In 2009, in the heart of River Valley, there stood a shophouse that, for all intents and purposes, could have remained just that—a charming relic from another era, watching the city evolve around it. But for Dan and Elaine, that shophouse was the beginning of something far more profound. It was the place where White Room Studio was born.
A brother and sister, armed with cameras, dreams, and perhaps a touch of reckless optimism, opened the doors of a modest photography studio. They didn’t have much—just their passion and an idea of capturing moments that matter, preserving the fleeting beauty of time. And so, they did what anyone who dares to dream does—they began.
The early days were hard. There’s no sugarcoating that. Like any story worth telling, this one involved its fair share of late nights, doubts, and those ever-present whispers of “Can we actually do this?” But Dan and Elaine were patient, and they were persistent. Their portfolio grew, one client at a time, each project a tiny step closer to the dream they carried. Some jobs took them around the world, and slowly, the shophouse started to feel less like a place of work and more like a home—a space filled with stories, laughter, and the undeniable sense of a future unfolding.
– “In 2009, two siblings with a shared passion opened the doors to a little shophouse—and White Room Studio was born. Here’s where our story began, with Dan and Elaine leading the way.”
– “Throwback to our early days! Each photo here is a piece of our journey, capturing moments that made White Room Studio what it is today.”
It’s easy to measure success by numbers or awards, but for White Room Studio, it’s always been about something deeper: connection. From the very first client who trusted Dan and Elaine with their most cherished moments, to the growing team of talented photographers who now bring that same dedication and heart to every shoot, the story of this studio is written in relationships.
And, oh, how the studio has grown. From two to fifteen—fifteen incredible people who make White Room Studio what it is today. Each one of them brings their unique perspective, their own way of seeing the world through a lens, and together they’ve created something incomparable.
– “Meet the heart of White Room Studio! From two to fifteen, our incredible team brings a unique lens and dedication to every shoot.”
2024 has been a big year for White Room Studio, not just because of the milestone anniversary, but also because of something that feels almost poetic in its timing. “The Girl and Her Piano,” White Room Studio’s first ever documentary, premiered this year. The film follows Hillary, Elaine’s daughter, who became the youngest and first foreigner to perform at Bhutan’s Royal Highlands Festival.
And if that wasn’t impressive enough, she had already played the same piece in Antarctica earlier in 2023, a haunting melody composed by Eric Bettens to highlight the urgency of climate change.
From the icebergs of Antarctica to the peaks of the Himalayas, the story of Hillary’s music is a testament to the delicate balance of our world and a reminder of the power of art to move us—whether it’s through a piano or a photograph.
– “‘The Girl and Her Piano’—our first documentary captures a powerful journey across Antarctica and the Himalayas, with Hillary’s music reminding us of the strength of art and our planet’s delicate beauty.”
And as if all of that weren’t enough, the accolades keep pouring in. Tatler has named White Room Studio the Best Portrait Photographer for eight consecutive years, and we’ve taken home not one, but two prestigious awards from the APAC Insider Business Awards: “Best Boutique Photography Studio” and “Best Corporate Photography Studio” of 2024. Not to mention our Gold wins from Sassy Mama and Expat Living Readers Awards. These are more than just trophies—they’re a reflection of the countless hours, the attention to detail, and the sheer love for the craft that defines White Room Studio.
But at the heart of it all, White Room Studio remains what it has always been: a space for stories. Stories of families and friendships, of milestones and quiet moments, of growth and reflection. Photography is personal, and that’s why White Room Studio has thrived—because each photograph isn’t just a picture. It’s a memory, a feeling, a piece of life that’s been caught and held in time.
As Dan, Elaine, and the team look back on the last 15 years, it’s impossible not to feel a deep sense of gratitude. For the clients who trusted them, for the team who joined them, for the community that embraced them. It’s been a journey, and it’s been beautiful.
So, here’s to 15 years of White Room Studio—of love, laughter, and countless memories. And here’s to the next 15 years, to more stories, more dreams, and more of that magic that began all those years ago in a little shophouse.
We can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next.
“Professional, very nice session done with our family to commemorate our youngest turning one and have done this as a bit of a family tradition over the years. Can highly recommend for a beautiful photoshoot for family occasions!“
– Wilfred Diepeveen
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