Award-winning environmental photojournalist Sean Gallagher is in town to go on a photowalk with winners of the CapitaLand-National Geographic photography competition. We caught up with him for some adventure stories and some photo tips.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to get a photo?
I came face to face with alligators in central China, side by side with rangers in enclosures, with little to no protection. That was a day I'll never forget!

What’s the easiest way to take good travel pictures with any ol’ camera?
Pick your time of day. As a rule of thumb, head out in the early morning and late afternoons to catch the best light. Keep the sun at your back. Think more about composition.

Other than your camera, what’s a piece of photography equipment that you can’t live without?
I take my iPhone with me everywhere. If I am ever caught short and don’t have my pro gear, I will use my phone. A simple camera is better than no camera.

As a photographer, what fascinates you about Singapore, if anything?
Singapore’s urban development, and in turn the architecture reflected by the urban planning, sets a high benchmark for other Asian cities, particularly emerging nations. As part of this campaign, I have visited a few of the CapitaLand buildings such as the Interlace, Clarke Quay, The Star Vista, Westgate and find that they are each have their own characteristics. I get a completely different feeling when I interacted with each place. Also, the juxtaposition of the old and the new is amazing.

What's going to happen on this photowalk?
During the photo trail I will be helping the participants to learn a few new things about photography to try and understand their approaches, to help them to take it further. I will also do one-on-one's with the participants to give them advice and talk with each one personally. They will have opportunities to ask me questions. I hope they take away a sense of having learned something new and gained more confidence about taking photographs.

The CapitaLand-National Geographic exhibition runs till Aug 19. For more info, click here.

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