Meet Denzyl K Thomas, a Singapore-based photographer with a keen eye for speed, precision, and culture. Specialising in automotive and motorsport photography, Denzyl’s journey into the world of visuals began just 2 to 3 years ago. “I got into photography after watching a friend pursue it as a hobby,” he shares. “But it was my love for cars that really shaped my direction.”
Starting with a humble Canon G7X Mk1 borrowed from his mum, Denzyl captured travel memories in countries like Sweden, Denmark, and the Maldives—images he still holds close today. A water-damaged camera eventually led to an upgrade: the Sony a6300, marking the real beginning of his creative pursuit.
In 2023, Denzyl took his camera to new heights, merging his passion for car culture with photography. From Singapore street meets to the roar of the F1 Grand Prix, he found his groove through real-world practice and spontaneous exploration.
“One turning point was photographing the Singapore Grand Prix. It really solidified my love for motorsports photography.”
His portfolio has since expanded across continents—from car shoots in Melbourne and motorsport events in Sydney, to chasing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland.
“The weather was unpredictable, but my camera and Tamron lens held up through rain, snow, and ice,” he says.
One of his most surreal moments? Shooting an esports tournament in Singapore as the personal photographer of legendary Counter-Strike pro Kenny Schrub. “I was in awe. It was a full-circle moment from my gaming days.”
Today, Denzyl shoots with both the Sony a6300 and a7R III, capturing movement, machinery, and moments with a style that’s constantly evolving—always rooted in passion.
Photography Style
Denzyl’s style is bold, fast, and ever-evolving—just like the subjects he captures. “I focus heavily on cars, motorsports, and street culture,” he says. But that’s not where it ends. His work also touches on travel, architecture, landscapes, and the occasional street portrait.
What sets him apart? The raw energy he brings to each shot. “I’m drawn to the details—the motion, the reflections, the personality of a car. I want to show people what they usually miss,” he explains.
He leans towards natural lighting and rarely uses flashes. “I prefer to adapt to whatever the environment gives me,” Denzyl shares. Whether he’s at a car meet at night or chasing race cars in broad daylight, he relies on practice and instinct to nail the exposure.
While he doesn’t follow rigid rules, composition plays a big role. “I try to frame things with balance, letting the subject speak for itself. The rule of thirds is always a good place to start, but sometimes you need to break it.”
Denzyl’s style is defined not just by what he shoots, but by how he approaches it—flexible, observant, and always chasing that fleeting, powerful moment.
Tamron Experience
Denzyl currently uses the Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. His Tamron journey began with a simple motive: flexibility.
“I needed something more versatile than my fixed 85mm for car photography,” he says. “I wanted to try zoom compositions without compromising on image quality—and the Tamron 17-70mm was the perfect choice.”
The lens quickly became a favourite, especially during fast-paced shoots. “At the Singapore Grand Prix, the 17-70mm helped me get those intense close-ups of F1 cars without losing sharpness or speed,” he shares. “It also handled low-light conditions surprisingly well during the night races.”
Beyond motorsports, Denzyl has used the lens for car culture shoots, travel, and even wildlife. “In Sydney, I took it out for landscape and car events. Back in Singapore, I’ve used it to shoot birds and portraits. It’s a beast of a lens.”
What he values most is its balance between performance and portability. “It’s lightweight for a telephoto zoom and the autofocus is reliable. That’s critical when you’re chasing fast-moving subjects.”
Creative Process
Denzyl approaches photography with instinct and flexibility—rarely overplanning, always staying open to the moment.
“I don’t usually storyboard or plan detailed shoots. A lot of what I do is on the spot,” he shares.
He adapts to each environment with minimal gear, favouring natural light or existing ambient conditions. “I’ve shot events in the rain, at night, and even in unpredictable weather overseas. I don’t use artificial lighting unless I absolutely have to.”
Composition, for Denzyl, is about storytelling.
“I usually go with what feels right in the moment. The surroundings, the subject, the light—they all inform how I frame a shot.”
When it comes to inspiration, it’s everywhere. “I draw a lot from car culture, YouTube cinematography breakdowns, and just observing the world around me,” he says.
“Sometimes, a new camera angle I see in a video becomes a perspective I try in my own shoot.”
Inspirations and Influences
Denzyl finds inspiration in both the local car scene and global creators. “Singapore has a tight but passionate car community. I’ve met a lot of talented photographers here who motivate me to improve,” he says.
But his influences stretch far beyond borders. On social media, Denzyl regularly follows photographers and videographers from the US, Australia, and Japan—especially those focused on automotive and motorsport storytelling.
“I’m drawn to creators who blend clean edits with strong narrative. I love watching YouTube breakdowns of how a shot or sequence was created.”
Outside of photography, gaming has also shaped his perspective.
“I grew up playing competitive Counter-Strike, so I’ve always had a thing for fast reactions, timing, and spatial awareness. That definitely feeds into how I shoot.”
His style is an ongoing mash-up of visual learning and real-world experience.
“I don’t stick to just one genre. Inspiration can come from a YouTube clip, a drifting event, or even a random car parked under the right light.”
Gallery
Connect with Denzyl K Thomas @tekvtophoto, Website: https://tekvtophoto.wixsite.com/tekvtophotography
Memorable Moments
For Denzyl, some of his most unforgettable moments happened when least expected. “Shooting the Singapore Grand Prix was huge for me,” he recalls.
“It was fast-paced, chaotic, but incredibly rewarding. That event really solidified my direction in motorsport photography.”
Another standout experience was in Iceland. “I went chasing the Northern Lights—faced hail, rain, snow, and wind. The conditions were brutal, but the results were worth it.” His Tamron lens endured it all, helping him capture breathtaking landscapes and rare moments under extreme weather.
But perhaps the most surreal moment came from a different world entirely. “I got to be the personal photographer for KennyS, one of the world’s most famous Counter-Strike players, during a tournament in Singapore,” he shares. “As someone who grew up gaming, it felt like a full-circle moment.”
Whether it’s under the glare of stadium lights or the shimmer of auroras, Denzyl thrives on moments that push his skills and creativity to the limit.
Challenges and Growth
For Denzyl, one of the biggest challenges is unpredictability—especially when it comes to weather or lighting. “In motorsports or car events, you don’t get second chances. You have to adapt quickly,” he shares. “It’s all about reacting in the moment.”
He’s also had to learn on the go.
“There was a time I forgot to switch off burst mode and ended up filling my memory card in seconds,” he laughs. “Now I double-check everything before a shoot.”
Instead of structured courses, Denzyl turns to YouTube breakdowns and hands-on practice to sharpen his skills.
“I’m a visual learner. Watching how others compose or edit helps me improve without needing formal classes.”
Growth, for him, comes from doing—pushing boundaries, learning from mistakes, and being open to new perspectives.
“Every shoot teaches me something. That’s what keeps me hooked.”
Editor’s Note
Denzyl is clear about where he’s headed. “I want to turn my photography into something sustainable—whether that’s through events, brand work, or building a dedicated audience,” he shares. His focus remains on refining his storytelling, especially within the automotive and motorsport space.
In the short term, he’s working on growing his presence through social media, experimenting with both stills and video content. Long-term? “I’d love to collaborate with car brands or motorsport teams. That’s the dream.”
To follow his journey or check out his latest work, you can find Denzyl on Instagram at tekvtophoto
From street meets in Singapore to snow-covered landscapes in Iceland, Denzyl’s work captures more than machines—it captures movement, passion, and a fast-evolving creative identity.