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Seek Sophie | Leica: Charcoal Making Photography Workshop
Discover and photograph the disappearing art of charcoal-making
DURATION
8 hours
Booking type
Join-in trip
MEET UP
At location
Group size
Up to 8 guests
- Experience Highlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Availability
- More Info
- Host
Capture the Forgotten Art of Charcoal-Making with a Leica
Step into a hidden world where tradition meets craftsmanship. This exclusive Seek Sophie | Leica experience takes you behind the scenes of a century-old charcoal-making factory in Johor Bahru, a place rarely open to the public.Tucked away in a mangrove forest, this age-old craft is still carried out using time-honoured techniques. Feel the heat of the kiln, inhale the smoky air, and witness the slow transformation of mangrove wood into high-quality charcoal—just as it has been done for generations. Led by seasoned craftsmen, you’ll get an insider’s look at the charcoal-making process, from stacking the wood to controlling the fire and cooling the final product. Try your hand at this ancient craft, gaining a deeper appreciation for a skill that once fueled Singapore’s vibrant food culture—from hawker kitchens to satay grills—long before modern energy sources took over.Every participant will get to use a Leica camera for the day, the world’s most legendary camera, with expert guidance from Leica Akademie Instructor KC Eng. Whether you're new to photography or an experienced shooter, you’ll learn how to capture textures, light, and atmosphere, turning fleeting moments into powerful visual stories.For those who love documentary photography, hands-on experiences, and capturing vanishing traditions, this is a rare chance to witness history in action—through the lens of a Leica.🗓 Limited Edition Experience (8 spots per date)24 May: 4 spots left19 July: 8 spots availableWhat to Expect:Get a Leica camera to use for the day, provided exclusively for participants.Go behind the scenes at a traditional charcoal kiln, rarely open to the public.Witness the entire process, from raw mangrove wood to finished charcoal.Try your hand at charcoal-making, guided by master craftsmen.Discover the forgotten link between charcoal-making and Singapore’s food culture—from hawker kitchens to satay grills.Surround yourself with breathtaking mangrove landscapes, capturing the beauty of this disappearing world.Get expert tips on composition, lighting, and storytelling from Leica Akademie Instructor KC Eng, a seasoned photographer known for his ability to bring everyday moments to life through powerful imagery. Learn how to frame the perfect shot, work with natural light, and craft a compelling visual story.At the end of the experience, you’ll have the option to follow the Leica team back to the Leica Flagship Store at South Beach Quarter for an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit.Good to Know:Expect exposure to heat, smoke, and soot—you will get dirty.No photography experience required—this is open to beginners and photography enthusiasts alike.Not suitable for individuals with respiratory conditions due to the smoky environment.Seek Sophie | Leica: One-of-a-Kind ExperienceSeek Sophie and Leica have teamed up to bring you this exclusive experience—designed for those who love exploring hidden worlds through their lens. What better way to uncover Singapore’s lost stories than with a legendary Leica camera in hand? Every guest on these exclusive experiences will get to use a Leica, capturing the fading stories of forgotten crafts, lost rituals, and hidden spaces before they disappear. Through photography, we celebrate the people and places that have quietly shaped Singapore’s history—preserving them, one shot at a time.
Experience highlights
Shoot with a Leica inside charcoal kiln
Learn from master craftsmen in the kiln
Guided by a Leica Akademie Instructor
What You’ll be Doing
Head to JB to learn more about the secrets of charcoal making
Show Details
What’s Included
Loaned Leica camera
Leica Akademie Instructor
Transport to and from JB
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Next Available Dates
Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 09 Mar 2025
Additional Information
Where we'll meet
Start Point
Meet-up at Leica Store South Beach Quarter(Leica Store South Beach Quarter, Beach Road, Singapore)
- Meet at selected timeslot
End Point
- End at Start Point(s)
Start & ends
Select your preferred date to see timings.
Suitability / Accessibility
- Recommended Age: 18+
Cancellation & other policies
- CancellationCancel 7 days before activity for a full refund
From
$304.98 SGD/person
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Meet your host
This exclusive experience is curated by the Leica Akademie team, part of Leica Camera AG, a globally renowned manufacturer of premium cameras and sports optics. With a legacy of exceptional German craftsmanship, industrial design, and cutting-edge technology, Leica has shaped the world of photography for over a century.
Through the Leica Akademie, you’ll not only step deeper into the art of photography but also uncover Singapore’s hidden stories. These carefully curated experiences take you beyond the usual sights, revealing forgotten places and untold histories—all under the expert guidance of a Leica Akademie instructor.
Acceptance rate: 100%
Keep your payments secure by using the Seek Sophie website for all transactions and communications.
Helpful Questions
What should I pack?
Face mask
SD card (for the Leica camera)
USB-C cable + charger (for the Leica camera)
Water
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