Photo Studio At Lavender Does The Glammest Korean-Style IC/Passport Photos & LinkedIn-Worthy Headshots
We snap selfies with reckless abandon and will pull out all the stops for mini-photoshoots at Instagram-worthy cafes, but no one ever gets excited over a passport photo session. That’s because these formal studio shots usually tend to be unglam AF, and it doesn’t help that we have to look “professional” and stick to legal requirements.
STUDIO03, a photography studio in Lavender, is set to change all that with their super glam Korean-style IC and passport photos. They also do portraits suitable for LinkedIn profiles or job applications.
Photo from STUDIO03
STUDIO03 was founded by Singaporean photographer Tiffany (pictured below). As a fashion-forward individual who understands how we all wish to look good - even in “boring” photos for official documentation - she’ll help you achieve the best headshots you’ll ever dream of having.
Photo from STUDIO03
Previously located in a humble little unit at Toa Payoh, STUDIO03 has since moved to a much bigger space at Lavender - incidentally within walking distance of the ICA building so you can easily zip off to your appointment right after getting your photos settled.
Photo from STUDIO03
Though this venture was initially run as a one-woman show, the overwhelming demand for Tiffany’s flawless portraits have led to her expanding her business with a couple of staff under her. These protégés both have a Lasalle background and have undergone extensive training under the master herself , so no matter who you choose to make your booking with, you’ll be in great hands regardless.
Photo from STUDIO03
Billie (pictured below, right) hails from Korea and is fluent in Korean, English, and Japanese, while Isabel (below, left) is local and can speak basic Korean - which works out perfectly since STUDIO03 is popular not just among Singaporeans, but also Koreans and Japanese residing in Singapore. If you have international friends here who need new headshots, you know where to send them!
Photo from STUDIO03
For IC and passport photos, you’ll be given a plain white background as per government and ICA requirements, and will have to look kempt with both eyebrows visible. Minor editing will be included, so worry not if you’re having a breakout or have flyaway hairs that just won’t stay in place - all that will be taken care of nicely. You can even request for edits that’ll make you look slimmer, along with strategic contour!
Photo from STUDIO03
I was amazed by how quickly my photo was touched up right on the spot. With her superb skills and attention to detail, Tiffany somehow managed to clone and flip my shirt collar and paste it on the other side to cover up some uneven and crumpled bits in a natural-looking way. Looking at the photo, you’d never would have guessed.
Photo from STUDIO03
As for profile photos (just like what Titus Low got!) you’ll get more leeway in terms of angles and backgrounds. In fact, STUDIO03 has over 50 background colours for you to choose from. Made from paper, these will be manually hung up behind you. If you can’t decide on which colour to pick, team STUDIO03 will very kindly do a couple of quick test shots for you so you can see which one suits you and your outfit best.
Photo from STUDIO03
Photo from STUDIO03
Photos will be taken from 3 angles - left profile, right profile, and straight-on - and you will get to review them immediately after to pick your favourite. Since profile photos are not used for official documents, you can also request to alter your features to your liking, for example, sharpening your jawline, raising your nose bridge, or making your chipmunk cheeks less chubby-looking.
Photo from STUDIO03
Wanna spice things up? Opt for a paddlepop background with a $5 top-up. The colours will be manually painted on during the editing stage, so you can choose where you’d like specific hues to be! Alternatively, go classic with black and white, also with the same top-up price.
Once you’re happy with the final product, physical copies of your photo will be printed out. A digital version of your photo will also be sent to you so you can upload your winning shot on social media with ease.
Photo from STUDIO03
STUDIO03 does couple portraits and pet portraits too! There are even cute animal collars in the studio that you can dress your furbaby up with.
Here’s the price list:
- IC/Passport photo: $25 (1 edited soft copy, 8 prints)
- Profile photo: $50 (2 edited soft copy, 8 prints)
- Couple photo: $80 (1 edited soft copy, 8 prints)
- Pet photo: $120 (2 edited soft copies, 8 prints)
Photo from STUDIO03
Prices are on the steeper end compared to that of neighbourhood photo stores, but for a passport photo that you won’t be embarrassed to show off, it’s worth the cash - especially since Singaporean passport validities have been doubled to 10 years.
On top of these headshots, STUDIO03 now also offers family photo services. Priced at $300 for up to 4 pax ($30 for additional persons or pets), this involves 45 minutes of shooting, after which you’ll receive 1 highly edited photo, 1 4R print, and all RAW files colour-edited and sent to you as digital copies.
Photo from STUDIO03
Sessions at STUDIO03 are strictly by appointment only. No walk-ins are accepted. Check out their available slots and book your session here.
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