In the world of travel, photography, and storytelling, few individuals have the ability to capture the soul of their subjects like Ian Poh Jin Tze. His distinct style of blending powerful narratives with evocative photography sets him apart as a true visionary. Whether he’s documenting the lives of unsung heroes in hospitality or capturing the breathtaking beauty of Africa’s wildlife, Ian’s work invites audiences into worlds they may never have otherwise experienced. Now, as he embarks on his next project exploring the rich culture of Thai cuisine, Ian’s journey as a storyteller continues to evolve in ways that inspire awe and wonder.
A Unique Path to Creativity
Ian’s career began in a rather unconventional way. Initially, he worked as a freelance writer and photographer for well-known publications such as The Singapore Airlines in-flight magazine, Eater, The Smart Local (covering Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand), and Asian Food Network. Over time, his growing passion for photography and storytelling led him to pursue his own book projects, which would transform him from a journalist into an internationally recognized creative.
Ian’s debut book, Behind The Scenes: Lives of These Unsung Heroes, delves into the hidden lives of the workers who ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, particularly in the hospitality and agricultural industries. The book, which combines written stories and high-resolution photographs captured by Ian, became a hit, featuring in The Straits Times, The Expat Living Magazine, and the Milan Journal.
But it wasn’t just the subjects that made Ian’s work stand out; it was his innovative approach. One of the most memorable elements of his book was the narrative voice of a coffee bean. Through this unconventional perspective, Ian invites readers to experience the world from a new angle, showing them the complexity of the seemingly simple object that is often taken for granted in our daily lives.
In his latest work, The Silent Song of the African Savannah, Ian takes readers on an unforgettable photographic journey across Africa’s game parks. The book features six chapters of stunning, monochromatic photography that captures the intricate balance of predator and prey, along with the beauty of the African landscape. His high-resolution images not only showcase the raw power of these majestic animals but also reveal their emotional depth and vulnerability. From the graceful serenity of giraffes to the fierce intensity of lions, Ian’s work invites viewers to witness the wild through his eyes.
Inspiration: From the Streets to the Savanna
Ian’s creative evolution is driven by his deep passion for food, travel, landscape, and monochrome photography. Since his youth, he has been fascinated by the art of photography, but over time, his focus shifted from capturing ordinary landscapes to crafting more introspective and thought-provoking scenes. This transition was inspired by a quote from photographer Ted Grant: “If you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls; but if you photograph them in colour, you photograph their clothes.”
For Ian, the power of monochrome photography lies in its ability to convey deeper emotions and moments of vulnerability. He captures people and animals not just as subjects but as entities with their own stories, identities, and emotions. This shift towards a more soulful style of photography has allowed him to create a unique visual language that transcends the ordinary. His favorite scenes, often melancholic and pensive, portray moments suspended in time, such as a dancer paused mid-leap or a wild animal caught in the stillness before a hunt. These images are not just about beauty; they are about capturing the essence of life itself.
“I’m interested in juxtaposing architecture, landscapes, people, and animals in a way that reveals the fragile and beautiful interplay between them,” says Ian. “Photography is not just about what you see. It’s about what you feel when you look at it.”
Photography as a Voice: The Gap Ian Seeks to Fill
One of the most distinctive aspects of Ian’s work is his ability to approach a subject from a unique perspective. Rather than simply documenting his travels or his subjects, Ian uses storytelling to engage his audience in a deeper conversation about life, nature, and humanity. His narrative choices—such as adopting the voice of a coffee bean—add an element of surprise and whimsy to his work, encouraging his readers to see the world in new and unexpected ways.
Through his books and photography, Ian hopes to create a “symphony” that not only captures the beauty of the world but also tells stories that would otherwise go unnoticed. His first book, Behind The Scenes, was deeply personal, as it reflected Ian’s own journey of discovering the people who make our daily comforts possible. The book helped him realize the importance of the unsung heroes who often work tirelessly behind the scenes, from farmers to hotel staff. This realization became a driving force behind his work, inspiring him to continue sharing stories that highlight the struggles and triumphs of those who go unrecognized.
In his second book, The Silent Song of the African Savannah, Ian set out to document the beauty of the African wilderness but found himself captivated by the emotional depth of the animals and their environments. “I wanted to share the connection I felt with these animals,” he says. “They are not just subjects in a picture; they are living beings with a story to tell.”
Future Projects: The Art of Food and Culture
Currently, Ian is working on his next project, a book that explores the gastronomic culture of Thailand. Through this new endeavor, he hopes to trace the origins of beloved Thai dishes, explore their evolution over the years, and delve into the various methods of preparation—from traditional street food to Michelin-starred techniques. The book will highlight the vibrant and diverse food culture that defines Thailand, combining both his love for food and his passion for storytelling.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the artistry in food preparation,” Ian shares. “Food is so much more than just sustenance. It’s a reflection of a culture’s history, values, and emotions. I want to share that story with the world.”
A Visionary Through the Lens
For Ian Poh Jin Tze, photography is more than just a career—it’s a way of life. His work transcends the typical tourist snapshots; it’s about capturing the soul of a place, a person, or an animal. Through his books, photographs, and storytelling, Ian continues to carve out a unique space in the world of travel, food, and wildlife photography. As his career progresses, one thing is certain: Ian’s vision will continue to inspire and captivate those who seek to experience the world through his eyes.
In his own words, “Success is not about fame or fortune. It’s about bringing joy and hope to others by offering them a window into parts of the world they may never see.” Through his lens, Ian shows us that beauty is found not only in the grand and spectacular but also in the quiet, unnoticed moments that make up the fabric of life.
