Backstage with Singapore’s Most Popular Family Photostudio – An interview with a Family Photographer

Published 31 March 2022 at 22:29

Tickikids Blog Singapore >  Digest >  Backstage with Singapore’s Most Popular Family Photostudio – An interview with a Family Photographer

Exterior oh Dear studio evening view & Blair Plain – Kampong Bahru row of shophouses, in which Oh Dear Studio is housed.

Nestled in the heritage site of Blair Plains, Oh Dear Studio is housed in a picturesque colonial shophouse that is charming and cozy. This popular photo studio specializes in personal portraiture, capturing the essence and dynamic of each client; and crafting timeless portraits for all who walk through its door.   

Ever wondered what is it like to juggle between running one of Singapore's most popular Family Photo Studio, raising two children, and rearing pet chickens? Come backstage with us as we sit down and chat with Melody, photographer, and founder of Oh Dear Studio.

Melody Lin, photographer and founder of Oh Dear Studio

Why did you decide to set up Oh Dear Studio back in 2020? Wasn’t it a challenge right after Singapore’s Circuit Breaker 2020?

I have been photographing professionally since 2010. During 2020’s Circuit Breaker, I was feeling very unhappy with the direction my life had taken, as I was working at another photography studio and had very little say about a lot of things. Under the encouragement of my husband and then 7-year-old daughter, I took the plunge to quit and try striking it out on my own.

Looking back, it was a rather bold move, opening a new business during Circuit Breaker. But I wouldn’t have done it any differently.

K2 Graduation Photoshoot in Oh Dear Studio

What were some of the challenges of setting up your own studio?

Setting up Oh Dear Studio physically was easy. I always knew exactly what I wanted for a studio – a cozy little space, filled with natural light and vintage flair. I found this space on property guru and decided right on the first viewing that this was it.

Having gained tremendous support from all my lovely clients over the years. Some old clients have turned into friends and we keep in touch via social media. They also became my first clients during the first few tough months.

The official opening happened on 1st Aug 2020 and my neighbor (a Korean family) was my very first client on that very first day! I couldn’t be more thankful for the support.

Some of the challenges I faced then included not having a large enough portfolio to convince the public we were a real studio, as well as maintaining a proper work-life balance.

100 Day old Baby celebration photoshoot in Oh Dear Studio 

70-year-old lady celebrating her birthday in the studio with glamour portrait 

What sets Oh Dear Studio apart from other photography studios in Singapore?

Unlike most photography studios with large teams (or the means to outsource retouching work to China), I run the studio by myself, only with the help of a photography assistant. I handle my own marketing, social media presence, customer enquiries, photoshoots, retouching, and more. This ensures I have good quality control over every aspect of the business. (My daughter calls me a control freak. Haha.)

I firmly believe in prompt speedy response too. All enquires are usually replied to within the hour, if not minutes! I DO NOT let clients wait.

Apart from our great customer service, genuine honesty is what sets us apart. All our pricing/rates are fixed and transparently published on our website. We strive to achieve beautiful photographs for each of our clients. We are also constantly changing our photography settings for fresh new looks. Consequently, we have been getting recognition and features from various media over time.

Latest Floral setting in Oh Dear Studio. Exclusively for Spring 2022 only!

Tell us what a typical day is like for you running the studio?

Like most working moms with schooling children, I wake up at 6 AM during weekdays. Mornings are a blur getting everyone ready and packed off to work/school. If I have morning shoots, I will be in the studio typically by 9 AM to tidy and freshen up the space.

Any spare pockets of time (usually during commute) will either be spent answering enquires, searching for my next shoot inspiration, or reading. (I love fantasy books!) My afternoons will be spent processing, retouching images, designing coffee table albums, and/or getting back to clients.

The evening will be another mad rush: feeding my pet chickens, cooking dinner, getting everyone ready for bed. I will often try to squeeze in a little work time after the kids are asleep – sending out images to clients or to print. It is sometimes a series of crazy days for me.

Spending time with family and striking work-life-balance is a tough one for most working mama

Chicken? Tell us more about your pet chicken!

Did you know one can legally keep chickens as pets in Singapore? They are the most cuddly and productive pets ever! After all, which pet gives you breakfast every morning? I have had a Polish Hen, as well as a Silkie Hen. Currently, I have a pair of Serama Chickens. I love to just sit down and hang out with them, observing their silly antics.

Did you know chickens make great pets?

P/s Oh Dear Studio is a pet-friendly studio and great animal lovers!

How do you get inspiration for your photoshoots?

I get inspiration from my kids! I have a 6yo boy and a 9yo girl. Often, I would ‘consult’ them and seek their opinion on any new ideas I have. I also regularly check on my muses and favourite photographers’ works.

With the ever-changing media landscape, it is important to stay relevant. Surfing Instagram and watching reels have also helped me stay in touch with the latest trends.

Celebrating 21-year-old birthday in the studio with her pet dogs!

Among your works, which one is your favourite, and why?

That is like asking a mother who is her favourite child (laughs). All of my work are my favourites. Believe it or not, I can still remember almost every one of my photographed clients and family throughout my 12 years of professional photography.

There was that time my client rented a yacht for a surprise marriage proposal.

I shot a couple riding camels along the beach of Bali.

I was photographing along the railway tracks of Tanglin Halt when a train came chugging by.

Photographing at the now-long-gone but iconic Queensway Cinema. And more!

Oh Dear Studio is known for their extended multi Gen Family photoshoot.

What’s the most rewarding part of being a photographer?

I will say having the privilege to witness families grow and knowing that my work and portraits will forever be treasured, is the greatest reward for me. Some of the newborns & toddlers I photographed years ago are now in primary school and even secondary school!

Picture with clients as well as behind-the-scene during photoshoots

And what’s the most bittersweet part of being a photographer, are there any?

One incident, in particular, stood out to me. I photographed a graduation shoot in December 2021 and later learned that the father had unfortunately passed on a couple of months after the shoot. The client later thanked me for capturing their last portrait with their late father.

This made me realize that life and the time we have with our family is really limited and it is important to take a family portrait. After all, that is the only meaningful legacy we can leave behind for our loved ones.

Portraits are the most meaningful legacy we can leave for our family

Lastly, how would you describe your photography style?

Candid, natural, spontaneous. That said, I do not really adhere to a fixed style. Every photoshoot is tailored to the client – if they are goofy and fun-loving, the pictures will speak for themselves and naturally exude child-like happiness and spontaneity.

If the client is chic and stylish, the photos will turn out fashionable and classic.

My team and I would love to meet you and your family. Check out our Gallery here and let’s chat about your next session with us! Coffee is on us too!