4 INSTA HACKS
That'll Spruce Up Your IG Feed Instantly“4 Insta-Hacks that’ll Spruce Up Your IG Feed Instantly”
[ Source Credit: Trình Minh Thư ]
Gone are the days where you need a professional camera to capture a stunning image. Today, the only tools we need can be found in our hands or around us: our phone and a few tricks up our sleeves. After all, years of Instagram have taught us that photos can be produced anytime and anywhere! Well, now that Phase 2 is here, and your calendar is filling up with appointments for work, errands or social meet-ups – why not use this as an opportunity to head out and snap new photos and spruce up your feed?
To make you a better photographer after the circuit breaker, we’ve collected some ideas to help make your photos double-tap worthy. From finding unique backgrounds to customising filters, these tips and tricks will help improve your pictures. If you’re planning a visit to Far East Square soon, you’re in luck. Continue scrolling to see where and how you can try these hacks today.
1) Look out for unique backgrounds
Singapore may be a small country, but it’s filled with picturesque spots in every corner. We might not have high mountains or deep valleys, but we have a mix of modern architecture and heritage buildings that have the potential to become interesting backdrops for your photos.
Here at Far East Square, we recommend getting your shot in between the row of orange and red shophouses. Flanking you on both left and right, take centre stage in the middle and have your camera aimed at you from the knee or ground level to create shots that feel larger than life. While you’re there, why not pop by the Fuk Tak Chi Museum for more pictures? Established in 1824, it’s one of the oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore! Today, it’s full of history, intricate artworks, as well as miniature models that show what life was once like on this very street. You can even use the pillars and walls around you as a backdrop while natural light floods in from the top.
2) Take advantage of natural light
[ Source Credit: The Pavilion ]
Twelve hours of daylight in Singapore means plenty of opportunities to snap photos in the day, which can light up your feed when it comes to portraits, and even more so when it comes to the perennial favourite: selfies. For a soft, natural photo, time your shots wisely. Heading there in the evenings? Position your camera for a backlit photo, and you’ll have bright, golden flares as natural filters. Be careful to avoid flash! Or glare spots might appear on reflective surfaces like glasses, plates or reflective clothing.
When at Far East Square, keep an eye out for one of Lim Leong Seng's masterpiece. Located near The Pavilion, the sculpture features schoolchildren playing a friendly game of 'chapteh', a feathered shuttlecock juggled using the heel of the foot, while brick walls and glass windows surround you with natural light for a picture.
3) Bring your photos to life with props
[ Source Credit: Ya Kun Kaya Toast ]
Adding a good prop can give context or accentuate the mood of a photo. But that doesn't mean you need to lug around a bag full of accessories with you. Look around, and you'll see that the city is full of hidden surprises – from flowers around you to a book that you're reading, or even the food and drinks you’re having Simply look for props with contrasting elements and it’ll give your photo that extra dash of energy and colour.
What about when you’re at Far East Square? We recommend pausing for coffee at Singapore’s flagship Ya Kun (18 China Street, #01-01) stall while you take your shot in this authentic, family-run shop. Position yourself with a cup of kopi, a bowl of soft-boiled eggs and crispy kaya toast – and frame your story around how past and present co-exist; with the character and spirit of traditional shophouses juxtaposed alongside the glass and steel structures of Far East Square’s architecture.
4) Experiment with edits and filters
[ Source Credit: Fuk Tak Chi Museum ]
Getting the right shot is 50% of the battle. To take your photos to another level, you’ll have to edit them and bring across the style or lighting that you’re going for. For instance, if you prefer the warm tones of summer, pump up the saturation and contrast in your photos and layer on additional highlights in warmer hues like red, orange or yellow. But if the vibe of your feed is cooler, airy and light, you might want to explore lowering the saturation, brightening your photos and adding on cooler hues like blue.
These may sound complicated at first but get the right photo-editing app and you'll be set for a long time! Popular favourites include Snapseed, Afterlight, Lightroom and VSCO. The great part about these apps has got to be how easily and quickly you can apply your favourite filter to any image – thanks to predefined edits! Simply customise a setting you like and save it. For future edits, just tap on your filter and off you go!
The beautiful thing about photography is that there are many ways to approach photo taking. If you stumble on a method, angle or filter that works – keep going! What matters most is that you have fun along the way, because it’s only when you do, that it'll come through in your pictures.
For those of you planning a trip to Far East Square, be sure to share your photos with us on Instagram by tagging @shopfareast! We'll be the first to double-tap.