Chester was just 19 when he first picked up a camera, experimenting with photography and videography while studying Animation in polytechnic. “I was just playing around back then,” he says, describing those first attempts as pure curiosity.
That curiosity grew into something deeper during his time at the Glasgow School of Art, where he studied Communication Design. The camera became more than a tool; it was a way to explore visual storytelling.
“That’s when I started thinking about turning this into a career,” he shares.
By 2019, Chester committed to the craft, purchasing his first professional camera. He began shooting everything—travel, portraits, events, and product photography. Then the pandemic hit, halting much of his freelance work. Instead of slowing down, Chester shifted gears.
“That’s when I started exploring the creative side of photography,” he says.
Free from the pressures of paid gigs, he focused on street photography, creative portraits, documentaries, food and music videos.
“When it wasn’t work, I could experiment and develop my own style.”
His work caught attention, too. In December 2024, Sony Singapore featured one of his photos.
“That really inspired me to keep going,” he says.
Although Chester is currently not pursuing photography/videography as a full-time career, he still finds it a really meaningful hobby.
Finding Perspective: Chester’s Style in Focus
Chester’s photography is defined by its vintage and moody tones.
“I like to use shadows, lighting, and foreground elements to add drama,” he explains.
He also favours candid compositions, capturing subjects when they’re not facing the camera.
Street photography has become a favourite focus. Chester challenges himself to transform overlooked spots in Singapore into visual stories.
“I try to bring ‘boring’/ everyday places to life,” he shares.
A photo he took in the Central Business District on a rainy day—a reflection of red tail lights on the wet road—gained unexpected popularity online. “People said it looked like a Batman movie poster,” he recalls, still surprised by its reception.
For Chester, it’s not just about technical skill but perspective. His work highlights beauty in the everyday, turning the ordinary into something worth noticing.
Behind the Shot: Chester’s Creative Process
Every photo begins with a spark of inspiration.
“I look for visual references—colours, lighting, styling, and poses,” Chester explains.
He draws ideas from films, other photographers, and everyday surroundings.
“Sometimes I spot an interesting location and snap it with my phone to use later,” he adds.
Preparation is where creativity meets planning. Chester sets up his lighting, prepares his gear, and even plays a favourite playlist to set the tone.
“Music really sets the mood when I’m shooting,” he says.
Once the shoot is done, he shortlists and edits the best photos to match the look he envisioned, often using feedback to refine his craft.
For Chester, photography is about more than the final image. It’s about blending influences to create something fresh.
“Films teach me about framing and lighting, while music influences the way I edit,” he shares.
This mix of preparation and inspiration gives his work its distinct character.
Moments That Matter
Chester finds inspiration in people, places, and sometimes the unexpected. He admires local photographers like YK and Nguan and draws from global names like Liam Wong, Nicolas Millerand Saul Leiter.
“ Film Directors like Wong Kar Wai also inspire how I frame and light my shots,” he shares.
But some of his most memorable moments are deeply personal. One of his favourite projects was a katana-themed shoot with a fellow photographer.
“I’d always wanted to experiment with a martial arts/sword-related shoot, and the results turned out more interesting than I expected,” he recalls.
Another highlight is the simple act of photographing his grandmother.
“Every time I get a new lens, I take her picture,” Chester says.
For him, these portraits carry a meaning that goes beyond technique.
Even casual street photography holds surprises.
“There were shots I thought were ordinary, but when I posted them online, people seemed to like them a lot. I’m really grateful to have such a supportive community of photographers here.,” he says.
Chester and Tamron: A Perfect Pair
Chester’s first Tamron lens, the 28-75mm f/2.8, became part of his kit in mid-2024. Drawn by its sharpness and value for money, he quickly saw how it could elevate his work.
“It’s great quality and almost rivals other premium lenses,” he says.
One standout moment with the Tamron lens was at Bukit Timah Hill. Using its 75mm range, Chester captured a close-up shot of a snake without disturbing it. The lens’s versatility has made it a go-to tool for everything from street photography to creative portraits.
“It’s perfect for photographers who want quality without breaking the bank,” he adds.
CONNECT WITH CHESTER ONG ON IG
Growth Through Community
Like many creatives, Chester has faced challenges.
“I used to worry too much about whether my photos are ‘good enough’,” he admits.
Over time, he learned to embrace feedback and let go of his fear of posting “average” photos. “Now I just share my work and enjoy the process,” he says.
Chester is also deeply involved in the photography community, both online and offline.
“I comment on others’ work, join Instagram challenges, and try to buy zines/booksfrom photographers I admire,” he shares.
He also plans to participate in more workshops and competitions, seeing them as opportunities to learn and connect.
Collaboration is something Chester values deeply.
“When photographers come together, it creates a sense of identity, like ‘Singaporean photographers,’” he explains.
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
For those starting out in photography, Chester’s advice is simple: start small and focus on the basics.
“Your phone is the best camera to begin with,” he says. “Experiment with different kinds of compositions, posing, tones, and lighting.”
Chester also talks about experimentation and collaboration.
“Try different styles, work with others, and most importantly, have fun,” he says.
Reflecting on his early days, Chester admits he wishes he had been less shy about reaching out to more experienced photographers.
“Looking back, I would’ve focused more on composition and lighting. I also wish I had practised more & posted constantly to get feedback,” he shares.
Looking Ahead: Chester’s Vision for the Future
Chester’s future plans are grounded in creativity and community. He dreams of building a stronger photography network and sharing more of Singapore’s unique stories with a global audience.
“I want to meet more photographers in the community to collaborate & learn from them.,” he says.
He’s also eager to expand his creative projects, exploring street photography, couple portraits, and transforming everyday places into something visually striking.
Travel is high on his list, too, with destinations like Mongolia, Nepal, and Japan offering inspiration for snowy and scenic landscapes.
Over time, he hopes to refine his style into something unmistakably his own.
Editor’s Note
Chester’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and community in photography.
From his early days experimenting as a student to developing his own style during the pandemic, his journey highlights how passion and curiosity can help people find joy in photography .
What stands out most is Chester’s ability to find inspiration in everyday moments, transforming the ordinary into something worth celebrating.
Through his thoughtful advice for aspiring photographers and his commitment to building a supportive community, Chester reminds us that photography is not just about the perfect shot—it’s about the joy of the process and the connections it creates.
We hope his story inspires you to pick up a camera, experiment fearlessly, and share your unique perspective with the world.