Few photographers have shaped the visual language of Singapore the way Lee Yik Keat has. Known to his 1.3 million-strong Instagram audience as @yk, the self-taught creative has built a world out of light and stillness which turns fleeting moments into visual poetry through light, geometry and mood. His work is precise yet emotional, grounded yet dreamlike, and unmistakably his own.
Having worked with names like Apple, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Porsche, Yik Keat has long explored how technology and storytelling intersect. So when Apple released the iPhone 17 Pro Max, it felt almost natural that he’d be among the first to put it through its paces—not as a tech reviewer, but as an artist asking what this tool could mean for his craft.
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When he first picked up the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Yik Keat noticed the changes immediately, which were not so much in grand gestures, but in the small, deliberate upgrades that shape real-world usage. “The photos are sharper and truer to colour,” he says. “And one function I didn’t realise how much I’d use is the front camera’s ability to switch to landscape without rotating the phone. That is insanely useful for me.” These are the intuitive touches, he explains, that make the difference for photographers constantly chasing light. “I’ve already integrated it into my daily use. It’s not just about testing; it’s already part of my routine.”
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The iPhone’s 8x telephoto lens has also become a surprise favourite. For Yik Keat, it’s a leap in convenience rather than a replacement for traditional gear. “It’ll never match my usual equipment,” he admits, “but for how much you pack into that tiny pancake lens, instead of lugging a 1kg lens, I’ll be using this very often. In fact, I’m using it almost daily.” Beyond its portability, he’s fascinated by how the 200mm focal length changes perception. “The biggest draw for me is the compression,” he says. “With that much zoom, you can bring the background closer to the foreground. It gives this illusion of magnifying whatever’s behind. It’s like a game every time you point it at a scene; you’re waiting to see what the results are.”
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As someone who thrives on capturing urban atmospheres, Yik Keat has always chased the delicate interplay between artificial light and natural shadow. When asked about the iPhone’s performance in low light, he doesn’t hesitate: “It’s as best as it gets. With Night Mode, you can get greatly exposed images with minimal shake. It simplifies night photography so much. The shadows aren’t too dark, and not too much information is lost. That balance gives you so much freedom when shooting in fast-changing city conditions.”
Despite all the technical innovation, what truly shapes Yik Keat’s process is how seamlessly a device fits into his creative flow. “I know this sounds basic, but AirDrop is my entire life,” he laughs. “It’s the bridge to all my systems, and I rely on it for transfers.” The iPhone, he adds, is already part of his professional toolkit: “I use the iPhone all the time to document my work, shoot, and educate users on how to take better photos, so the iPhone 17 Pro Max is naturally in it.”
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When it comes to commercial work, Yik Keat approaches brand storytelling with the same sensitivity he brings to his personal projects. “It takes two hands to clap,” he explains. “I come in with my hand to elevate perspectives, to show a brand or product in a way that blends with everyday moments. A story needs depth, and depth requires sensitivity to the environment. That’s where my specialty comes in.” It’s this emotional awareness, and the ability to find meaning in what others might overlook, that defines his imagery. “There’s beauty in the little things, the moments we overlook,” he says. “When people see something as mundane, I find inspiration. The way someone interacts with another person or their environment can be very artistic and romantic if you exercise sensitivity. I hope people learn to look up instead of at their phones, and enjoy the simple moments.”
Yik Keat’s story is a reminder that mastery doesn’t always come from formal training. A self-taught photographer, he honed his skills through social media. “Instagram and YouTube were everything to me in the early days,” he recalls. “I watched hundreds of videos about the same topic—like what settings to use—just to make sure everyone was on the same page. The internet is powerful for gathering thousands of opinions in the shortest time possible.” That instinct for constant learning continues to shape his evolution. “As artists, we always need to evolve—for ourselves and for the times,” he reflects. “For me, it’s about staying connected to what’s new, trying new things, and being a sponge for experiences. It’s easy to do what’s safe and performs well online, but you can’t get too sucked into the algorithm. Maintaining your true creative identity is key.”
Despite his growing influence—he’s been featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 and worked with global artists like Lauv—Yik Keat remains disarmingly humble. “I honestly don’t really know how much influence I have,” he admits. “I just want to plant a seed to inspire someone to pursue photography, or even just to give them a little nudge.” He stays grounded by surrounding himself with people from all walks of life. “I try not to let it get to my head,” he says. “In the end, I’m just like every other creative who’s doing my best to push boundaries by honing my craft, and contributing to the community.”
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In 2025, Yik Keat is turning his focus toward long-form storytelling. “I’m doing YouTube now, where I’ll dive deeper into how to capture images in both technical and non-technical terms,” he shares. As for the years ahead, he hopes to empower younger voices. “I see myself taking a little backseat to let younger creators shine while still wanting to be a strong force in the industry, to push boundaries and use my experience to speed up the community’s progress.” And his advice to those following in his footsteps is simple but powerful: “Always be guided by your purpose. When you’re lost or clueless, that purpose will always be there. Think of how to be the master of your craft. The rest will follow."
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.