KC, a Singapore-based photographer started his photography journey in early 2021 during his National Service.
“My army bunk mates first introduced me to photography,” KC recalls, “I was always inspired by influencers and photographers on Instagram.”
Initially borrowing his brother’s unused CANON-70D, KC’s first task was capturing memorable shots for his army unit, Armour 40 SAR BRAVES. This marked the beginning of his passion.
Since then, KC evolved from capturing iconic Singapore landmarks like DUO GALLERIA and KALLANG SPORTS HUB to focusing on street photography and candid lifestyle images.
Now using a FUJIFILM XT-5, KC continues to explore new perspectives and capture everyday life authentically.
Photography Style
KC describes his photography style as a blend of landscapes, architecture, festivals, and everyday street scenes.
“I love capturing moments during Chinese New Year, National Day, and random street life,” KC shares.
His approach centres on essential photography techniques rather than strict methods.
“Always enable grid lines in your camera for better composition,” he advises.
KC emphasises mastering core settings:
- Shutter Speed: Ideal for capturing motion; “Use between 1/40 and 1/80 for panning shots.
- Aperture: Lower apertures like f/1.8 create beautiful portraits with blurred backgrounds.
- ISO: Increase ISO only if necessary, as it can add graininess or noise.
KC enjoys experimenting with different styles depending on the environment, keeping his photography fresh and dynamic.
Tamron Experience
KC currently uses two Tamron lenses: the 17-70mm f/2.8 and 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3, both for Fujifilm X-mount.
“I started using Tamron lenses in 2023—they’re more affordable and just as functional as original Fuji lenses,” he explains.
What he appreciates most is their travel-friendly design.
“They’re compact, lightweight, and the autofocus is quick. The image quality is consistently sharp.”
Tamron’s lenses, in KC’s view, offer great value without sacrificing performance, giving him the confidence to explore more challenging styles like panning shots and low-light scenes.
Creative Process
Photography is a hobby, not a side hustle, for KC.
“I don’t take on projects. I shoot when I travel or when something catches my eye,” he says.
KC relies on available light—natural sunlight outdoors or room lighting indoors.
When it comes to composition, KC sticks to the basics.
“The rule of thirds is key. Just enable the 3×3 grid in your camera settings,” he advises.
He finds inspiration from Instagram, TikTok, and creators online and his creative process is flexible, casual, and curiosity-driven.
“Seeing how others shoot helps me try new techniques when I travel,” KC adds.
Inspirations and Influences
KC draws inspiration from both local and international photographers.
“YK and Aiksoon from Singapore really inspire me. I also follow photographers like Eunyoung from Korea, Piyatat from Thailand, and UC from Japan,” he says.
Among them, YK stands out most.
“His versatility across street, portrait, lifestyle, and architecture photography is something I really admire,” KC explains.
Beyond photography, he finds ideas on platforms like TikTok and Xiao Hong Shu.
“Creators like Tristan Zhou and 影伦 share useful tricks and creative angles. Their videos give me ideas I can try out during my travels.”
KC’s influences are wide-ranging, but all help shape his evolving, adaptive style.
Memorable Moments
Some of KC’s favourite memories come from travel photography. “I recently visited Japan in December 2025. Shooting Mount Fuji with the Lawson store in the foreground was iconic,” he recalls.
He also finds meaning in everyday scenes. “One photo I love is of children dining with their parents. It reminds me how rare and special family meals can be as we get older,” he shares.
Occasionally, unexpected moments turn into great shots. “In Taipei last March, I stumbled upon the ‘Scooter Waterfall’—a street packed with motorcyclists. Capturing that was thrilling.”
These moments, planned or not, continue to shape KC’s appreciation for photography’s emotional and storytelling power.
Follow KC SIM
Challenges and Growth
Crowded tourist spots are one of KC’s biggest challenges.
“If I want clean shots without distractions, I have to go early—really early,” he says.
He also shares lessons learned through trial and error.
“When I first tried light trail shots, my settings were off, and the photos were blurry. Eventually, I added a 10-second timer before the 40-second exposure—that made the difference.”
KC sharpens his skills by watching TikTok and YouTube tutorials.
“There’s so much free content that helps me improve,” he notes. It’s this self-driven learning that fuels his growth.
Editor’s note
Though his work schedule limits in-person involvement, KC stays inspired by connecting with photographers worldwide through Instagram. Browsing their work fuels his creativity and keeps him exploring new styles.
A highlight in his journey was being invited by Canon to test a DSLR for two weeks—an experience that encouraged him to push his skills further.
KC believes in the value of collaboration and growth. He finds learning resources like Pinterest, Xiao Hong Shu, and YouTube helpful, especially for beginners. “Jessica Kobeissi’s YouTube channel taught me a lot about photo composition,” he says.
His advice? Start simple. Use what you have, focus on composition, and enjoy the process.
Looking ahead, KC hopes to grow his portfolio and eventually turn photography into a side income. With an upcoming trip to Korea and dreams of photographing places like Chongqing, he’s excited to expand into portraits and keep evolving as a visual storyteller.ugh every frame.