Capturing Stillness Frame by Frame | Yang Chua | TEDxSingapore

Key Concepts

Photography as a time capsule, personal transformation through photography, coping with loss through creative projects, honoring women through photography, using photography for charitable causes, the value of time and relationships.

Personal Journey and the Impact of Loss

The speaker discusses how photography initially liberated them from stillness, leading to a life filled with travel and diverse experiences, including family trips, medical conferences, mission trips, and photography excursions. This active lifestyle came to a halt in 2016 when their mother was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. The speaker regrets not taking more and better photos of their mother, especially when she was healthy. After their mother's passing, the speaker focused on spending time with their father, documenting his life and capturing joyful moments. These photos were later exhibited at the Leica Gallery in December 2021, marking the speaker's first solo exhibition.

Quote: "For me, photography liberated me from a stillness and set me on a path of intense energizing moments and movements. a journey to utilize my time for good."

The Pandemic, Father's Stroke, and a Turning Point

The COVID-19 pandemic brought another period of stillness, compounded by the speaker's increased workload as a healthcare professional and their father's stroke in September 2021. The speaker spent a month in the hospital with their father, preventing him from falling and getting injured. This period of confinement and reflection led to a realization of the need to break free from routine and find purpose.

"Women Inspiring Women: The Home Edition"

This realization led to the creation of the speaker's first book, "Women Inspiring Women: The Home Edition." This project featured 100 families of mothers and daughters in healthcare, aiming to honor female healthcare workers and the special bond between mothers and daughters during the pandemic. The speaker spent time photographing and interviewing these women, also encouraging them to be intentional with their own family photos.

Impact: The book's launch at the National Gallery was accompanied by another solo exhibition. The women photographed expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bond with their mothers and reminisce about their relationships.

"Women Inspiring Women: The National Edition"

Inspired by the positive feedback, the speaker embarked on a second book project, "Women Inspiring Women: The National Edition." This book featured 101 Singaporean women from diverse backgrounds, including a minister, an Olympian, a dancer with Down syndrome, a bus driver, fighter pilots, a concert violinist, a cleaner, an actress, and fishmongers. The book highlighted their triumphs, resilience, and commitment to family. The speaker had the opportunity to photograph many of these women at work, including Singapore's only female jockey during the final days of the Singapore Turf Club and a certified embalmer preparing a body for farewell.

Impact: This project brought immense joy, expanded the speaker's knowledge, and inspired them to make the most of their time.

Charitable Contributions

Both photo books were used to raise funds for various charities. "Women Inspiring Women: The Home Edition" supported the Singapore Medical Association charity fund (bursaries for medical students) and the National Gallery Singapore. "Women Inspiring Women: The National Edition" benefited the Star Shelter program of the Singapore Council of Women's Organizations, BAPE's charity for pregnant teenagers, and two arts charities: The Private Museum and Objectifs. The books have collectively raised approximately $300,000.

Conclusion

The speaker emphasizes the precious and finite nature of time. They feel privileged that their profession and hobbies allow them to use their time for good, benefiting both others and their own well-being. The journey through photography, loss, and creative projects has highlighted the importance of relationships, documentation, and giving back to the community.