A Photowalk Through Clarke Quay (My Entry to the Monomad Challenge)

Nowadays, I’m appreciating good weather more than ever. I say this because it has been raining constantly lately. Over the past week, the only time I was able to go out for a photowalk was on Saturday, and even then, it was just a brief hour-long break when the rain let up. If I hadn’t had the patience to wait for the rain to stop, I would have missed that opportunity as well.

Yesterday was a similar story—it rained almost the entire day, only stopping in the early hours of the night, which wasn’t ideal for photography. So, I made a mental note: if Monday, which is today, turned out to have decent weather, I’d log off from work early to visit the Clarke Quay area for a photowalk. I’m happy to say the weather cooperated this time, giving us a beautiful sky that perfectly complemented the cityscape.

Here’s the deal: as much as I wanted to showcase the photos in full color, my intention for this photowalk was to take photos for the Black and White Community. So, everything I’m sharing in this post will be in black and white or monochromatic.

If you appreciate simplicity and contrast, I hope you’ll enjoy the photos I’m sharing with you today.

Let me start by showcasing the most iconic structure in Clarke Quay: the giant umbrella that shelters the alleys lined with shophouses. It’s the most unique structure in the city, and I was captivated by the lighting effects that make it look so vibrant and dynamic.

Clarke Quay is situated along the Singapore River, and the riverbanks have been developed in a way that doubles as seating for visitors. While there, I saw tourists as well as locals—likely office workers from the surrounding buildings—unwinding after a busy Monday.

If my office were in this area, I think I’d frequent this place too. There’s a wonderful vibe here that’s both lively and relaxing, especially as you take in the view of the shophouses across the river and the beautiful traditional boats gliding along the water.

Aside from the satisfying photography opportunities tonight, I’m also pleased with how much walking I managed to do. I didn’t track my steps, but I estimate I walked more than 10,000 steps, which is already a great form of exercise.

During this photowalk, I was able to achieve three things at once:

• Learning more about photography,
• Exploring the New Bridge Road area, and
• Getting in some walking exercise.

Thinking about this makes me even more excited for my next photowalk. I wonder where I’ll go next…

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To wrap up, this photowalk was a refreshing way to combine my love for photography, exploration, and staying active. Clarke Quay’s unique charm and vibrant atmosphere left me inspired, and I’m already looking forward to discovering more captivating spots around the city. Stay tuned for my next adventure—who knows what hidden gems I’ll uncover next!

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