9 Years Tatler’s Best Photographer | White Room Studio

Being named Tatler Singapore’s Best Portrait Photographer for the ninth consecutive year is something we’re incredibly grateful for. It also made us pause and think about everything that’s happened since we first opened our doors in 2009.

People often ask us what it’s like to receive this recognition year after year. Here are some of the questions we hear most often and our honest answers.

When people hear “award-winning photographer”, they often imagine a single iconic photograph or one unforgettable moment.

For us, it has always been about something much bigger.

Over the years, we’ve photographed thousands of families, from parents expecting their first child, to newborns just a few weeks old, to families returning years later with older children and even grandparents.

The recognition is meaningful because it represents the trust families have placed in us over time. Each session becomes a small part of a much bigger story, one that continues to grow as families return for new chapters in their lives.

Since 2009, we’ve had the privilege of documenting more than 19,000 portrait sessions. But what matters most isn’t the number, it’s the stories behind them.

We think it comes down to the relationships we’ve built over the years.

A portrait session is never just about taking a beautiful photograph. It’s about creating an experience where people feel comfortable enough to be themselves. When families walk through our doors, we want them to feel that they’re not just coming in for a photoshoot—they’re returning to a place where they know they’re understood.

A big part of that trust comes from the photographers themselves. With 7 to 23 years of experience, our team has learnt that great portraits are not just about technical skill—they’re about understanding people, knowing how to make them feel comfortable, and bringing out moments that feel natural.

We also believe in creating portraits that stand the test of time. Just as family connections remain unchanged through the years, we wanted a studio space that carried the same sense of timelessness. Our beautifully restored heritage shophouse provides a warm and distinctive setting that allows each family’s story to take centre stage.

At the end of the day, what makes White Room Studio different is not just the photographs we create. It’s the journey we share with our clients and the privilege of being invited back to capture the next chapter of their story.

Went here with my family & grandparents, it was fuss free, huge place to dress up and touch up too, photographer was friendly and everything went smoothly. Choosing photo went smoothly with the help and advice from the colleague. 10/10 RECOMMENDED!

– Faris

My wife found them online without any recommendations and we went for a family shoot with our toddler and newborn, I was extremely impressed with our photographer, he was extremely patient with us and our newborn, and he made the whole process so easy especially when you are stressed out with a crying hungry newborn. Not only that, we just had our photo viewing with Alison and we were blown away with the photos, they were beyond expectation. Our editor Alison was also very patient and engaging with us, going through the photos she helped us choose and allowed us to spend time viewing and commenting on each photo and how we would like it edited. Overall I’m truly impressed with this company, true professional of their craft. I will surely return when my kids are older to shoot with the White Room Studio team again!

– Antonio

Had a wonderful graduation shoot with my parents at White Room Studio. Our photographer, Yan, was so lovely and had a great eye for creative direction. The whole session felt so natural and fun. My mom actually found this studio through ChatGPT, and it ended up being such a good pick. We’re really happy with how the photos came out!

– Leanne Delgado

After searching for the best photography studios, I’m so glad I found The White Room Studio. I absolutely loved the colonial charm of the house and its beautiful high ceilings. It reminded me of my in-laws’ home, where I used to stay in the Highland pre-war house, which brought back many fond memories. We had a wonderful time and are so grateful for the beautiful experience you created for us. Thank you once again for capturing these precious moments that we will treasure for years to come.

– Mona-N & Lynn-Berthe Family

When Dan and Elaine first created White Room Studio, they wanted more than just a photography studio in Singapore. They envisioned a space with character, one that would feel timeless and meaningful for every family who walked through its doors.

The heritage conservation shophouse at 219 River Valley Road became the perfect home for White Room Studio. From the textured Peranakan walls and elegant European-inspired hallways to the large windows that fill the rooms with soft natural light and the balcony overlooking the lush greenery of Fort Canning, every detail adds to the warmth and character of the space.

Rather than creating temporary sets that follow trends, Dan and Elaine chose an authentic environment where families can feel comfortable, connect naturally, and create portraits that remain meaningful for years to come.

The photoshoot is only the beginning.

Once your images have been curated and enhanced, families return to our Gallery Room for a private viewing session. This is often a very special part of the experience, seeing their portraits for the first time on the big screen and reliving moments they may not have noticed during the session.

Families can also explore our Creations Catalogue, from timeless wall displays to beautifully crafted keepsakes, designed to help preserve these memories for their homes.

Awards are an honour, but they are not the reason families return.

What inspires us most is the trust families place in us to capture the people they love and the moments they never want to forget.

From a first portrait to multi-generation family photographs, every session becomes part of a larger story.

After more than seventeen years, we are still grateful for every family who walks through our doors and every story we are invited to preserve.