What is portrait photography?
Portrait photography is a type of photography genre that focuses on capturing the inherent character of your subject within a photograph. It is one of the most popular genres of photography, yet its meaning tends to vary across photographers.
Portrait photography goes beyond merely just snapping pictures of people. It is a combination of photography techniques and the photographer’s or artist’s expression.
When do we need portrait photography?
The main reason behind portrait photography is to capture the expression of interesting people and share them with your audiences. That’s it. However, how you capture your subject’s expression then depends on your audience. Your audience may be a community of photographers that enjoy taking portraits or a client. This then helps to define your style of portrait photography and the emotions that you want to invoke within them through your photography.
There are many reasons why people may need portraits. Some of them include:
- Wedding & Engagement portraits
- Baby portraits
- Party portraits
- Business card portraits
- Artistics expression portraits
- Family portraits
Whatever the reason behind the portrait photography, the key idea is to make your subject look good.
Here are some photography studios in Singapore that offer portrait photography services
If you are looking to engage portrait photography services in Singapore, here are some of the top photography studios in Singapore to consider:
Photography Studio |
Mount Studio |
| Speciality | Founded in 2017, Mount Studio offers professional Photography & Videography services for both private and corporate clientele.
Services:
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| Pricing | From $250 |
| Website | https://mountstudio.com.sg/portrait-photography/ |
| Address | 45 Jalan Pemimpin #07-04 Singapore 577197 |
| Contact | contact@mountstudio.com.sg
8875 8092 |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Photography Studio |
Ejun Low Portraits |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://www.ejunlow.com/ |
| Address | Contact here for details |
| Contact | studio@pentaprism.com |
| Operating Hours | Contact here for details |
Photography Studio |
Beauty Box Studio |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | View rates here |
| Website | https://www.beautyboxstudio.com.sg/ |
| Address | 452, North Bridge Road, 02-00, Chan Brothers Building Singapore, Singapore 188733 |
| Contact | 6835 3012 enquiry@beautyboxstudio.com.sg |
| Operating Hours | Mon – Sat: 11am – 7pm |
| Review 1 | Highly recommended Beauty Box Studio. Both Angel and Elvin are very professional and passionate in bringing out the best photoshoot for their client . Thank you for such a wonderful service delivered. |
| Review 2 | Great service – Angel & Elvin were very professional and took pride in their work! Would highly recommend this studio. |
| Review 3 | Very professional and promptly did my corporate shot |
Photography Studio |
White Room Studio |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Contact for photography rates |
| Website | https://www.whiteroomstudio.com.sg/ |
| Address | 219 River Valley Road . Level 2, Singapore 238277 |
| Contact | 65 6235 7037 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Friday: 10am – 7:30pm Sunday: 10am – 6:30pm Saturday: Closed |
| Review 1 | De Lun was the photographer who was patient and friendly not to mention professional, the setting was perfect, the feeling of being photographed was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the session and the photos turned out beautiful. The entire experience was simply bliss. Thanks especially to Elaine and definitely to the production |
| Review 2 | Our photographer was Felicia, and she was really great with us and the kids, even when the kids were being a handful 😅 Felicia was one of the most accommodating photographers out there, with a contagious smile. Definitely a joy to be with ✨ |
| Review 3 | 18 August 2019 was an absolutely amazing day as our family did a photo shoot. Big thanks to Dan who was professional and patient as he guided us through the entire shoot. We were delighted to view the end product and the time spent was all worthwhile. Hard work efforts thanks to Delun and Kelvin too..keep up the great beautiful work !! Mrs Pek & family |
Photography Studio |
The Digital Moments |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | View rates here |
| Website | https://thedigitalmoments.com/ |
| Contact | 65 9456 3304
info@thedigitalmoments.com |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Photography Studio |
Cino Chee |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://cinochee.com/about |
| Address | Contact for details |
| Contact | info@cinochee.com +65 8112 4037 |
| Operating Hours | Contact for details |
Photography Studio |
COCO Creative Studio |
| Speciality |
Services:
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://cococreativestudio.com/ |
| Address | 277 Joo Chiat Road #02-02, SINGAPORE 427531 |
| Contact |
+65 6909 74 27
Email : team@cococreativestudio.com
|
| Operating Hours | By appotinment only |
Photography Studio |
Dressed Up Dreams Photography Studio |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://www.dressedupdreams.com/ |
| Address | No. 16 Purvis Street #02-306 Singapore 188595 (by appointment only) |
| Contact | (65) 9159 5248
info@dressedupdreams.com |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
| Review | It was easy to communicate with the photographer, Sharon on what you want out of the shoot. She was casual, yet really professional throughout the photoshoot session and I enjoyed it. Sharon was really efficient with the editing too! Great photos. Highly recommended.Fun and enriching experience! Sharon and team were professional and knowledgeable and I gained new knowledge about Chinese culture from them during the process. I also felt well taken care of throughout the whole photoshoot, and will definitely do it again!As it was my first time doing a photoshoot, I wasn’t really sure what to expect or do, but Sharon was really patient and helped me with the hanfu and the poses! The makeup and hair done was also very detailed and it was a very pleasant process from the booking to the shoot itself! Will definitely try other packages when I get the chance! |
