Volunteer Photographer Singapore

About: Skai the Volunteer Photographer in Singapore

Hey there! I'm Skai, a passionate freelance photographer based right here in Singapore. With a heart for giving back, I offer my services as a volunteer photographer to support various causes and individuals in need. From capturing the essence of aspiring models to immortalising the magic of non-profit events, I'm here to lend my lens to those who could use a helping hand.

With each click of the shutter, I strive to make a meaningful impact and spread joy through the art of photography. So whether you're a budding talent looking to kickstart your portfolio or a small private group hosting a charity event, I'm ready to capture your moments with creativity, compassion and a touch of Singaporean flair. Let's make some memories together!

Skai's Background

Coming from a humble background, I understand the value of giving back, even when financial resources are limited. My income may be low and inconsistent, but I refuse to be enslaved by the pursuit of money. Instead, I believe in the power of physical effort and meaningful contributions to society.

As a photographer, I have a unique opportunity to make a difference. I see it as a way to leverage my skills for the greater good. While I may not have the means to contribute financially, I can certainly offer my time and expertise behind the lens.

In an ideal world, I'd devote myself full-time to photography for the less fortunate. But the reality is far from ideal. I'm constantly juggling multiple responsibilities and struggling to make ends meet. Yet, I refuse to compromise on the quality of my work, often investing more time and effort into each project than most photographers would.

Despite the challenges, I remain committed to using my talents to uplift others. It's not about the money for me; it's about making a meaningful impact, one photograph at a time.

How Skai Began Volunteering Photography

At the onset of my photography career, I was deeply involved in volunteering with a small group of dedicated individuals who came together to make a difference in our community. This group operates independently, without any government funding or organisational support. Sometimes, they rely on contributions from relatives and friends to finance their projects.

Whenever possible, I've joined them in their efforts, either by lending a hand directly or by volunteering my photography skills to document their heartwarming moments for posterity. While I haven't explicitly shared this with them, my personal goal has always been to promote the spirit of volunteering through the images I capture.

Since I began learning portrait photography by collaborating with volunteer models who generously helped me shape and refine my skills, it has always been my desire to continue assisting new aspiring models. Partly, this is to cultivate an engaging portfolio for myself, but more importantly, it's about paying forward the support I received when I was starting out.

Moreover, I understand the significance of makeup in every photoshoot. Therefore, I'm delighted to support new makeup artists in building their brands. Should our collaboration prove fruitful, I would be more than willing to recommend them to my clients. Together, we can expand our reach and provide exceptional service to more clients, ensuring that every photoshoot is a success.

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However, as life's responsibilities have grown more demanding, I've found myself struggling to balance my commitments. Regrettably, this has led to instances where I've had to decline requests for assistance, even from my regular volunteering group. It's a difficult decision, but one that's necessary to maintain a semblance of balance in my life.

That said, I haven't completely stepped away from volunteering. I still devote my time to a non-profit organisation, albeit on a paid basis. What sets this arrangement apart is that I've chosen to charge them at my old photography rates, ensuring they receive exceptional value for their investment. As a passionate photographer, I go above and beyond during their events, providing not just photography services but also extending a helping hand wherever needed.

While I've had the privilege of assisting numerous aspiring models in the past, I've also encountered challenges along the way. Unfortunately, some experiences have been draining, both physically and emotionally, particularly when dealing with ungrateful or problematic individuals. As a result, I've made the difficult decision to step back from offering assistance to aspiring models, prioritising my health and well-being.

The Unseen Effort of Photographers in Volunteering Work

In the realm of volunteering, there exists an unseen effort that often goes unnoticed—the dedication and toil of photographers behind the lens. While the moments they capture may seem effortless, the reality is far from it.

At times, photographers find themselves grappling with a lack of appreciation. People, unaware of the intricate post-processing work that follows a shoot, may expect instant results. Little do they realise the hours spent refining and perfecting each image to ensure it meets the highest standards.

Adding to the challenge is the misperception that photographers are "lazy" during volunteering events. Some jest (hopefully in good spirits) about their absence from the frontline, unaware that their role is just as crucial. Behind the camera, photographers tirelessly document moments, preserving memories for generations to come. It's a different kind of volunteering—one that requires patience, skill and a keen eye for detail.

Yet, amidst the jests and misconceptions, photographers soldier on. They remain committed to their craft, often finding themselves hands-on in the midst of action, navigating through crowds and capturing fleeting moments of beauty and emotion.

Ultimately, despite the hurdles and unseen efforts, photographers hold onto a glimmer of hope—that everyone, including the volunteers themselves, will come to cherish the photographs. For in those images lie not just moments frozen in time, but the heart and soul of the volunteering experience, immortalised for eternity.

Volunteer Photography Services in Singapore

I understand the importance of not undermining the photography market/industry, so I'm extremely selective about the limited volunteer photography services I take on.

Volunteer Photography for Potential Models

For aspiring models lacking the financial means for professional photoshoots, I offer a helping hand to kickstart their portfolios. However, I focus on selective themes that pique my interest, steering clear of typical fashion or corporate shoots. By doing so, I ensure I'm not saturating the market with free services while still supporting budding talent.

Update: I've had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful and appreciative aspiring models who have come to regard me as their friend. However, I've also encountered challenges while assisting individuals with personality disorders, each ordeal causing me significant distress.

