Melody Lin of Oh Dear Studio Shares Her Tips on How to Work a Photoshoot

Create lasting and memorable keepsakes with a bespoke photography session at Oh Dear Studio

It’s commonly said that “A picture is worth a thousand words”. After all, photographs play an important role in our lives, connecting us to our past and reminding us of the people we know, the places we’ve visited, the feelings we experienced at that moment, and the stories of the moments captured in time.

And no one knows this better than photographer and owner of Oh Dear Studio, Melody Lin.

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Above Lin is a maestro at capturing special moments

Above Her top tip for a great photoshoot is to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and rest well the night before

Lin is a maestro at capturing special moments

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“I used to work long hours in advertising as well as in architectural visualisation firms. The works produced were, sadly, not permanent. They were usually discarded as soon as the campaign is over. When a friend requested me to photograph them for their couple portraits 12 years ago, I realised that photography products are, on the contrary, forever. To me, photographs are always cherished and are priceless to the owner, because pictures are the only way we can preserve a moment frozen in time.”

Lin dived into the world of photography when she did her own pre-wedding photoshoot in 2009 because she couldn’t find a photograph who was able to do the style—spontaneous, candid and real with a mix of a vintage, bright and airy feel, that she wanted in Singapore. “When some of my friends saw my work, they fell in love with them and wanted me to photograph them as well. And that’s how I started.” This led her to post her photographs on WordPress, and soon, she was getting enquiries from other couples who liked her style.

In 2010, Lin started Oh Dear Photography, her professional photography business.

Above Lin at her photography studio, which lets in plenty of natural sunlight

Lin at her photography studio, which lets in plenty of natural sunlight

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But it was only during the pandemic that Lin took the leap of faith and opened her own photography studio. “Many people were facing uncertainty and upheavals at work during the onset of the Circuit Breaker in 2020. This was particularly hard for me as I had to juggle between my home, my kids and demands at work. I was looking for options that would provide me with more flexibility and started to toy with the idea of starting my own studio.”

And the person who gave Lin the strength to do so was her then seven-year-old daughter. “She said ‘If not now, then when?’ and ‘If you fail, you try again and again’.” Such wise words from a young child.

In 2020, Oh Dear Studio was born.

Situated in the picturesque and quaint Blair Plain Conservation Area, Oh Dear Studio specialises in pre-wedding, family, baby, children and graduation photoshoots, as well as corporate portraits. From a multi-generational family shoot that included four generations and a 105-year-old grandmother to a kindergarten graduation photoshoot of a little boy with a real pony and a surprised marriage proposal on a yacht, every photoshoot is unique and memorable.

Above Another top tip from Lin is to pack what you want to bring along to the photoshoot the night before

Above Says Lin, “A photoshoot is so much more than just the photographs; it is an experience in itself. Let the photographer know your preferred style, make sure to put on some light makeup, bring some snacks and you’re good to go!”

Another top tip from Lin is to pack what you want to bring along to the photoshoot the night before

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Above A family portrait by Oh Dear Studio

A family portrait by Oh Dear Studio

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Three Reasons Why Oh Dear Studio Is A Snap Above The Rest

#1: Working With Expert Insights

Fun fact: Lin’s children are not only her muses and inspiration, but they are also her advisors when it comes to planning set designs for photoshoots that involve children. “I often consult them on new studio-settings and we work out which settings children would like and which won’t work,” says Lin.

Above A graduation portrait shot on Oh Dear Studio’s rooftop

A graduation portrait shot on Oh Dear Studio’s rooftop

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#2: Keeping Things Natural

Oh Dear Studio specialises in natural light photography. What this means is that the photos are taken using sunlight rather than studio lighting. “Sunlight is warm (in colour), and wraps around the subject, unlike studio light, which can be one-dimensional and less-flattering,” Lin explains. The challenge though, is that one has less control over natural light; as it is difficult to change its direction and intensity. “But when done well, the results are often stunning, magical and heart-warming.”

And while you can always opt to go outdoors to take advantage of what Mother Nature has to offer, Oh Dear Studio also offers an indoor option thanks to its French-style full, glass windows that allow ample natural sunlight to stream through throughout the day.

#3: Bespoke Photography, Elevated

At Oh Dear Studio, no two photoshoots are ever alike. Besides the “standard” studio backdrop, there is also the flexibility in having your pictures taken amidst greenery (you don’t even have to venture far, just climb the steps up to the studio’s rooftop), amongst charming Peranakan shophouses in the neighbourhood or even head off-site for special shoots that include real live horses.

In addition, Lin adds that the flow of each photography session is also different. “I do not have a standard template ‘work flow’. Instead, each shoot is customised to the client. If the little ones are fussy, they can always take a break and have some snacks while I photograph the parents’ couple portrait or even update Daddy’s LinkedIn profile with a corporate portrait.”