Photography Studio |
DGT Portraits |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://www.dgtportraits.com/ |
| Address | Freelance photographer |
| Contact | Contact via form here |
Photography Studio |
Digital Negative |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://www.digitalnegative.co/ |
| Address | CENCON BUILDING, 2 Tannery Rd #03-01, Singapore 347720 |
| Contact | hello@digitalnegative.co |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Photography Studio |
Drew Perspectives |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://www.drewperspectives.com/ |
| Contact | drewperspectives@gmail.com |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Photography Studio |
Theresa Olesen |
| Speciality |
Contact Theresa for more details on tailor made portrait sessions. |
| Pricing | View rates here |
| Website | https://www.theresaolesenportraits.com/ |
| Address | Berrima Road, Bukit Timah, Singapore |
| Contact | theresa@olesenportraits.com +65 9754 1759 |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
| Review 1 | “Theresa has a great studio and she knows how to make you feel comfortable to bring out your best shots! She is meticulous, responsive and most of all, a beautiful human being!” |
| Review 2 | “I had a really really lovely session with Theresa. Her photo studio is absolutely incredible. I felt like I was in a movie set. She made me feel comfortable and made it easy for me to pose. When I saw the pictures I was in the wow and felt really happy with the quality of the pictures. Theresa is really professional. I would go again for sure for my next photo session.” |
| Review 3 | “What a wonderful experience! Theresa is so warm and welcoming and makes you feel completely relaxed and natural! loved it!” |
Photography Studio |
Johna Photography |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | View rates here |
| Website | https://www.johnaphotography.com/ |
| Address | 16 Shaw Road, #04-12, Singapore 367954 |
| Contact | 69029497
johna@johnaphotography.com |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Photography Studio |
J Studio |
| Speciality |
|
| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://jstudio.com.sg/ |
| Address | 10 Upper Aljunied Link, 04-02, Singapore 367904 |
| Contact | 6743 1198 enquiry@jstudio.com.sg |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Photography Studio |
Pentaprism Photography |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://www.pentaprism.com/ |
| Address | 160 Paya Lebar Road, #06-07 Orion@PayaLebar, 409022 |
| Contact | studio@pentaprism.com |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Photography Studio |
PixelMusica |
| Speciality | Founded in 2012, PixelMusica is a creative media production company that provides Photography, Videography, Branding, Design, UX/UI & Web Development services
|
| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://pixelmusica.com/about/ |
| Address | 261 Waterloo Street, Waterloo Centre, #02-45, Singapore 180261 |
| Contact | Contact via form here |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Photography Studio |
Zainal & Zainal Studio |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://zainalandzainal.com/ |
| Address | 14 Robinson Road #08-01A Far East Finance Building, 048545 |
| Contact | 65 8364 4718 |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Photography Studio |
Bambini Photography |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | https://bambiniphoto.sg/ |
| Address | 62 Ubi Road 1 #10-24, Oxley Bizhub 2, S408734 |
| Contact | 65 8717 1558
info@bambiniphoto.sg |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Photography Studio |
Portrait Gallery |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Starts from $128 |
| Website | https://www.portraitgallery.com.sg/ |
| Address | 315 Outram Road #02-10, Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore 169074 |
| Contact | 65 62209757 |
| Operating Hours | Mon – Sat : 10.30am-8.00pm |
Photography Studio |
Exxposures |
| Speciality |
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | http://www.exxposures.com/ |
| Address | 50 Chin Swee Road, #09-04 Thong Chai Building, Singapore 169 874 |
| Contact | 65 98222062
findus@exxposures.com |
| Operating Hours | By appointment only |
Photography Studio |
Jose Jeuland |
| Speciality | Services:
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| Pricing | Contact for rates |
| Website | www.josejeuland.com |
| Address | 277 Joo Chiat Road #02-02, SINGAPORE 427531 |
| Contact | (+65) 6909 74 27
jose@josejeualnd.com |
Photography Studio |
Chris Chang Photography |
| Speciality |
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| Website | http://www.chrischangphotography.com/ |
| Address | 1 Paya Lebar Link, Paya Lebar Quarters #04-01 Singapore 408533 |
| Contact | 9222 0684
info@chrischang.photography |
| Review 1 | “Our wedding shoot with Chris was so enjoyable and lively! He really has a knack for making the ordinary look extraordinary through his camera, was great at bringing out the joyous emotions of my fiancé and I. If you want a relaxed, full-of-laughter session with great quality photos and videos to last a lifetime, you’d be blessed to have Chris Chang!” – Bryan Cheong |
| Review 2 | “We shortlisted a few Photographers for our wedding back in Sept 19. So glad we went with Chris Chang. From our first meeting till the actual wedding day, he was extremely professional and easy to deal with. We received our photos after 3 months and have been receiving compliments from our friends and family on them. The way Chris manages to capture natural and candid moments baffles us. Overall, a very satisfied customer! ” – Jian H Chan |
What are the types of portrait photography?
