Say goodbye to the days of shamefully snatching your passport away from a prying friend when travelling together – Studio03, a homegrown photography studio conveniently located near the ICA Building, will change the game for your official headshots. As the only studio in Singapore specialising in aesthetically pleasing Korean-style portraits, this lifesaver will ensure you’ll never feel embarrassed about your IC and passport photos ever again.
The trick? Flattering lighting tailored to each individual, paired with masterful edits. Yes, the photos are edited to bring out your best – so any unsightly acne, stray hairs, or wrinkled shirt collars can be fixed in a few expert clicks. As close-up shots tend to visually bloat the face, you can also opt for digital contour and have your face made slightly smaller in the photo.
But there’s no catfishing here. Rest assured that all editing is done in a natural manner – so it’s still clearly you, just a little more glamorous – and follows ICA’s strict requirements. For the record, I’ve gone on 12 trips and counting with my Studio03 passport photo, and have never once had issues at immigration counters.
If this doesn’t convince you, then know that Studio03 also counts ICA staff members as part of its customer base.
An IC/passport photo session costs $40, and you’ll get to keep a soft copy of your edited photo along with eight print-outs. Everything is efficiently done in 30 minutes, so you can even head off for your ICA appointment right after that.
For something less formal, consider a profile photo ($70), where you can choose from over 50 coloured backdrops and have more fun with your styling and posing. This is a popular pick for LinkedIn headshots, though some customers also book it to commemorate special milestones like birthdays and graduation.
And if you want a full Korean-inspired makeover before your shoot, book Modeu03 – Studio03’s in-house hair and makeup services – to channel your inner unnie or oppa. Those who are doing IC/passport photos will get a more toned-down look, while profile photos offer more leeway for fun accessories like hair bows and face gems.
Studio03 is located at CT HUB 2 #10-85, within walking distance of both Bendemeer and Lavender MRT stations. Photo sessions are strictly by appointment only. Find out more and make your booking here.
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