Capturing the Cosmos and Beyond

Meet Hoong Qi Hao, a Singapore-based photographer and visionary whose lens has traversed everything from the breathtaking Milky Way in New Zealand to the electrifying performances of the X-pop group XG. Known as @qhventures on social media, Qi Hao has morphed his passion for photography into a thriving career that many dream of.

A Bold Leap of Faith

While most of his contemporaries opted for the predictable path of university after completing their National Service, Qi Hao took a daring plunge into the world of full-time photography. Long before his NS days, he had cultivated his identity as 'the photographer guy,' teaching himself the art through hands-on experimentation and engaging friends as models for social media shoots.

With each click, his skills flourished, and job offers began to emerge. However, the constraints of NS meant he had to decline many opportunities. "I realized I’d need to hustle harder post-NS to compensate for the lost time. That’s when I decided to fully commit to photography instead of diving into higher education right away," he recounted, expressing gratitude for his family's unwavering support.

A Cinematic Approach to Creation

Fast forward to today, at just 26, Qi Hao is more than just a photographer; he's a filmmaker and a prominent member of Samsung's Team Galaxy, a global collective of creative talent pushing the boundaries of mobile photography. Collaborating with industry giants, he has captured high-profile events, including Spanish concerts for Canadian pop sensation Tate McRae and a pre-Olympics campaign in Thailand, all shot on the impressive Galaxy S Series.

"Samsung truly empowers creators in the creative process, which I greatly appreciate," he remarked. Reflecting on his Thailand shoot, he shared, "It was one of the few occasions where I found myself in front of the camera. I was shocked to see my work showcased on such an enormous platform."

Turning Passion into Paychecks

What began as a simple hobby turned professional while Qi Hao was studying media and communications in polytechnic. Inspired by stunning visuals on Instagram, he began replicating these shoots while sharing his journey online, gradually creating a solid portfolio.

His first paid job emerged unexpectedly when a lecturer connected him with a local restaurant in need of a videographer. "I produced a video for them, leading to further referrals. That was my lightbulb moment – I could actually turn my passion into a sustainable career!" he recalled.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Just as his travel content was gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic brought international adventures to a grinding halt. Channeling his creativity, Qi Hao focused on uncovering Singapore’s hidden gems before yearning for fresh challenges. As live events resumed, his interest ignited for concert photography. A determined outreach to artists and promoters led him to grab the opportunity to shoot for The Walters, a breakthrough that propelled him to tour with XG.

"Being on a world tour with XG is undoubtedly the pinnacle of my concert photography career. I can't wait for their performance at Coachella in April and the grand finale at Tokyo Dome in May," he enthused.

The Evolution of Visual Storytelling

With a style characterized by a cinematic flair of contrasting tones, Qi Hao advocates for content creation as a vital connection point with audiences and brands alike. Social media has played a crucial role in his journey, facilitating portfolio growth and fruitful collaborations. However, this visibility has also introduced pressure, as he strives to meet client expectations consistently.

Despite his recognized aesthetic, Qi Hao prefers not to pigeonhole himself into a single niche, enhancing his adaptability and versatility as a creator.

Elevating Creativity with Samsung

From his first humble phone, the Samsung Ace 2, to the powerhouse Galaxy S25 Ultra, the evolution of technology has astonished him. "Back then, smartphones were merely for calls; I would never have imagined using a phone with multiple lenses!" he marveled.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has revolutionized his shooting process. "The easier your gear is to manage, the more spontaneous your creativity can be. This phone eliminates the need for extra equipment, allowing me to capture diverse shots no matter the lighting conditions," he explained.

During concerts, where traditional vantage points are often unattainable, his Galaxy S25 Ultra enables him to capture everything from one spot effortlessly. He also harnesses the phone’s Pro Mode for artistic control, whether it's for long-exposure shots or RAW editing flexibility.

Beyond image quality, Qi Hao values the AI capabilities that enhance his workflow: from discovering new photography spots to facilitating communication abroad. "These features are invaluable tools that keep me creating and connected," he concluded.