The 19th edition of Canon PhotoMarathon 2025, one of Singapore’s highly anticipated photography events, welcomed over 600 photography enthusiasts. Organised by Canon Singapore, it was themed One Click, One Vibe and aims to promote photography as a vital visual arts form by celebrating
innovation, storytelling and artistic expression through the lens.
This year’s competition saw submissions across three mystery themes – Home, Vintage and Vibe(s) – unveiled at intervals during the day. Participants raced across the island, conceptualising, shooting and submitting each photo within a two-hour window per theme for a chance to win Canon products worth around S$50,000 in total.
“As Singapore’s photography scene continues to evolve, we understand what photography enthusiasts need and endeavour to continue supporting them in telling their creative stories. Canon PhotoMarathon has grown from a competition into a vibrant showcase of creativity, diversity and technical excellence that fuels the photography community in Singapore.
"One of the themes this year reflects the values of SG60 and serves as a reminder of the everyday lives and spirit of the people in Singapore,” said Andrew Koh, Senior VP and Head of Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.
Mark Teo, a Commercial and Action Sports Photographer and a third-time judge of the Canon PhotoMarathon shared: “It is always inspiring to see how different people interpret the same theme. Each year, the standard just keeps rising. This year’s themes were trickier, prompting participants to think outside the box in order to differentiate themselves from the crowd. Clean composition, good lighting and clear relevance to the theme really made the winning entries stand out.”
Canon Singapore has also continued its partnership with APSN, a social service agency that provides special education, vocational training and employment support services for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities. Through this collaboration, Canon seeks to unite individuals through photography — a universal art form that knows no boundaries.
This year was no different as students from APSN were invited to participate in the student categories. This is reflective of Canon’s philosophy of kyosei (共生) – living and working together for the common good, and empowering individuals of all abilities to excel in harmony.
“Beyond encouraging students to express their creativity and build confidence, the Canon PhotoMarathon reflects our school’s values – I Can, I Want, I Will – and motivates them to believe in themselves. Most importantly, the event fosters inclusivity by empowering individuals with special needs to become active contributors of society. Through platforms like this, we not only showcase their talents but also inspire the broader community to celebrate their achievements,” said Muhammad Faris, CCA Arts Coordinator, APSN Delta Senior School.
The Canon PhotoMarathon 2025 winners:
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Open categories |
Student categories |
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Theme 1: Home
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1st prize: Kenneth Chia 2nd prize: Dongli Zhang 3rd prize: Samuel Sze |
1st prize: Ryan Yeo 2nd prize: Chen Xi Teo 3rd prize: Isaac Sin |
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Theme 2: Vintage |
1st prize: Ahmad Iskandar Abdullah 2nd prize: Irfan Djorhanaen 3rd prize: Mohd Safuan Salahudin |
1st prize: Keller Seah 2nd prize: Dionne Pang 3rd prize: Alvaro Vincent Wijaya |
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Theme 3: Vibe(s) |
1st prize: Hui Min Lee 2nd prize: Rita Chang 3rd prize: Farha Patel |
1st prize: Rewan Teh 2nd prize: Bryant Bong 3rd prize: Keller Seah |
Wayne Kwan, an educator who has joined over 11 editions said: “I first participated in the Canon PhotoMarathon in 2012. Photography is my way of capturing memories, and I enjoy the thrill of the hunt for unique angles. This year is extra special as my wife and son have joined me in this year’s PhotoMarathon, turning this event into a meaningful family experience built upon our shared love for the hobby.”
De Long Goh, 58 years old, engineer and long-time participant of 10 years, shared, “Every year brings something new, reconnecting with friends, exploring different subjects and challenging myself to think creatively about what to shoot. Some themes can be difficult to interpret, but that is exactly what makes the event so rewarding – it pushes me to improve my photography skills every year.”
Home Open category first prize winner:
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| Source: Canon. The winning picture in the Open category for the theme Home. |
Kenneth Chia, 39 years old, engineer and first prize winner of the Open category for the Home theme said: “I was very surprised to win the first prize, and my hands are still shaking. When I think of home, I think of my 17-month son and all the things that I treasure the most.
Once the theme was announced, I went back to my HDB flat to capture what was most important to me. My kid is home. This image of my child was taken against the flag which embodies Home, a symbol of our shared identity.”
Aaron Low, Photo Director and one of the judges said: “The Canon PhotoMarathon really brings the community together by forming lasting bonds through a shared passion for photography. To me, the most important part of photography is storytelling, and a strong photo should convey a clear message that resonates with many. Composition and the overall impact of the image, beyond technical details, are crucial. The winning photos comprised these elements and turned out outstanding.”
Celestia Tan, Fashion Photographer and also a judge said: “Canon PhotoMarathon offers a unique platform for photography enthusiasts to explore, experiment and have fun. For me, the true magic of photography lies in capturing a moment and bringing a vision to life. The second theme, Vintage, was probably the most challenging for participants, where many adopted a literal interpretation due to the time constraints. The most exciting part of this competition is seeing how participants interpreted these themes, capturing diverse stories and unique perspectives through the lens.”
Launched in 2003, the Canon PhotoMarathon is designed to inspire and provoke creative expression by pushing participants to think beyond conventional boundaries. With mystery themes, tight timelines and an open invitation to all levels of photographers, participants race against the clock in a test of creativity and quick thinking to capture fresh, unique perspectives that bring each theme to life.
The themes encourage photographers to explore new ideas, experiment with different techniques to tell stories. This fosters a vibrant community where creativity flourishes, and diverse voices come together to redefine the art of photography.
Beyond Canon PhotoMarathon 2025, photographers can engage in a range of Canon-led activities aimed at nurturing Singapore’s photography scene. Activities include immersive workshops and guided shoots that offer valuable opportunities for both emerging and experienced photographers to sharpen their skills, expand their creative horizons and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals to elevate standards of photographic excellence in Singapore.
