Skai Chan Photography vs Other Photo Studios in Singapore
A humble, transparent look at how my solo approach compares with larger studios — highlighting both advantages and limitations.
My Personal Approach
At Skai Chan Photography, I work alone — personally overseeing every step of the process, from planning to shooting to editing. This ensures consistent quality, privacy, and a direct relationship with each client. Unlike bigger studios with multiple staff members, my approach is intimate and hands‑on. I also shoot anywhere: at your home, outdoors, or in my private portrait studio. While this means I cannot provide certain conveniences that larger studios sometimes offer, it guarantees that every image reflects my own vision and care.
Table of Comparison
| Aspect | Skai Chan Photography | Typical Photo Studios |
|---|---|---|
| Team & Workflow | Sole photographer, personally oversees all shoots and edits | Multiple photographers, editors, and staff with varied styles |
| Capacity | Limited shoot capacity due to working alone | Higher capacity with more manpower to handle multiple clients |
| Client Selection | Carefully select clients to ensure quality and fit | Often accept clients promptly to sustain overheads |
| Portfolio Consistency | WYSIWYG portfolio — every image is my own work | Portfolios may include mixed work from different photographers |
| Location Variety | I can shoot anywhere — client’s home, office, outdoors, or my private studio | Some studios may have restrictions on location or prefer only in-studio shoots |
| Outdoor Shoot | Capable of night outdoor shoots using professional lighting | Some studios may have limitations or avoid night outdoor sessions |
| Editing | I shoot in my style and know exactly what needs editing | The editor may not be the photographer and may not understand the intent of each shot |
| Post-Production Privacy | Occasionally seek feedback from my wife | Different staff may view unedited photos |
| Privacy Buyout | Upfront about the privacy buyout option | Some studios may not be transparent for fear of losing clients |
| Studio Space | Humble private home studio | Larger commercial studios with multiple sets and backdrops |
| Studio Availability | Extremely flexible timing | Dependent on staff working hours |
| Enquiries | I prioritise genuine clients. Replies are direct from me and may take longer | Instant responses from dedicated admin staff |
| Sales Approach | No free coffee chats or upselling — sessions focus on photography. I advise against unnecessary add-ons | Some studios offer free consultations, upsells, or packages with extras |
| Pricing | Transparent, essentials-focused packages listed clearly on my website | May include bundled upsells or premium add-ons |
| Outfits | No in-house wardrobe or outfit provision | Some studios provide outfits or props |
| Lighting Setup | Customised lighting crafted personally for each shoot | Default preset setups, sometimes handled by less experienced photographers |
| Makeup Artists | Work with freelance makeup artists; they receive full fee without commission | Studios may have in-house makeup artists or take commissions from freelancers |
| Atmosphere | Intimate, homely, and comfortable | Professional, polished, but sometimes impersonal |
| Posing Style | Guided lifestyle poses | Template or recycled poses |
| Session Experience | Informal, passionate, and personalised | Varies depending on staff and studio |
| Passion & Reputation | I work to build my own brand and reputation, putting in full effort | Staff are employees; effort may vary depending on motivation and oversight |
| Income | I earn directly through my effort, taking jobs that fit my rates | Studios have high overheads; staff may not be well paid, which can affect effort |
| Limitations | Smaller space, slower replies, limited capacity, no wardrobe service | More facilities, faster communication, sometimes more options |
Narrative Expansions
Team & Workflow
Working alone means I personally handle every shoot and edit. This ensures consistency and a personal touch, though larger studios with multiple staff can manage more clients at once.
Capacity
Because I work solo, my schedule fills quickly and I can only take on a limited number of shoots. Bigger studios, with more manpower, can accommodate higher volumes of clients.
Client Selection
I carefully select clients to ensure alignment in vision and expectations. Studios often accept clients more readily to sustain overheads, which can make them more accessible but less selective.
Portfolio Consistency
Every image in my portfolio is my own work. In larger studios, portfolios may mix work from different photographers, which can lead to varied styles and quality.
Location Variety
I can shoot anywhere — at a client’s home, office, outdoors, or in my private portrait studio. Some studios may have restrictions on location or prefer only in-studio shoots.
Outdoor Shoot
I am able to shoot outdoors even at night, using professional lighting to ensure quality. Some studios may have limitations or avoid night outdoor sessions altogether.
Editing
Since I shoot in my style, I know exactly what needs editing. In studios, editors may not be the photographers themselves, which can sometimes dilute the original intent of each shot.
Post-Production Privacy
Occasionally, I seek feedback from my wife, but otherwise your photos remain private. In studios, multiple staff may view unedited photos during the workflow.
Privacy Buyout
I am upfront about offering a privacy buyout option. Some studios may not highlight this clearly, fearing it could discourage clients.
Studio Space
My humble home studio is cozy and private. Larger studios provide multiple sets and backdrops, but may feel less personal.
Studio Availability
My timing is extremely flexible since I manage my own schedule. Studios often depend on staff working hours, which can limit availability.
Enquiries
I prioritise genuine clients and reply personally, which may take longer. Studios usually have admin staff to provide instant responses.
Sales Approach
I don’t upsell or hold coffee chats — sessions focus purely on photography. Studios may offer free consultations designed to promote packages or add-ons.
Pricing
My packages are transparent and listed clearly on my website. Studios may include bundled upsells or premium add-ons that increase costs.
Outfits
I don’t provide in-house wardrobes or props. Some studios do, though not all, which can be convenient for clients seeking variety.
Lighting Setup
I customise lighting for each shoot to flatter the subject and mood. Studios may rely on preset setups, sometimes handled by less experienced photographers.
Makeup Artists
I collaborate with freelance makeup artists and ensure they receive their full fee without commissions. Studios may have in-house artists or take a cut from freelancers.
Atmosphere
My sessions are intimate and homely. Studios are polished and professional, but can feel impersonal depending on the environment.
Posing Style
I guide clients with natural lifestyle poses. Studios may rely on template or recycled poses, which can feel less personalised.
Session Experience
I keep sessions informal, passionate, and personalised. Studio experiences vary depending on staff and workflow.
Passion & Reputation
I work to build my own brand and reputation, putting in full effort for every client. Studio staff are employees, and their level of effort may vary depending on motivation and oversight.
Income
I earn directly through my effort, taking jobs that fit my rates. Studios often have high overheads, and staff may not be well paid, which can affect the effort they put into each shoot.
Limitations
I openly acknowledge my limitations: smaller space, slower replies, limited capacity, and no wardrobe service. Studios may offer more facilities and faster communication.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, what matters most is the quality of the photographs. Every studio has its own strengths and limitations, and I’ve been transparent about mine. The best way to decide if we should work together is to look at my portfolio. If the style, quality, and authenticity of my images are what you’re seeking, then I’d be honoured to collaborate with you.
Photography is deeply personal — it’s not about the size of the studio or the number of staff, but about whether the final images resonate with your vision. If my portfolio reflects the kind of work you want, then we’ll be a great fit.
please show some appreciation by following me on:
You can also help by sharing this website with friends or communities who may find it useful.
Do check out my other photography tips!
Scan QR to visit this website