Shooting with the Daniels, lensing Jennifer Coolidge, Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult—this is what Los Angeles-based Singaporean photographer, filmmaker and artist Lenne Chai has been up to lately.

Despite all the exciting projects she’s helmed, at the core of her work is a mission to spark change, from championing queer rights to advocating for marginalized communities.Today, Chai describes her work as having shifted towards something that is more socially engaged and personal, utilising storytelling to reflect the kind of world she hopes to help build.

As a changemaker, what drives you at your core?

It may sound a little idealistic, but I believe that we’re all interconnected and that we all have the ability to make each other’s lives a little better.

What is the one achievement to date you are proudest of, and why?

I’m proud of our wedding-themed shoot from 2018, which came together with the support of an amazing crew and an all-LGBTQIA+ cast. At the time, I was feeling disheartened about the state of queer rights in Singapore, but creating that project gave me, and I wish others, hope to dream about a more inclusive future. It felt like a love letter to what could be.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how have you overcome it?

One ongoing challenge has been the lack of infrastructure, job security and safety nets for creatives in Singapore. It sometimes feels like trying to carve out a path from scratch, and for me, navigating unpaid opportunities while trying to build a sustainable career has been tough. I’ve learnt to be resourceful and cultivate my own community of support, which has made all the difference.

What do you believe is the true power of image-making?

Image-making allows us to imagine new possibilities—to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be. That power to shift a perspective can nudge us towards choices we might not have otherwise considered. Lately I’ve been dabbling in filmmaking and I’m excited by the potential it offers for deeper storytelling. I love the idea of expanding the emotional and narrative scope of my work, and it feels like a natural next step in my journey.

Looking ahead, what’s one change you’d love to see in the industry and how can we help make that happen?

I’d love to see stronger support systems for creatives in Singapore: more fellowships, grants, industry education and protections for freelancers. Photography is no longer offered as a degree here, which feels like a step back. But with collective effort from institutions, clients and creatives, we can create a more sustainable ecosystem.