SINGAPORE: A group of photographers is touring Singapore to capture images from different neighbourhoods. Instead of relying on the latest digital equipment, these hobbyists are reverting to a more basic form of photography.

Low-tech lomographic camera, known as the Holga, has a growing following. This antidote to the digital age is being used to capture the essence of Singapore on film.

Mohammed Azfar, organiser, Singapore Holga Tour, said: "Nowadays, everyone uses digital camera. Wherever you go, it's digital camera. But one thing about film is, you cannot see how your image comes out after you take it, so there's a surprise effect and you can really do all kinds of stuff with the Holga, like mods... which really makes the picture more interesting without using Photoshop."

The result is lo-fi, dreamy pictures from across Singapore.

Twenty five enthusiasts are taking part in the first Singapore Holga Tour, with each taking 12 different shots of their neighbourhood.

The tour started in June and so far, participants have snapped pictures from Bedok to Bishan and even some workplaces.

Heratnor Kassanuri, a participant in the Singapore Holga Tour, said: "I wanted to let people know that Changi Airport is not just a place of transition where you travel to another country.

"There are a lot of activities going on where passengers just sit around and some even sleep while waiting for transit. Some of them read books and all that."

The tour has enabled participants to know their neighbourhoods better, make new friends and get in touch with their surroundings.

Gisella Huang, another participant in the Singapore Holga Tour, said: "I saw things that I would not have seen before. For example, if I were to see an old lady walking, I would just think, 'Oh, she's just walking' and I would just walk past her.

"But when I'm forced to take 12 shots around my neighbourhood, I would actually stop and take a picture of her. So, that old lady would have told a lot of stories in just one picture."

Organisers hope to compile the pictures and hold an exhibition to show people what each neighbourhood looks like through their viewfinder.


- CNA/so