Canon PhotoMarathon 2025 captures a Singapore beyond words

In a city often defined by efficiency and structure, the Canon PhotoMarathon 2025 asked Singaporeans to stop, and look. Held on 19 July, the 19th edition of the annual competition brought together over 600 photographers for a one-day challenge structured around three timed rounds: Home, Vintage, and Vibe(s).

Participants started at the Fountain Square at Clarke Quay and were given two hours For to conceptualise, shoot, and submit a single photograph. Prizes this year included Canon products worth a total of approximately $50,000.

“It is always inspiring to see how different people interpret the same theme,” said Mark Teo, a Commercial and Action Sports Photographer and third-time judge of the Canon PhotoMarathon.

“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.”

The photographs

With the overarching theme of One Click, One Vibe, the photographers started with the topic of Home. The winning entries featured familiar subjects that instantly called to mind the progress that Singapore has made. In particular, the first place photograph balanced a reflective tone — prominently featuring a Singapore flag at the image’s center — with a forward-looking one — a young boy gazing at it while holding a teddy bear. The lighting and inclusion of curtains between the photographer and the camera give the image an daydream-like feel.

For the second theme, Vintage, the open category’s top three photographs spotlighted local traditions, with third place having the subject of a watchmaker, second place taken in a record shop, and first featuring wayang kulit puppet, with an older lady looking on dotingly.

In addition to the open category, a student category was held, for all students in MOE schools. In addition, Canon Singapore partnered with ASPN, a social service agency that provides special education and employment support for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities. 

While both categories had an underlying SG60 story, the winners of the student entries were more minimalist, with photographs more focussed on mood and atmosphere. Correspondingly, the third theme of Vibe(s) is where the student category shone, capturing ephemeral images that evoke soft, nostalgic memories of time spent in the city. 

“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,” said Muhammad Faris, CCA Arts Coordinator at APSN Delta Senior School. 

“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.”

Cultivating a community of photographers

This spirit of accessibility appears intertwined with the PhotoMarathon. Since the competition started in 2003, it has been open to photographers of all skill levels. The format of the competition, which gives photographers a limited amount of time, works for various skill levels as it removes production and rewards speed, instinct, and interpretation. 

Beyond the PhotoMarathon, Canon Singapore also hosts workshops and guided shoots to provide further opportunities for learning and mentorship. These programmes reflect a broader effort to support a love for photography and to encourage technical experience.

“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,” said Andrew Koh, senior Vice President and Head of Singapore operations, Canon Singapore. 

Canon’s PhotoMarathon provides photographers with an annual opportunity to sharpen their skills and engage with the medium in a new light. This year’s rendition has clearly encouraged the participating artists to use their lenses on Singapore, to articulate its stories through the unique visual language of photography — just in time for national day.