NEWS THAT LEAVES A MARK.
The Local Jungle Book
Andres Wo Yixuan
6 February 2022
Designer
.
.
ANDRES WO explores the photogenic potential of a local favourite attraction, the Cloud Forest @ Gardens By The Bay.
“The Secret Garden” features many rare, colourful plants, combined with the futuristic general design of the Cloud Forest, making for an interesting backdrop. Photo: Samuel Lim.
Gardens By The Bay is a household name by now, with many Singaporeans visiting the iconic landmark at least once. However, if you think the Supertrees are all there is to explore, then you could not be more wrong!
Upon exploring the Instagram tag on the Cloud Forest, you might think that the only photo-worthy spot would be the large pouring waterfall at its entrance. While that waterfall is iconic, it is just one of the examples why this destination makes for a great photo spot.
Local fashion influencer, Ms Nicole Chin said that having air-conditioning in an indoor garden is a plus point for photography.
“It’s a very rare chance that in Singapore, you can dress for ‘cold’ weather without sweating,” says Ms Chin.
According to Greenroofs, a website dedicated to eco-friendly architecture, the temperature of the Cloud Forest ranges from 23–25 degrees Celsius, maintaining a cool environment so that one can both look and feel cool in their stylish outfits.
On the topic of outfits, Ms Chin recommends something “bright and colourful”, as she prefers to contrast between the greens and blues in the background.
However, if that’s not your style, there is no need to worry. One of the things that surprised me about the Cloud Forest is the versatility of the area.
The versatility of the Cloud Forest allowed for photos in a wide range of different styles. Photo: Samuel Lim.
From the vibrant colours of the flowers to the almost dystopian-like bridge, the Cloud Forest offers a wide range of backdrops for photos to be taken. What is even more impressive is that a cool mist fills the entire area during watering time, providing a more cinematic feel to the photos.
Cinematic photos shot in the Cloud Forest. Photo: Samuel Lim (left) and Andres Wo (right).
However, no spot is perfect and the Cloud Forest is no exception. Ms Chin says that the spot was sometimes a little difficult to photograph, as the lighting throughout the day can make it difficult to shoot.
I visited the Cloud Forest from around 5pm to 7pm and explored locations such as the Secret Garden, Crystal Mountain and Cloud Walk. Most of the photos turned out good because of the large amount of natural light flowing in, but there were some places, such as the inside of the waterfall, where the lack of natural light underexposed the photos taken. Nonetheless, even if the lighting is not ideal, there are still ways to adapt.
A hobbyist photographer, Ms Tanya Delgado, gave some tips and tricks. She says that if it is too bright, “consider changing positions, for example, standing under the shade”. She also says that adapting to a dark environment by using “long exposure for more interesting layouts, like light trails”, can make the photo even better.
One more thing that may stand in your way of getting the Instagram-worthy shots you want would be the time constraint, with each time slot only being an hour long.
I would personally recommend paying double to book two one-hour slots if you want to explore the beautiful place and take good pictures as well, but if you aren’t looking to spend, then professional portrait photographer, Mr Aiksoon Lee has some tips for you.
“Plan out where you want to shoot and where your next location is, it can save you a lot of time,” Mr Lee says.
To save money, Ms Chin advises potential shutterbugs to go online to pinpoint exact locations, though an on-site check is preferable.
Mr Lee also mentioned that photographers normally prepare a shoot by preparing a mood board. According to Expert Photography, mood boards help to “define the visual direction of a project”, which makes it easier to decide on what shots you want faster.
In conclusion, for $24 (2 hours), I found the experience in the Cloud Forest quite worth it, hence I would give it a rating of 8/10. I would recommend bringing a lens with a low f-stop to allow the camera to capture more light in dark areas, or a tripod for long exposure shots. If you’re looking for a place to express your quirkiness but also feel comfortable, then the Cloud Forest is the photo spot for you!
