Singapore, shot on a Nikon FM2
Singapore – Not just a little red dot.
Singapore, located south at the bottommost tip of the Malay peninsula. Within her 50 years of independence, this small island has defied all odds by developing from a third world nation into a first-class modern metropolitan city. I reckon most people around of the world would have at least heard of if not experienced a small taste of what Singapore has to offer. 
Marina Bay Sands - Kodak Ultramax 400
Merlion Park - Kodak Ultramax 400
My name is Justin Sim, born and bred in the very centre of this small and humble island nation. Photography has been a staple of my trade and in recent times film photography has been my preferred medium. My first SLR, the Nikon FM2 has always been my go-to camera for documenting my visual narratives. I’ve had this camera for over 5 years now.It’s 100% mechanical, operates without batteries and can withstands the natural elements. I got mine from a junkyard, picked it up and got it overhauled for good measure, still serviceable after decades. It’s fairly easy to operate and allows me the creative freedom to express my frames simply because I get full control over all the settings. 
Self-portrait - Ilford HP5
The consistent results I get out from FM2 is something that keeps me going back for more with every roll of film. For years, my one aim is to capture the essence of what it means to be an Asian citizen nation observed by its melting pot of cultures.
Central Business District - Kodak
It takes a half an hour ride downtown from Changi Airport and soon you’ll find yourself right at the heart of our nation’s capital. Immediately you’ll notice, surrounding the cityscapes is that greenery is everywhere and fills every nook and cranny of the island. Which is also why Singapore is known as the Garden City of Asia.
Marina Bay Park - Kodak Ultramax 400
I’d say that for many first-timers to Singapore, shooting film at ISO 200-400 is preferably a choice since the country is located directly on the equator on the earth. The sun naturally is above us all the time throughout mid-day, it’s important to know that because it can get really sunny and hot. I love shooting Kodak Ultramax 400 because with the FM2, I can shoot up to 1/4000th shutter speed in broad daylight and still capture some decent shots wide open. This film is generally warm and vibrant which brings out a lot of natural colours in all my pictures. 
Whampoa HDB District - Kodak
A large part of my life started out from this little corner in the east side of Singapore. As a 4th generation Chinese Singaporean, growing up with a multitude of races has taught me that anything is possible if everyone learns to work together in peace and harmony. I grew up in an environment where there is a rich mix of cultures and the people that live very closely to one another, grew up together as one community. The architectures and road-names are just some of the few signs, but it’s the people that that define the culture we live in. 
Peranakan Houses at Joo Chiat Road - Kodak Ultramax 400
Geylang Road - Cinestill 800T
Little India - Kodak Ultramax 400
On occasions, I will make my way down Chinatown and Little India to capture much of the rich culture of the Chinese and Indian community. You’ll be surprised to find that even though we come from a very small island, there is a ton of history hidden in every little nook and crannies in every little street. So much that I cannot cover in just one article, but I can show them to you.
Kallang River - Kodak Tri-X 400
People’s Park Food Centre - Kodak Ultramax 400
Little India - Kodak Ultramax 400
Singapore’s is a land home to multiple races, but migrant workers are just as present as our native counterparts. We were all once immigrants that left our motherlands to seek brave new ventures in the far side of the world. Singapore would be nothing without these people, especially the Indian workers. Travelling thousands of kilometres away from their homes to build our infrastructures, they have sacrificed time in the hopes to bring a better future of their loved ones.
Little India - Kodak Tri-X 400
We have a multitude of races living together in harmony over the past 50 years since our independence, however our cultural identity has never been affected by the changes of time. There is equal opportunity for anyone to succeed, each men’s successes are not restricted by the colour of their skins or the language they speak. 
Pearl Hill - Kodak Ultramax 400
Chinatown - Kodak Ultramax 400
How do you tell a story of a country with only 54 years of history? By looking at the way we carry out daily routine and the places we dwell within. If you wish to understand what makes up Singapore, travel the off-beaten road and explore every corner of the island. It will most certainly take you days if not weeks and even months to cover the major attractions. Stop, pause and observe every stop, you will always find something interesting and captivating.
Abandoned Estates at Upper Seletar - Kodak Ultramax 400
Haig Road - Lomography Purplechrome
If you enjoyed this article and want to see more of Singapore in film, consider checking out my upcoming website and follow my day to day travels on Instagram! I conduct workshops and photo-walks, so checkout my Instagram highlights for more details!Website: https://www.lukaitakashi.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukaitakashiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lukaitakashi Thank you and have a nice day!