes,” she explains.
Her patience paid off as she honed her ability to wait for the perfect shot, learning that photography isn’t just about pressing the shutter but about timing, anticipation, and persistence.
The challenge of capturing birds in flight became her favourite part of this new genre, providing immense satisfaction when everything aligned.
Another major turning point in her journey was her role as a National Day Parade (NDP) photographer.
“I’m really proud to be a Singaporean and wanted to use my skills to contribute to the nation,” she shares.
For Yean, being part of such an iconic event, witnessing the behind-the-scenes moments, and capturing these precious memories was a source of pride.
“Photographers are historians; what we capture today will become history in the future.”
She also found herself drawn to documenting cultural events like the Chingay Festival and Fire Dragon Dance.
Through all of this, one thing remained consistent—her preference for lightweight and versatile gear.
“The Tamron 28-200mm lens became my go-to lens for most situations. It allows me to zoom in and out without the need to constantly change lenses, which is ideal when covering events or when I’m on the move,” Yean shares.
The convenience of having such a lens on hand allowed her to focus on what really mattered—capturing the moment.
Challenges and Growth – Navigating the World of Photography
Like many creatives, she had to face not only technical obstacles but also the nuances of navigating a world where opinions and expectations can sometimes clash.
“In photography, as in life, there are always people who will spread malicious rumours out of jealousy or personal agenda,” she reflects.
Yean has chosen to take a neutral stance in such situations, focusing on her own growth rather than being pulled into negativity.
“When we post on social media, there will always be unkind comments. Just remember that photography, like all art, is subjective. It’s perfectly fine if some don’t appreciate your work. Just keep doing what brings you joy.”
Early in her journey, she experienced the challenge of learning photography without formal training or workshops due to the restrictions of the pandemic.
“I learnt mostly through reading articles on the internet,” she recalls.
Despite the challenges, Yean is committed to her growth as a photographer. She actively seeks out workshops, participates in contests, and surrounds herself with a community of fellow creatives.
“I look for relevant workshops, especially in genres I’m not familiar with, as I can learn the most from them. Contests also push me to step out of my comfort zone,” she explains.
Competitions provide her with valuable lessons, offering insight into what makes a photograph stand out and how she can continuously elevate her own work.
“My advice is to be highly adaptable. Sometimes we can’t control the conditions, but that’s where creativity comes in,” she says.
From experimenting with long exposure to black-and-white photography, she has learned that limitations can often lead to unexpected artistic breakthroughs.
The Joy of Community and Collaboration
As an introvert, her initial forays into workshops and photowalks were intimidating.
“I used to shoot alone, and it was quite daunting when I first joined photowalks because many people already had tight-knit cliques,” she admits.
However, once she overcame that initial hesitation, she found immense value in sharing ideas and learning from others.
“It’s great to exchange ideas with other creatives and learn from each other,” she says.
Participating in workshops and meeting fellow photographers has allowed her to view her craft from different perspectives, giving her fresh insights that have influenced her approach.
Online platforms like Instagram also played a significant role in her growth, where she made many friends by engaging with their work and sharing her own.
“I’m active on IG and have met many people online. Some of them I’ve even met in person during events,” Yean shares.
Collaboration, as she’s discovered, is especially beneficial in photography.
“Some shoots are hard to pull off individually, and having collaborators definitely helps. It makes the shoot more fun and keeps the group motivated,” she adds.
Whether it’s bouncing ideas off others or working together on projects that require multiple perspectives, collaboration has become an integral part of Yean’s creative process.
Follow Yean Chin on IG@Yean_to_travel
Inspiration, Advice, and Future Aspirations
Inspiration plays a significant role in Yean’s creative process, and while many photographers draw from a wide range of influences, hers comes from a simple yet profound source—nature.
“I constantly draw inspiration from nature,” she says.
For her, photography is a means of capturing the beauty of the natural world and presenting it through her unique perspective. Whether it’s a sunrise over the horizon or the intricate details of wildlife, nature serves as her endless muse.
Beyond nature, she also finds inspiration in the work of other photographers.
“I enjoy browsing the galleries of photography competitions to see the winning works of previous years,” she explains.
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring photographers, Yean’s message is clear: “Explore, experiment, enjoy.”
For her, the key to developing as a photographer lies in not being afraid to try different genres, techniques, and equipment.
“Don’t be overly concerned about the end results. Just enjoy the experience,” she advises.
Looking back, Yean wishes she had started her photography journey earlier.
“If there were workshops and photowalks when I was a beginner, I think it would have accelerated my growth,” she reflects.
However, she acknowledges that every photographer’s journey is unique, and she encourages others to make use of the opportunities available to them now, whether through online resources or in-person events.
As for her future, Yean has big aspirations. Currently balancing photography with a full-time job, she hopes to eventually allocate more time to her craft and transition into becoming a professional photographer.
“I’m keen to explore videography as well,” she says, expressing interest in expanding her skills in areas she finds both challenging and rewarding.
Her bucket list is filled with dream photography locations, from chasing the Aurora in Iceland to capturing the Milky Way at Mount Bromo.
But beyond the landscapes, her vision extends to taking on more professional shoots, particularly those that help others create lasting memories.
“It’s very heart-warming when I see the expressions of joy on my clients’ faces when they receive their photos,” she shares.
Editor’s Words: Creativity and Exploration
Yean Chin’s photography journey is not just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about discovering new perspectives, growing through challenges, and finding joy in the process.
What started as a simple hobby during her evening jogs has blossomed into a profound passion that continues to evolve.
From her early days of landscape photography, drawn by the beauty of nature, to the thrilling challenges of wildlife photography and the excitement of documenting cultural events, Yean’s journey is a story of exploration.
Her work has taken her from capturing serene sunrises to the bustling energy of Singapore’s National Day Parade, and from the quiet moments of a wedding to the dynamic flight of birds in nature parks.
Despite facing challenges, she has remained adaptable and open to new opportunities. Her approach—embracing the unknown, trying different techniques, and learning from others—serves as an inspiration to photographers who are just starting out.
Throughout her journey, her relationship with Tamron lenses has been a cornerstone of her creative process. The lightweight, versatile, and reliable performance of Tamron lenses has allowed her to focus on what truly matters: capturing the moments that resonate with her and her audience.
Looking ahead, Yean sees photography as not just a creative outlet but a way to help others preserve their memories.
She dreams of dedicating more time to professional shoots and expanding her skills into videography, a new challenge she is eager to embrace. Her future goals also include exploring new destinations, from chasing the Aurora in Iceland to capturing the Milky Way at Mount Bromo.
As Yean continues her journey, one thing remains certain: her passion for photography, her love for nature, and her dedication to capturing life’s fleeting moments will keep driving her forward, one frame at a time.