Fort Canning Park is a gorgeous and rustic hilltop landmark located in central Singapore. It has no lack of pretty photo-spots perfect for that cosy and organic Family photoshoot. It is an awesome combination of greenery and history, dotted with benches and swings, perfect for the little ones in tow.
Situated on higher ground (48m in height), it is often breezy and airy at Fort Canning park, making it a cooling, comfortable location to spend time in.
Read on for some tips and photo spots for a great Fort Canning Park Family photoshoot!
#1 Choose a suitable timing for outdoor photoshoot
For an outdoor shoot, choosing the correct timing is very important. Personally, I find that morning sunlight is the best for photoshoots because it is soft and warm. Additionally, the morning mist creates a very magical feel to everything! I usually start my outdoor sessions around 8:30AM or 9AM, trying not to start later than 10AM. Another great timing is the sunset evening, the golden hour starting around 5:30PM or 6PM.
#2 Coordinate your outfits
Coordinating the colours of your outfits will give your photographs a more polished and finished look.
An outdoor photoshoot might get a wee bit warm, especially with the humid weather prevalent in Singapore; so white or light pastel colours are recommended.
Summery fabrics like linens or cottons will turn out very well for that perfect summer look as well!
Think light cotton dresses for the girls and breezy shirts for the boys!
Colours to avoid for outdoor photoshoot: Green and Blue
Tips: Uniqlo has excellent light and classic summer outfits.
#3 Travel lightly
Prepare a large tote bag that you won’t mind placing on the grass/ground, to carry all your essential items (the minimums like phone, tissue and some cash) in. Do bring along some water to keep yourself hydrate too!
Tips: Prepare some oil-blotter to remove any oil shine as it can get warm during an outdoor shoot! Remember to pack some mosquito repellent too!
#4 Minimum makeup are encourage for the ladies
As the Singapore weather does get rather humid on some days, light makeup will be sufficient for outdoor photoshoots. Suggestion: loose powder, blusher and a coral colour lipstick.
Tip: Apply your makeup under natural light, because if it looks good in natural light, it will look great under most lighting.
#5 Prepare to play and be silly
After all that preparation, the day of the photoshoot is finally here! Have fun! Laugh, giggle, joke. Don’t be afraid of tossing your child in the air or giving your spouse a kiss on the cheek. After all, fun and candid pictures are what you want captured.
Suggestion: Try to refrain from standing behind the photographer and yelling at your child “Smile! Smile! Look here!“. This might put pressure on the kids and increase their stress levels; resulting in stiff, unnatural smiles. Instead, step back and allow your photographer to interact and guide your children (and you!)
#6 Not everybody has to be smiling at the camera together
The best photographs are often the ones where everybody is relaxed and/or engaging with each other. Natural and candid images are often the ones that will be most treasured in the years to come. Understand that not everyone (specially young children) needs to be looking and smiling at the camera in unison..
Suggestion: While I strive for candid laughing photographs, toddlers will be toddlers. Meltdowns or tantrums are totally normal and in fact, these makes for perfect adorable images! Read my ultimate guide on managing toddler here!
Preparing for an outdoor photoshoot might be stressful but it need not be. Capturing a beautiful family portrait starts with a happy, no-stress mood! So prepare yourself and your family for a happy outing, and my job will be to simply capture the magic and smiles that are already there!
