Frugal Film Project ' 2026: January at Dakota Crescent, Singapore

For this photo walk, I went fully analog, shooting Fomapan Creative 200 with my trusty Canon EOS 1000QD for my Frugal Film Project 2026 (January submission). There’s something incredibly grounding about slowing down with film, especially on a walk filled with conversation, movement, and unexpected moments. Dakota Crescent offered plenty of quiet scenes and gentle light, perfect for this stock’s soft tonality. These are a few of my favorite shots from the roll, small slices of the day that felt honest, unhurried, and true to why I love shooting film in the first place.

Camera: Canon EOS 1000QD + 50mm f1.4 + Orange Filter

Film: Fomapan Creative 200 @ 800

Developer: Ilfotec DD-X (1+4) 12 mins 30 secs

Fixer: Ilford Rappid Fixer (1+4) 6 mins

When the Route Changes, the Story Continues: 164th Photo Walk of SWP

Today, I hosted the 164th photo walk of SWP, and what a day it turned out to be. We had about 30 participants who signed up for the walk around Dakota Crescent and the nearby food centre, and on top of that, another 15 participants joined us from Co‑Career Activities (CCA). CCA is a group that brings people together through social hobbies, with a strong focus on improving mental wellness. Seeing two communities come together so naturally over photography was honestly one of the highlights of the day.

The walk itself felt lively from the start. Cameras out, conversations flowing, and that familiar excitement of exploring everyday spaces with fresh eyes. Dakota Crescent has always been one of those places that rewards slow observation; weathered walls, quiet corners, and stories hidden in plain sight.

Of course, not everything went exactly as planned.

One of our intended destinations, the Dakota Crescent Dove Playground, was closed and barricaded for renovation. It’s a spot many photographers love, so I could sense the initial disappointment when we realized we couldn’t enter. As the host, this was one of those moments where you take a deep breath and adapt.

So… we improvised.

I rerouted the group on the fly, focusing on nearby blocks, walkways, and details that are often overlooked. Interestingly, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The unexpected route opened up new photo opportunities; light falling through corridors, textures of old buildings, candid moments between participants, and scenes that felt more organic because they weren’t “planned shots.”

What really stayed with me, though, was the energy of the group. People were helping each other frame shots, sharing tips, laughing, and just being present. For the CCA participants especially, it was heartening to see how quickly photography became a bridge; a way to connect, slow down, and momentarily step away from daily pressures.

By the end of the walk, there was that familiar feeling of tired legs, full memory cards, and satisfied smiles. For me personally, there was also a strong sense of accomplishment. Hosting these walks isn’t just about photography anymore; it’s about creating a safe, welcoming space where people, especially youth and young adults in our community here in Singapore, can explore creativity, build confidence, and feel connected.

Another Photo Walk, Another Lesson: Shooting Fomapan 200 at 800

For the 163rd SWP photo walk in Paya Lebar, I took the same Frugal Film Project setup out for another test run, my trusty Canon EOS 1000QD paired with the slightly fungusy Canon 50mm f/1.4. This time, instead of Kentmere Pan 400, I loaded a roll of Fomapan 200 and pushed it all the way to 800 to see how far I could stretch it.

Surprisingly, I really liked how the images turned out. I developed the roll in Ilford DD-X for 12 minutes and 30 seconds, and the negatives looked promising right out of the tank. But I definitely made a couple of rookie mistakes. I only fixed the film for 3 minutes, which was nowhere near enough, and I skipped the pre soak before pouring in the developer. Both of these came back to haunt me, the final scans didn’t have the contrast I was expecting from a two stop push.

Lesson learned! Next time, I’ll extend the fixer time to a full 6 minutes and add a proper pre soak. I’m hoping these tweaks will bring out that punchy contrast I’m chasing.