My Straits Times Article, Uncensored!

Upon returning from the Timberland Earthkeepers trip, I was tasked to write an article on Travel Photography for Digital Life. It was my first article and it took me quite a bit of struggling to get started...


Although the article spread across one full page (which in itself an honor), half of my original article was gone! I just feel that there's a need to share with you all the missing photos and tips, they are all my babies you know!

6. Break the rules

We constantly come across interesting subjects when travel and sometimes we only have a mere few seconds to snap that shot. And to make matters worse, what you see through the viewfinder does not look like a familiar composition. I often let my instinct take over hoping that all the elements will fall into place to form an interesting photograph. Very often… they do.

Unsustainable cattle grazing had turned Horqin from a beautiful grassland into a desert in less than three decades.

Olympus E-5 • Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD • f/5.6 @ 1/2500• ISO 200

7. Where Lines are Blurred

I often look for interesting foreground to frame-up a far away point-of-interest. This method adds depth to the photograph, giving it a more 3-dimensional feel. Look for something which is easily distinguishable even in out-of-focus blur such as these brightly-coloured sunflowers. A high performance lens with a large aperture will further dramatize the effect.

A hilltop Mongolian stupa, an unexpected sight in such close proximity to the Horqin Desert.

Olympus E-5 • Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD • f/2.8 @ 1/6400 • ISO 200

8. Where Intimacy is Cherished

Close-up portraits are powerful and I usually carry along a telephoto zoom lens for this purpose. Shooting at wide aperture separates the subject from the background (and foreground). This intimate shot of a local farmer shows the hardship he must have gone through witnessing the once beautiful grassland turned into a desert. Do you see hope in his eyes? Well, I do.

A local farmer at Horqin Desert.

Olympus E-5 • Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD • f/3.5 @ 1/800 • ISO 200

9. Where Relationships are Made

What is the best way to photograph a human-chain passing buckets of water in the middle of a desert? For a start, make sure your subjects are facing the light. Then choose the right perspective. I chose a fisheye lens for this scene as the curve created by the optical distortion adds dynamism. The curvature also brings the people closer together, giving a sense of intimacy. Talk to your subjects to guarantee smiley faces.

Volunteers to the Timberland Earthkeepers reforestation project passing buckets of water to the saplings.

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III • Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM • f/9 @ 1/400 • ISO 200

10. Where Smiles are Exchanged

In travel photography, we are often taught to “speak the local language”. However, learning a new language may not be practical. From all my travel, I come to realize that communicating with the locals need not be verbal. A simple smile and a friendly gesture often get positive response in return. Be mindful of not stepping into their comfort zone unless you are allowed in. Take note of your body gesture and facial expression, look curious and delighted.

A friendly grandmother with a beautiful smile at Horqin Desert.

Olympus E-5 • Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD • f/3.5 @ 1/1000 • ISO 200

I feel complete now :-)