Street Light Up in Little India, Singapore

The main street in Little India comes alive with a symphony of lights till 3rd December 2023 to celebrate Deepavali, the Festival of Lights. It celebrates light triumphing over darkness. It is one of the most important Hindu festivals.

Breathtaking displays of colourful lights and intricate decorations with significance to Hinduism deities, Gods and mythology create a festive atmosphere.

Stroll through the smaller streets lined with vegetable vendors displaying their bountiful produce. The bustling atmosphere comes alive by night, filled with the rhythmic chatter of vendors and customers. Their vibrant array of fresh vegetables are skilfully arranged, creates a mesmerising tapestry of nature's finest offerings, from the greens of crisp spinach leaves to the fiery reds of ripe tomatoes.

Flower vendors display beautiful colourful garlands waiting to be bought by devotees as offerings to the deities and Gods in the temple. A woman is seen patiently waiting for her handcrafted flower garland for the temple. Vendor pours their heart and soul into creating these magnificent garlands. Each petal is carefully selected, every colour thoughtfully chosen, and every knot tied with utmost precision.

This is the beauty and magic of Little India. The Festival Of Lights further enhanced its already captivating allure.

Here are some tips to help you capture some stunning night street photography at Little India during the Festival of Lights:

1. Plan your visit: Check the festival schedule and find out when the street lights will be at their brightest. It will ensure you capture the vibrant colours and intricate details of the decorations.

2. Equipment: Bring a tripod to stabilise your camera and avoid blurry shots. A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture the entire scene, while a prime lens with a wide aperture will help you achieve beautiful bokeh and low-light performance.

3. Find the perfect spot: Explore the streets and look for interesting compositions. Look for colourful storefronts, beautifully lit arches or bustling crowds to add depth and character to your photos.

4. Experiment with exposure: Night photography often requires longer exposures, so play around with different shutter speeds to capture the light trails of passing vehicles or the glow of the street lights. Use a low ISO to minimise noise and maintain image quality.

5. Use leading lines: Look for lines and patterns in the streets, buildings, or decorations that can lead the viewer's eye through the frame. This will give a sense of depth and guide the viewer's attention to the main subject.

6. Capture the atmosphere: Don't just focus on the lights; try to capture the festive atmosphere and people's emotions. Look for candid moments or interactions between people to add as a storytelling element to your photos.

7. Experiment with white balance: Play around with the white balance settings on your camera to create different moods and colour tones. White balance settings help to enhance the warm glow of the lights.

8. Pay attention to details: Look for close-up shots of the intricate decorations, the textures of the buildings, or the expressions on people's faces. These details can add depth and interest to your photos.

9. Be patient and observant: Take your time to explore the area, observe the surroundings, and wait for the perfect moment to capture that magical shot. Sometimes, the best photos come from those who are patient and attentive.

10. Have fun and be respectful: Remember to enjoy the festival and respect the privacy of the people around you. Be mindful of your surroundings and capture the essence of the event without intruding on others' experiences.

I conduct night street photography workshops in Little India on some nights. Check in with me for dates availability.