More than 600 photography enthusiasts gathered at Fountain Square@Clarke Quay on 19 July for the 19th edition of the Canon PhotoMarathon, one of Singapore’s most iconic photo competitions. Organised by Canon Singapore, this year’s event carried the theme “One Click, One Vibe” and invited participants to visually interpret three surprise themes: Home, Vintage, and Vibe(s).
The event challenged photographers to conceptualise, shoot and submit each photo within two-hour windows across the day, competing for Canon products worth a total of around US$50,000. Now in its 19th year, the Canon PhotoMarathon has evolved from a race against time into a national platform for creative storytelling and visual expression.
Fresh perspectives on familiar moments
Participants responded to the three themes with a wide range of interpretations, from nostalgic objects to overlooked scenes of daily life. This resulted in a rich variety of visual stories that reflected the diversity and creativity of Singapore’s photography community.
Kenneth Chia, winner of the Open Category for the theme ‘Home’, shared that his photo was inspired by his 17-month-old son. “I was very surprised to win the first prize, and my hands are still shaking. When I think of home, I think of my 17-month son and all the things that I treasure the most. Once the theme was announced, I went back to my HDB flat to capture what was most important to me. My kid is home. This image of my child was taken against the flag which embodies ‘Home’, a symbol of our shared identity,” said Chia.
Judges praised the winning images for their strong composition, lighting, and storytelling. “To me, the most important part of photography is storytelling, and a strong photo should convey a clear message that resonates with many. The winning photos comprised these elements and turned out outstanding,” said Aaron Low, Photo Director. Celestia Tan, a fashion photographer, highlighted the value of spontaneity. “Canon PhotoMarathon offers a unique platform for photography enthusiasts to explore, experiment and have fun,” she said. “The second theme, ‘Vintage’, was probably the most challenging for participants, where many adopted a literal interpretation due to the time constraints.”
A platform for inclusion and shared passion
The event also reflected Canon Singapore’s ongoing collaboration with APSN, a social service agency supporting individuals with mild intellectual disabilities. APSN students took part in the student category, continuing a longstanding initiative to use photography as a way to build confidence and foster inclusion.
“Beyond encouraging students to express their creativity and build confidence, the Canon PhotoMarathon reflects our school’s values – ‘I Can, I Want, I Will’ – and motivates them to believe in themselves,” said Muhammad Faris, CCA Arts Coordinator at APSN Delta Senior School. “Most importantly, the event fosters inclusivity by empowering individuals with special needs to become active contributors of society.”
Long-time participants such as Wayne Kwan, a 38-year-old educator, and De Long Goh, a 58-year-old engineer, highlighted the event’s ability to bring people together. “This year is extra special as my wife and son have joined me… turning this event into a meaningful family experience built upon our shared love for the hobby,” said Kwan. Goh added, “Some themes can be difficult to interpret, but that is exactly what makes the event so rewarding – it pushes me to improve my photography skills every year.”
Encouraging growth in the photography community
Canon PhotoMarathon is more than just a competition. It is part of Canon Singapore’s broader commitment to nurture the local photography scene. The company organises workshops, guided shoots and mentorship opportunities to support photographers at all levels in developing their craft.
“As Singapore’s photography scene continues to evolve, we understand what photography enthusiasts need and endeavour to continue supporting them in telling their creative stories,” said Andrew Koh, Senior Vice President and Head of Singapore Operations at Canon Singapore. “Canon PhotoMarathon has grown from a competition into a vibrant showcase of creativity, diversity and technical excellence.”
Since its launch in 2003, Canon PhotoMarathon has served as a platform for new and seasoned photographers alike to experiment, push boundaries, and tell stories through the lens. For more information and future event updates, Canon encourages the public to follow its Instagram or Facebook channels.
