163rd SWP Photo Walk: Paya Lebar

SWP #163 took us to the ever interesting neighbourhood of Paya Lebar, and despite a little curveball from Circle Line maintenance works, our group adapted like pros. We shifted the meeting point slightly, but everyone still managed to find their way.

We eventually gathered near PLQ Plaza, where the energy of the weekend crowd gave us a fun starting vibe. As always, the mix of people made it special—some familiar faces returning for another walk, plus a good number of newcomers who jumped right in with good spirits (and charged batteries).

Once we warmed up, we began our casual walk around PLQ and Paya Lebar Square, taking in the contrast of glassy modern buildings and the older, more lived in surroundings. Paya Lebar has this cool blend of polished and gritty, so there was no shortage of interesting subjects, reflections, textures, storefronts, people, and random moments that make street photography… street photography.

Originally, City Plaza was on the route, but since we’ve got a dedicated shoot there in two weeks, we decided not to go inside this time. Instead, we continued our stroll along Tanjong Katong Road and the surrounding lanes, stopping whenever something caught someone’s eye—which, for a group of photographers, is basically every five minutes. We wrapped things up at Starbucks in Kinex Mall, where we cooled off, caffeinated, and did the usual sharing of shots and stories. It’s always fun hearing what others noticed that you completely missed.

Overall, a relaxed walk with great company, and a solid warm-up for our upcoming City Plaza shoot. Looking forward to the next one!

A Trial Run Before the Frugal Film Project Begins

During the 162nd photo walk with SWP, I finally took my Frugal Film Project 2026 setup out for a proper test. I loaded the Canon EOS 1000QD with a roll of Kentmere Pan 400 pushed to 1600 and wandered around to see how the camera and that fungus‑ridden 50mm f/1.4 would hold up. Spoiler: better than expected.

I developed the roll at home using Ilford DD‑X at 1+4 for 17 minutes at 20°C. The negatives came out looking decent, nothing spectacular, but definitely usable. My Fujifilm X‑T4 with a macro lens handled the scanning part smoothly, and the files looked clean enough to convince me that this setup will survive the year ahead.

That said, my development process needs a little refining. The images didn’t have the contrast I was hoping for, so I probably need to tweak agitation or timing on the next roll. That’s part of the fun, though; trial, error, and those small discoveries that make home‑developing oddly satisfying.

Overall, I’m pretty happy with the test run. The camera works, the lens behaves, and I got a handful of shots I actually like. I’ll add a few of my favorites from the roll below.

162nd SWP Photo Walk: A Colorful Morning in Joo Chiat

Our 162nd SWP photo walk on 10th January was all about soaking in the charm of Joo Chiat, one of Singapore’s most vibrant and photogenic neighborhoods. With its rich heritage, colorful shophouses, and laid back vibe, Joo Chiat never disappoints, and this walk was no exception!

We kicked things off at Joo Chiat Complex, where the morning buzz was already in full swing. From there, we strolled down Joo Chiat Road, a street that feels like a living gallery, every corner has something unique, whether it’s a quirky café, a mural, or a classic Peranakan facade.

Taking a turn at Joo Chiat Place, we slowed down to appreciate the details: ornate tiles, pastel-colored walls, and those iconic wooden shutters that make this area so special. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time because there’s always another angle, another frame waiting to be discovered.

Of course, no Joo Chiat photo walk would be complete without visiting the Peranakan Houses. These heritage gems are a photographer’s dream; vivid colors, intricate patterns, and a sense of history that’s hard to find elsewhere. We spent a good while here, experimenting with compositions and sharing tips with each other.

This walk reminded us why we love doing this: it’s not just about the photos, but the experience of discovering places together, seeing them through different lenses, and building a community that shares the same passion.