Theme: Worth Celebrating | #tamronworthcelebrating2026
Photography captures more than what we see. It captures what we feel.
For the Tamron Singapore “Worth Celebrating” Photo Contest 2026, photographers were invited to share moments that matter to them. From festive celebrations to quiet family interactions, the entries showed how meaningful moments can be found in everyday life.
We spoke with our Top 3 winners to learn more about the stories behind their winning photographs, how they approached the shot, and what these moments mean to them.
1st Prize Winner
William Ong (@ongwill)
William’s winning image is filled with energy and scale. A lion dancer is captured mid-air, suspended in a powerful leap, while a second lion head anchors the foreground. Behind them, a tightly packed crowd watches in anticipation, many with phones raised, creating layers of attention and excitement within the frame.
“I’ve always been captivated by the lion dance. It’s a whirlwind of action and emotion, a quintessential part of Chinese New Year celebrations.”
The photograph was taken at Star Vista during Chinese New Year. Having already visited the location earlier, William returned with a clearer plan and a different perspective.
“The week before, I had already shot from the second floor… this time, I wanted a lower angle to capture the lion in action against the crowd.”
That lower angle is what gives the image its impact. The leap feels higher, the crowd feels closer, and the moment feels more intense.
“My vision was to freeze the lion mid-leap, with the crowd in the background.”
Using a Nikon Z8 with a 28–400mm lens, he was able to react quickly as the performance unfolded. Lighting was a key challenge, with the darker atrium contrasting against brighter areas around the venue.
“The atrium was dark compared to the bright light outside, making it difficult to capture the scene effectively.”
The result is an image that captures both motion and atmosphere. The energy of the performance, the anticipation of the crowd, and the precision of timing all come together in a single frame.
“It’s the thrill of the action genre, where every moment counts and energy is captured at its peak.”
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2nd Prize Winner
Jeffrey Low (@jefflowkh)
Jeffrey’s image takes a very different approach. Shot in black and white, it focuses on a quiet, emotional moment between a father and daughter standing under falling “snow”. The frame is filled with soft, floating flakes, creating a dream-like atmosphere that draws attention to the expressions and connection between them.
“Christmas never feels quite complete without snow… seeing snow for the first time is a magical moment worth celebrating with loved ones.”
The photo was taken outside Tanglin Mall during a Christmas event featuring artificial snowfall. While the environment is busy, Jeffrey isolates a single interaction, allowing the emotion to stand out.
“This image resonates with me the most… it captures not just the wonder of the moment, but also the quiet joy of spending meaningful time together.”
The father’s smile and the child’s focused expression create a strong emotional anchor, while the falling “snow” adds texture and depth across the frame.
Jeffrey used a Sony A6700 with a 75mm f1.2 lens, allowing him to work in low light while maintaining subject separation.
“There were many interactions happening at once. I had to be quick to capture these spontaneous moments.”
The choice of black and white further simplifies the image, removing distractions and focusing attention on emotion and gesture.
“I’ve never experienced real snowfall… it remains a quiet wish of mine to one day witness snow during the festive season.”
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3rd Prize Winner
Shayne Poh (@spantasyy)
Shayne’s image is warm, uplifting, and full of light. A mother lifts her baby into the air, framed against an intricate canopy of illuminated structures at Gardens by the Bay. The composition draws the eye upward, with the glowing lights forming a natural backdrop that enhances the sense of joy.
“This photograph captures a joyful, spontaneous moment… the baby’s delight and the mother’s affection turn a simple interaction into a powerful expression of love.”
The photo was taken during Christmas Wonderland, where the environment is busy and visually rich. Despite this, Shayne isolates a single moment that feels personal and intimate.
“What first caught my attention was the contrast between the busy crowd and this intimate moment.”
By positioning himself low and shooting upwards, he was able to frame both the subjects and the surrounding lights in a way that feels immersive.
“As I sat on the floor and angled my camera upwards, the setup naturally framed the moment.”
He used a Nikon Z6III with a 16mm F1.8 lens, allowing him to include both the interaction and the environment without losing focus on the subjects.
Timing was critical, as the baby was only lifted for a brief moment.
“I had to capture the baby at the right moment in the air, with a natural pose and expression.”
The final image feels both lively and calm at the same time, balancing the festive setting with a personal moment.
“It reflects the precious bond between a child and her mother… moments that are truly priceless.”
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Summary
The “Worth Celebrating” theme brought out stories that go beyond visuals. Each photograph reflects a different kind of moment. Action and tradition, quiet connection, and joyful celebration.
Together, these images show that meaningful photography does not depend on scale. It depends on awareness, timing, and the ability to recognise a moment as it happens.
Tamron Singapore thanks all participants for sharing their stories, and we look forward to seeing more moments through your lens in the next contest.