After declining numerous requests from promising models over two years due to my tight schedule, I decided to extend my help to a less fortunate girl with a subpar portfolio. Unfortunately, she turned out to be a manipulative narcissist. Not only did she change her stance after I uploaded her photos, but she also resorted to issuing threats and making false accusations against me in a Google Review, twisting the facts and posing as my client.

This experience served as a wake-up call for me. I realised the importance of being more discerning about whom I extend my kindness to, particularly considering that I'm the one who could benefit from help the most, even more than any of the aspiring models I had assisted previously.

Thanks to this ungrateful and vicious model-wannabe, Bonnie Lau, I have decided to call it quits regarding helping aspiring models and instead focus on assisting clients who truly deserve my help.

Volunteer Photography for Potential Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists

I empathise with the struggle many talented individuals face in showcasing their skills within their industries. For budding makeup artists and hair stylists, I'm committed to aiding them in constructing impressive portfolios and promoting their makeover services. This involves conducting photoshoots to exhibit their expertise and presenting each project in a polished, professional manner. By providing this support, I aim to assist these artists in attracting potential clients and establishing their reputations in the industry.

Volunteer Photography for Non-profit Events

I extend my services to small, self-organised groups hosting non-profit events without government backing. It's essential to recognise that charities and non-profits shouldn't exploit photographers by seeking free services. Each shoot demands significant effort on my part, regardless of the fee involved. While some may skimp on post-production, I dedicate considerable time and care to every project, making each shoot a substantial sacrifice.

Volunteering for Non-Profit Events

Photo Galleries

I'm sorry that I'm not sorry over not having the time to upload the massive number of photos for events to showcase.

This was another self-initiated small group (not affiliated to any registered group or government bodies) voluntary...
Posted by Skai Chan Photography on Monday, 19 October 2015

Posted by Skai Chan Photography on Sunday, 25 February 2018

Posted by Skai Chan Photography on Saturday, 10 March 2018

Organisations Lack Volunteers and Not Funding

There was once when I had a casual conversation with a person in charge of a small social welfare organisation and he told me they had quite a big amount of funding from private companies. The Singapore government played a good tactic by allowing companies to make donations to listed charity organisations to have a cut in their yearly tax. Therefore, some charity organisations lack volunteers instead of funds.

I'm not sure of the current funding of the charity organisation but the previous interaction with the people has helped me to get a clearer picture of the situation of charity organisations in Singapore. I also believe money cannot buy passion easily. Even if charity organisations have the fund to employ full-time foreign talents with cheaper salaries to help out, they may not be able to do better jobs than volunteers who have real passion.

Disgusting Connections

Eventually, I was reminded that all charity events required the invitation of such big shots to appear to boost their (the big shots') popularity, which in return would help the organisations to get things done, including funding, easier in future. While most people thought they would only need "Guan Xi" (connection) in China to survive, they did not realise it was the same in all countries.

The Dilemma

Of course, there are times when I'm not being appreciated as people are seeking instant help and non-photographers do not understand how much time and effort photographers have to spend after the tiring shoot for post-processing of the photographs. There are times when people joke (I hope) that I'm lazy during volunteering events by not helping out when I'm holding onto my camera to help everyone to document the events for their memories. There are also times when I have to be hands-on while taking photographs. Eventually, everyone, including the volunteers, will enjoy looking at the photographs.

Worst Experience of Doing Volunteering Work

My worst encounter with doing a voluntary event shoot was when a charity organisation sought my friend for help with manpower. We brought some elderly to a temple for their free food. Nobody complained when the escorting job was, on the spot, extended to food serving.

The lady in charge was a bitch who lectured my team for not doing things to her liking when there was no instruction. When the guest-of-honour arrived, she acted like a nightclub hostess and tried to take photographs together with him. What the rich and powerful guy did was do a handshake with some of the guests who did not know who he was. Then, he sat down and let the volunteers serve him. We were frustrated and disgusted by both of them. If the big shot had joined the volunteers to help out, I would gladly give him respect, however, his presence was only to add extra burdens to the volunteers.

From then on, I have wised up and been very selective of the volunteering job.

The Trend in Abusing Photographers

Throughout my photography journey, quite a number of people have approached me for pro bono photography. Most of them are staff of established charity or non-profit organisations. They have the funding and they do pay their vendors. Some of them have even hired celebrities to attend or perform in the events.

Unfortunately, they don't set any budget for photography. Are photographers any less human?

To add on, professional photographers will take a few days to do post-processing for the entire albums even with just basic editing. That means the amount of effort they have to commit to every shoot is extremely high.

Voluntary Groups that Truly Deserve Helps

I'm looking forward to working with small self-organised voluntary groups that have no connection to any organisation. The one-time event should not involve any VIP (very idiotic people) going down to handshake or give speeches. My photographs will help everyone to document the good day while also answer to any donator who is not able to make it down to the event. Do contact me for discussion if your event fits the description.

Unfortunately, I'm struggling to make ends meet and won't be available until further notice.

Contact Skai for Volunteer Photography

Before you approach me, do be reminded that I need help as well and maybe you can think of how you can help me.

Do not approach me for any "pro bono" work for the "good of others" when you are receiving funding for the project to pay any vendor. The worst thing is to lie to me that you are not being paid any cent.

The easiest way to qualify your request is to ask yourself these crucial questions:

Is the CEO receiving any amount of money from the organisation?
Are you receiving any amount of money from the organisation?
Is anyone else, such as the caterer and host of the venue, being paid for the job?
Are you earning more than me?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", please don't even try.

If you choose to be selective with your reading, you may get humiliated.

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