Capturing Unfiltered Memories at Singapore’s First Self-Photo Studio

CHLOE WONG reviews the experience of a black and white photoshoot at fotomat studios.

A 15-minute timer starts counting down as my friends and I take a seat on two white chairs against a grey backdrop. We strut confident poses in front of a camera as I say, “3, 2, 1…” and press a shutter clicker in my hands.

This is a typical scene one would come across at Fotomat Studios, Singapore’s first Korean-inspired self-photo studio, which recently opened in April 2021.

A self-photo studio is where people can have their own photoshoots without a photographer.

Mr Kevin Chu, 22, owner of Fotomat Studios, started his very own black and white self-photo studio to make portrait photography more enjoyable and fun.

“I wanted to create a new photography experience in Singapore by letting people take their own portraits with the use of a camera trigger,” says Mr Chu.

I decided to take a trip down to Fotomat to see if the experience was worth the hype mentioned on social media.

I was required to book a session through Fotomat’s website, as slots for the studio are limited and released exactly one week beforehand.

The booking process was challenging, as it was a test of ‘fastest fingers first’ to reserve a timeslot. After several failed attempts, I enlisted the help of my friends to assist me.

“We had to camp on the website just to secure a slot for our ideal date and time,” says Ms Brenda Khar, 18, a customer of Fotomat, and a friend who visited the studio with me.

The photoshoot costs $30 for two persons, with an additional $10 for every extra person.

Located in the heart of Singapore, the studio is found on the third floor of the Stamford Arts Centre, a 10-minute walk from Bugis MRT.

The studio’s walls were filled with black and white photos and the place was minimally decorated. PHOTO BY: CHLOE WONG

“Once we got there, my friends and I were surprised by how nice the place looked,” says Ms Khar. “It was spacious, and the staff were very friendly.”

The tranquil environment included comfortable seats that customers could rest on while waiting. PHOTO BY: CHLOE WONG

We were allowed 15 minutes to take as many photos as we wanted. As soon as the timer started, we snapped away.

Apart from professional equipment provided for the photoshoot, there was also a grey backdrop and two white chairs that we could move aside. PHOTO BY: CHLOE WONG

Since there were three of us, it was difficult to come up with creative poses without a photographer’s guidance.

“A professional photographer would know how to position their subjects right to suit the lighting and shooting conditions,” says Mr Djibril Lim Jing Heng, 19, a freelance professional photographer with three years of experience.

He added that customers who go to Fotomat without prior photography knowledge “may pose in ways which are not favourable for the lighting”.

Despite running out of ideas at times, we continued posing and capturing candid shots. To some customers, this aspect of the photoshoot made the experience more exciting.

“It was a lot of fun with my friends because we weren't really prepared for it, so it was more spontaneous,” says Ms Khar.

At the same time, my friends and I felt comfortable throughout the photoshoot as we didn’t have to worry about judgment from others.

“By removing the photographer from the process, I want to encourage more bold, expressive and innovative poses, which come out more when people are given a private space,” says Mr Chu

Without anyone behind the camera, we gained the confidence to pose freely. PHOTO BY: FOTOMAT STUDIOS

“Professional shoots can be rather intimidating as the photographer will be instructing the subjects on where to stand, move and pose,” says Mr Lim. “In Fotomat, it's really up to the customers to decide and play around with!”

After completing the session, we were given 10 minutes to pick four photos for printing. We were initially given one hard copy per person, but were offered one more by posting on Instagram and tagging Fotomat’s account.

“It felt very rushed because 10 minutes may seem like a long time, but from 60 over pictures, we only could choose four,” says Ms Khar. PHOTO BY: CHLOE WONG

My friends and I purchased soft copies of our photos for another $30. The total price for the three of us was $70, but with a 10 per cent student discount, it eventually amounted to $22 per person.

The studio had many Instagram-worthy spots where we could take pictures and document our experience. PHOTO BY: CHLOE WONG

“The price is definitely worth the experience although it’s slightly costly for students,” says Ms Khar. “It’s quite affordable for good quality pictures, especially with your friends.”

Overall, I would recommend Fotomat Studios to those interested in having a photoshoot at an affordable price. Although you are restricted to a time limit for the session, the aesthetically-pleasing and judgment-free environment of the studio makes it an ideal place to capture memories for people of all ages.

Name: Fotomat Studios

Address: 3F, 155 Waterloo St, Stamford Arts Centre, S187962

Price: $30 for two pax, additional $10 for every extra pax (not inclusive of student discount)

Duration: 15 minutes