There are many different ways to take a portrait. Here are some of the more common types of portrait photography that you may familiarise yourself with before engaging a photography studio for your portrait.
Traditional Portraits
A traditional portrait often shows the subject looking at the camera. Most of the time, it requires the subject to pose in a certain manner to help them look their best. Traditional portraits are often shot in a photography studio with a photography backdrop.
Environmental Portraits
Environmental portraits can literally be taken anywhere. The idea is to determine the right environment that fits your subject in order to channel a certain message. For instance, if you are taking a portrait of a photographer, a studio may be an appropriate place to take an environmental portrait!
However, that does not necessarily mean that you have to force yourself to put your subject in an expected environment based on their job or personality. You may use other aspects of their lives, such as where they stay or their childhood places to bring out the message that you have in mind.
Candid Portraits
Candid portraits are unplanned. A good example would be street photography featuring people. While you do not necessarily need to photograph strangers to achieve a candid portrait, there should be less emphasis on posing for the camera. Candid portraits are meant to be unexpected and fun.
Candid portraits also typically do not have any setup. Photographers simply utilise their current environment such as the light, surroundings, or any other factors to create a spontaneous shoot.
Glamour Portraits
Glamour portraits, as its name suggests, is similar to that of a beauty portrait. The focal message of glamour portraits is to bring out the beauty of the subject. This often involves planning the wardrobe and using professional make-up artists to achieve that glamorous look.
What equipment is required for portrait photography?
Taking a great portrait photograph does not simply rely on having an expensive camera and good location. There are several key pieces of equipment that will help you achieve great portrait photographs.
Camera
This definitely goes without saying. However, that does not mean that you have to splurge on an expensive and high-end DSLR camera. In fact, any camera, be it a disposable or even a smartphone, is suitable for portrait photography.
DSLRs or mirrorless cameras are ideal for if you are a professional photographer as they offer you the flexibility to manually adjust the camera settings. This allows you to have control over certain adjustments such as exposure, ISO and shutter speed, which may be necessary to amend depending on the environment that you are shooting in.
Lenses
If you are just starting out, it is advisable to go with a lens between 85mm and 135mm. Once you are more comfortable with shooting portraits, you may consider experimenting with zoom lenses for close-up shots.
Tripod
Having a sturdy tripod helps you to set up your camera and get your subject in sharp focus without having to worry about shaky hands. This allows you to focus on your subject and capture varying experiences from the same vantage point.
Lighting
At the bare minimum, you should have a speedlight or flash attachment for your digital camera. This is particularly crucial for portraits that are taken indoors or at a studio. A speedlight or flash attachments help to recreate some of that natural light that the environment lacks as opposed to shooting outdoors.
Backdrop
If you are taking your portrait photographs in a studio, stick with a simple backdrop. Most backdrops come in a variety of materials which includes muslin, canvas and paper.
Tips to get comfortable with your portrait subject
Besides being able to deftly handle a camera, a good portrait photographer needs to be able to make their subject feel comfortable. After all, your photographs are meant to make them look their best.
Ideally, this photographer-subject relationship should begin before a shoot so that it allows your subject time to warm up to you.
Meet your subject over coffee
If you will be shooting a complete stranger, it is best to meet them over coffee to find out more about their background. What are their interests and hobbies? What do they do for work? Are there any places that hold special meanings for them? This pre-shoot research helps to channel a sense of genuinity that should facilitate a productive and comfortable shoot.
Learn how to interpret body language
Some people are a natural in front of the camera while others may need time to gradually warm up. There may also be some with plenty of time on their hands and are willing to sit for hours while others may prefer to rush through the process. It then becomes your responsibility to interpret your subject’s body language and make necessary tweaks to the flow of the shoot.
Share your process
Sharing the process flow of your shoot with your subject allows them to know what to expect, helping them feel more comfortable. Show them results of their shoot during the process and ask for their thoughts and opinions. Make the shoot a collaborative session and this will help you achieve true portrait photographs.
Editor’s Note:
While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information.
If you are a service provider and wish to be featured in this listing (MediaOne reviews are read by hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans), please contact us at enquiry@mm.com.sg. There is no charge! Please allow us up to 3 working days to review before adjusting the information or including your entry.
