From Curious Observer to Insta Legend: YK’s 1.1 Million‑Follower Journey
It all began with a simple click‑curiosity that has now turned the 25‑year‑old photographer — widely known as YK — into a social‑media sensation. Over 1.1 million fans are following his creative beat on Instagram, and the numbers keep climbing.
Why YK Stands Out
Not many creators get a spot on Apple’s Create Your Way series, but YK’s unique blend of visual storytelling and approachable vibe earned him a place among the elite.
Behind the Lens: A Quick Timeline
- Curiosity Sparked: First camera purchase and an endless stream of “how‑to” videos.
- Community Boost: Engaged with fellow creators and followers, sparking collaborations and feedback loops.
- Content Evolution: Transitioned from casual snapshots to polished, themed series that resonate with a global audience.
- Apple Spotlight: Featured in the Create Your Way showcase, solidifying his status as a trendsetter.
Lessons from YK’s Journey
1. Stay Curious: Constantly explore new angles and topics.
Final Thought
From a single curious glance to a sprawling global following, YK’s story shows that with the right mix of curiosity, community, and a splash of humor, anyone can turn a hobby into a headline.
Meet Lee Yik Keat— AKA YK, the iPhone‑Obsessed Stargazing Snapper
Picture this: you’re a straight‑laced aerospace engineering student, juggling test tubes and thrust calculations, and then… boom a selfie app pops up on your phone. Suddenly you’re a photo wizard. That’s no fantasy—it’s the real story of Lee Yik Keat, better known in the Instagram world as YK.
From Propulsion to Portraits
- YK’s original career plans were centred around rockets, not cameras.
- He never took a single photography class—at least not on campus.
- His first camera? The humble iPhone 4, snapped around after midnight.
- He says, “I was just curious on a lazy day. Now it’s my passion.”
Within a year of shooting his roommates’ questionable haircuts and downtown street art, YK realised he was glued to his phone, recording the sassy, everyday vibes of Singapore.
Choosing Glass‑Behind‑Glasses Over Graduation
“Halfway through my degree, I had to decide: keep studying or follow my lens full‑time.” YK won a one‑year shot at full‑time photography after convincing his parents, turning what began as a hobby into a serious gig. He has since become a master at documenting the in-between moments that make everyday life magical.
Why The iPhone Still Rule
- YK keeps a camera tripod, a DSLR, and a laptop for big projects.
- But the iPhone is his day‑to‑day sidekick.
- He enjoys the pure, “pop‑your‑phone‑and‑shoot” freedom.
- “It’s just so convenient,” YK explains.
His philosophy? “Bring your audience proof that you can capture the world, even from the pocket of a phone.”
Starlight Tricks: Angles, Light, and Play
YK doesn’t just photograph at eye level—he goes super low, or climbs high, chasing those unlikely perspectives. “I love to see things under 12‑year‑old brain’s lens, when everything seems bigger,” he jokes.
He packages the humor of childhood curiosity with the practical tools needed to elevate a snapshot into a story.
Editing – The Final Mix‑Tapes
YK cleans up his photos in VSCO and Lightroom. The apps are free, intuitive, and allow him to tweak filter intensity or dive deeper with advanced settings.
“I stick to what I know—VSCO for quick tones, Lightroom for the heavy-hitters.”
Sharing the Spark
Why does YK unfold his secrets rather than hoarding them? He browses a community hungry for knowledge. “It’s a no‑brainer to share,” he says. He points out a shift from past generations that guarded their craft to now, which fosters an empowering ecosystem.
His open attitude drew the attention of Apple’s Create Your Way series—a collaboration that hinged on his love for tutorials.
Apple Collaboration: Apps Demystified
In a sleep‑over with the App Store, YK delighted guests with a play‑through of recommended photo and video tools. He raves about quick previews: “All you need is a 5‑second peek, and you’re ready to choose.” He readies a toolkit for the next generation of creators.
Future Mission
He hopes the Create Your Way series will deepen the photography and videography community. He wants the App Store to understand creatives’ cravings, recommending the perfect tools—while creators feed feedback for a healthier ecosystem.
Other Trailblazers in the Series
From Thai calligrapher Chaiwat Sriwilard to Malaysian illustrator Lyn‑Hui Ong, and international TikTokers from Ukraine, Russia, and Vietnam, the series gathers a galaxy of talent. Check out the “Today” tab on the App Store or visit the Create Your Way site on Oct 15 for the full lineup.
That’s YK in a nutshell: a prop‑glide‑gone‑to‑photonate, a one‑phone‑mindful storyteller, and a guide eager to empower the next wave of creators.
