Category: Altered Reality

Above the Logs

Lip Seng


I found this worksite along the Jurong River during one of my Sunday outings when I took my students of the “Canon Photography Course” for a photographic outing there. The volunteer (one of my students) was posed as the worker. Litho film was montaged to the original to create the dramatic impact of the image. This is one of my studies of composition, colour and decisive moment with a contemporary approach. The image won a Silver Medal at the 30th Buenos Aires International Salon, Argentina, held in 1975.

Play Time

Lip Seng


This is one of images that I captured in the ’60s. The black and white image was obtained by contact printing a piece of black & white positive film with the original transparency in the dark room. The usual processing of black and white film was carried out. By montaging the original transparency with a piece of processed black & white positive film, the bias relief effect was created. I love the effect, mood and saturated colours of this image. Capturing the decisive moment is also essential for such a picture. This image gained 71 acceptances in international salons from 1967 t0 1969. This image was also awarded a Silver Medal at the 12th Westchester International Salon, USA, held in 1969. (Courtesy of: The National Museum of Singapore Permanent Collection, National Heritage Board, 2008)

White Wash

Lip Seng


In the ’60s, if you were to try to capture an image of a “Sam-sui” woman at work, you would get a earful of scolding from her. “Sam-sui” women believe that once their image is taken by someone, their souls would be captured and trapped by the photographs as well. I was fortunate enough to capture this woman at work on the Singapore Airlines Building at Robinson’s Road. With the colour derivation technique added to the original shot, I have created an unusual effect. This image won me the PSA Gold Medal for the best of the show of 18th Worcetershire International Salon, UK, held in 1970.