Exploring Singapore

It was 5 years ago this week that I found myself in Singapore. Stephanie and I were on a business trip that took us to the other end of the world, however it proved to be anything but work. After brief meetings and tours, we found ourselves making the most of our free time and had the opportunity to explore every corner of this island nation that interested us. 

From the Red Dot Design Museum to a night safari, from the Singapore Flyer to a river cruise, from the iconic Merlion to shopping on the popular Orchard Road, there was rarely a moment that we weren't out doing something. Our hosts treated us to amazing seafood dinners, nightlife, and drinks. We even had a full day on Sentosa Island, and got to check out the brand new Universal Studios Singapore, which had just opened a few weeks prior. 

What makes this trip to Singapore resonate in my mind is that everything was a bonus. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when we went, but ended up being continually surprised. In the end, we accomplished the work that we'd gone there to do, and came away with countless stories and an incredible experience. It's a trip that I still reminisce about today, and as proof of that, I went back through my snapshots and videos to put together some of my favorites for this post.

Earl Kitchener Home: Before & After

I had no idea when I first photographed the vacant interior of Earl Kitchener School that it would lead to one of the most successful photo sets that I've ever shared on this site. Earlier this year, after renovations transformed this former school into a luxurious private residence, I had the opportunity to return and capture this amazing space for my Around the Hat series.  

What's been so interesting about this project from my perspective, is that I was able to professionally photograph this property at two very distinct times - right before and after the renovations took place. Playing on the success of my previous photo set of the interior, I thought some might also enjoy seeing direct comparisons of Earl Kitchener in these two states of progress, side by side. I also opted to ghost several of the spaces, meaning that I merged two of my photographs together to show the before and after combined into a single shot. 

The resulting images not only emphasize the dramatic changes that the renovation produced, but they also highlight the imagination that went into making it happen. For me, it's been fascinating subject matter to photograph, edit, and share. Everyone loves a good reveal. 

See more from this series here.

Main hallway. Ghosted image showing before and after together.

Main hallway. Before and after one year apart.

TV Room / Bar. Ghosted image.

TV Room / Bar. One year apart.

Living Room. Ghosted.

Living Room. Before and after.

Kitchen. Ghosted image.

The space in the before image is the dining room now. The kitchen is in front of that.

Another view of the living room. Ghosted.

Before and after.

Ghosted image of the main hallway doors to the living room.

Ghosting a completed piece of the living room (left) with the unfinished (right).

North Shore Yacht Club Interior

A continuation of my photo set of the North Shore Yacht Club, featuring the interior of what is now a community center located along the Salton Sea in Southern California. Also, check out the shots I took of the interior back in 2010, shortly after the Yacht Club had just been renovated.