Danny Yeo
Theatre Practitioner/Presenter
Danny Yeo was another one of my early subjects when I was learning how to take portraits. I know that he hosts events like the Singapore International Film Festival, but most of our interactions have been related to theatre. I was surprised to hear that he felt too shy to attend my shooting parties, but he was happy to come for a one-on-one sitting. Danny is not difficult to photograph, and after talking for a while, I asked him about the jacket that he had brought along. This is his hosting jacket, and he is proud of his hosting work. I think we got incredible portraits with the jacket.
Ngiap Heng’s shooting parties were intimidating because I’m naturally more subdued, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to satisfy his vision. The one-on-one sitting felt more like a conversation, an exchange, which I enjoyed tremendously. It is honestly a privilege to be photographed by Ngiap Heng. His kindness and gentleness, sensitive observations, and positive reinforcements put me at ease. He allowed me to be me, without having to perform, and enabled me to share delicate and intimate moments, moments captured by his camera. The jacket is an armour for professional hosting jobs and also a shield that I’m able to put down for a friend like Ngiap Heng. He is the only photographer, too, I’ve ever disrobed for. I do not have photos like those Ngiap Heng has taken for me—they’re extremely precious.