There are plenty of Instagram-worthy spots in Changi Airport and Jewel Changi Airport, perfect for an avid Instagram user who loves posting outfit shots (or better known as OOTDs), with a beautiful Instagram filter slapped on. However, a common struggle is probably striking the best pose. Do you look at the camera? Should you smile? What do you do with your hands? Sometimes, even after an arduous 30 minutes of struggling to get the right shot, you might have taken at least 532 photos, but none of them ideal for your Instagram feed.
To solve this #firstworldproblem, here are some hacks that can help. Pick up some tips from Xenia in Changi Airport’s latest short film, A Grand Adventure. Read till the end for bonus tips on photography angles to ensure your photos don’t turn out like Ah Gong Danny’s first batch of photos!
1. The Straight-On
Look straight into the camera!
Try resting your chin on your hand for a different look.
If looks could kill, this pose is the one. Simply look straight into the camera and talk with your eyes. This pose is for anyone who wants to draw attention to their eyes or try out that model runway stare on their Instagram feed. To play up the resting boss face, tilt your chin upwards and add a slight grin. The aim is to exude confidence and style.
Photo spot: Hedge Maze at Jewel Changi Airport, Level 5. To recreate this shot, stand near the shrub and tilt your chin up slightly.
2. The Hand on the Head
Try placing one hand on your head, and the other on your waist.
You can also have different facial expressions with this pose.
Commonly used by models, this pose fixes the awkward arm problem. Your arm should stay relaxed and bent less than 90 degrees. By placing your hand on your head, attention is drawn to your facial features and this simple gesture adds angles to your self-portrait. Feel free to hold onto accessories like your sunglasses or cap for a more natural look. Unsure of what to do with the other hand? Place it on your waist and you can’t go wrong.
Photo spot: The iconic HSBC Rain Vortex at Jewel’s ground level.
3. The Hypebeast Squat
Squat with one knee on the ground and look into a distance.
Or, you can stretch out one leg and keep the other in a squat.
The iconic hypebeast squat will never go wrong – your entire outfit can fit nicely in an Instagram square. This pose also seems more intentional and changes up the perspective on your Instagram feed. Simply squat on the ground – you can choose to bend both knees or have one knee on the ground, and angle your body towards the camera or turn it away. Since this pose is more masculine, wear pants to exude that grunge, streetwear vibe. Complete the pose with a devil-may-care attitude for that ultimate hypebeast fashion shoot!
Photo spot: Arrival Garden at Terminal 1. Shoot from a low angle to complete the hypebeast photoshoot.
4. The Popped Knee
Have one leg bent and the other leg straight when standing.
Alternatively, stretch one leg out and leave the other leg bent when sitting on the floor.
The classic pose that works every single time. Who doesn’t love a taller silhouette? Bend one knee slightly, while keeping the other leg straight and relaxed. This pose elongates your legs and makes them appear slimmer. It also gives an effortless, laid-back feel while looking good for a photo. Best part about popping the knee in photos? Definitely the versatility – this pose works standing up, leaning against a wall or sitting down.
Photo spot: Walking Nets at Jewel Changi Airport, Level 5, near the exit. Try to catch this shot during golden hour, while the evening sun hits the Walking Nets.
5. The “Candid” Walk
Look back at the camera while walking away.
You can hold onto a bag or leave your hands. by the side.
The “plan-did”, or the planned candid, is a common pose you see on Instagram. Take a few steps forward and casually turn back, looking over your shoulder. This pose requires some trial-and-error and coordination between you and the photographer. The photographer needs to know the exact moment to snap the photograph so that the walk looks natural. Paired with a bright smile, this pose is perfect for a pseudo-travel shot.
Photo spot: Terminal 3 Departure Hall, right as you enter the glass doors at Drop-Off. Instead of turning your body, just turn your head so the photographer can capture your side profile.
Bonus: Tips to capture your best angles
Shoot at a low angle (right) rather than eye-level (left) to appear taller.
Always get your photographer to shoot at a low angle, with the camera tilting upwards, so you can appear taller in photos. The photographer may have to squat, but it will make all the difference. A low camera angle gives you more height and allows the legs to appear much longer.
Use converging lines to draw attention to your outfit.
Find a background with converging lines to draw all the attention to you and your outfit. The lines help guide the eyes to the middle of the image, making it perfect for OOTDs. Vertical converging lines are usually found at paths, tunnels or railings.
Try recreating these photos using the five poses the next time you visit Changi Airport and Jewel. Be sure to watch Changi Airport’s short film featuring Xenia and Ah Gong Danny, A Grand Adventure! Enjoy snapping your OOTDs!
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