Get advice on how to take attractive photos of the Merlion statue in Singapore
Taking stunning photos of the Merlion statue in Singapore requires careful planning, the right angles, and good lighting. Here are some expert tips to capture the best shots:
1. Best Time for Photography
- Golden Hour (Sunrise & Sunset): The soft, warm lighting enhances the beauty of the statue and the Marina Bay skyline.
- Nighttime: The Merlion is illuminated, and you can capture stunning long-exposure shots with the Singapore skyline in the background.
2. Best Angles & Perspectives
- Classic Front View: Stand at Merlion Park and capture the Merlion with Marina Bay Sands in the background.
- Side Angle with Water Spray: Position yourself to capture the water jet from the Merlion’s mouth, making it appear as though it’s reaching Marina Bay Sands.
- Low Angle: Shoot from below to make the Merlion look majestic against the sky.
- Wide Angle for Cityscape: Use a wide lens to include the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and the Esplanade in one frame.
- Creative Forced Perspective: Play with angles so it looks like you’re “catching” the water spray in your hands or drinking from it.
3. Camera & Settings Tips
- Use a Tripod: Essential for long-exposure shots at night to avoid blur.
- Adjust Exposure: Bright lights from Marina Bay can trick your camera into underexposing the Merlion. Adjust brightness accordingly.
- Long Exposure for Water Effect: At night, use a slow shutter speed to make the water flow look silky.
4. Weather Considerations
- Avoid Midday Harsh Light: The strong tropical sun creates harsh shadows; use an ND filter if shooting in daylight.
- Check for Clear Skies: Cloudy weather can reduce the vibrancy of the scene.
5. Additional Creative Ideas
- Reflections: After rain, puddles can create interesting reflection shots.
- Silhouettes: Capture the Merlion’s silhouette against a colorful sunset.
- Drone Photography: If permitted, get an aerial shot of the Merlion and Marina Bay.
Would you like specific recommendations for camera settings or locations nearby for additional shots? 😊
The Canon EOS R5 with a 24-105mm lens is a great choice for photographing the Merlion as it provides flexibility for wide-angle cityscapes and zoomed-in details. Here are specific recommendations for settings and techniques based on the time of day and conditions:
📸 Daytime Photography (Bright Sunlight)
Best Settings:
- Mode: Aperture Priority (Av) or Manual (M)
- Aperture: f/8 – f/11 (for sharpness and depth of field)
- ISO: 100 (to reduce noise)
- Shutter Speed: 1/250s or faster (to freeze motion, especially the water spray)
- White Balance: Daylight
- Lens Focal Length: 24mm for wide shots, 50-80mm for mid-range compositions
Composition Ideas:
✅ Use a wide-angle (24mm) to include the Singapore skyline.
✅ Zoom in (80-105mm) to focus on the Merlion’s details or the water spray.
✅ Position yourself to make the water appear as if it’s flowing into the bay or your hands (forced perspective).
🌅 Golden Hour (Sunrise & Sunset)
Best Settings:
- Mode: Aperture Priority (Av) or Manual (M)
- Aperture: f/8 – f/16 (to capture sharp details with a deep depth of field)
- ISO: 100-400 (adjust as needed in low light)
- Shutter Speed: 1/100s or slower (adjust based on brightness)
- White Balance: Cloudy or Shade (warmer tones)
Composition Ideas:
✅ Capture reflections in the water for a dreamy effect.
✅ Use leading lines, like the bridge railings, to direct attention to the Merlion.
✅ Frame the Merlion with the warm hues of the sunset.
🌃 Night Photography (Long Exposure & Light Trails)
Best Settings:
- Mode: Manual (M)
- Aperture: f/8 – f/11 (sharpness and depth of field)
- ISO: 100-200 (for minimal noise)
- Shutter Speed: 5-15s (for smooth water effect)
- White Balance: Tungsten or Auto (adjust for the best colors)
- Stabilization: Use a tripod and enable 2-second timer or remote shutter
Composition Ideas:
✅ Long exposure: Capture smooth water flow from the Merlion’s mouth.
✅ Silhouettes & Reflections: The illuminated statue against the skyline looks incredible.
✅ City Lights: Position yourself to capture light reflections on the water.
🎨 Creative Shots
- Zoom & Pan (Shutter Drag): Use a 1/10s shutter speed and move your camera while zooming in/out for a motion-blur effect.
- Foreground Elements: Frame the Merlion with trees, railings, or nearby structures for added depth.
- HDR Shots: Use bracketing (AEB mode) to blend multiple exposures for rich details.
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NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS: The Merlion. Use Manual and
tripod. Focus on "eye".
Avoid distractions like people. Use wide angle lens (24mm)
Merlion, 10 Dec 2023, 8pm.
Tripod, Canon R5, Manual, ISO 200, 24mm, f/5.6,
3/5sec, tripod.
Night Photography (Long Exposure & Light Trails)
Best Settings:
- Mode: Manual (M)
- Aperture: f/8 – f/11 (sharpness and depth of field)
- ISO: 100-200 (for minimal noise)
- Shutter Speed: 5-15s (for smooth water effect)
- White Balance: Tungsten or Auto (adjust for the best colors)
- Stabilization: Use a tripod and enable 2-second timer or remote shutter
Composition Ideas:
✅ Long exposure: Capture smooth water flow from the Merlion’s mouth.
✅ Silhouettes & Reflections: The illuminated statue against the skyline looks incredible.
✅ City Lights: Position yourself to capture light reflections on the water.
-----------------------------------------------
Day Photography
Merlion Park, Singapore. 25 Jun 2023, 9.52 am. Sunday
Canon R5,
AV, 1/320 sec, f/11, ISO 100.
TO BUY PHOTO: www.shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets
UPDATES
AT:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2023/06/4855-travel-singapore-merlion-park-is.html
DAY PHOTOGRAPHY 2
DAY PHOTOGRAPHY 3
AROUND NOON
should have used ND filter
harsh bright sunlight of the noon time
10 Feb 2025, 11.48am. Focus on eye of Merlion
Canon R5, tripod, tv mode, 105mm, 1/500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100
This photo was taken using TV Mode.
Recommendations are either AV or Manual modes.
📸 Daytime Photography (Bright Sunlight)
Best Settings:
- Mode: Aperture Priority (Av) or Manual (M)
- Aperture: f/8 – f/11 (for sharpness and depth of field)
- ISO: 100 (to reduce noise)
- Shutter Speed: 1/250s or faster (to freeze motion, especially the water spray)
- White Balance: Daylight
- Lens Focal Length: 24mm for wide shots, 50-80mm for mid-range compositions
Composition Ideas:
✅ Use a wide-angle (24mm) to include the Singapore skyline.
✅ Zoom in (80-105mm) to focus on the Merlion’s details or the water spray.
✅ Position yourself to make the water appear as if it’s flowing into the bay or your hands (forced perspective).
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