Solace Studios (The Cathay)

Solace Studios at The Cathay is the chain’s all-vintage branch, on the ground floor of the mall a minute from Dhoby Ghaut station.

Where most self-photo studios offer a plain backdrop and a timer, this one is built entirely around period sets, and the decor is the first thing anyone notices. There are several booths to choose between rather than a single room, and it is staffed — the people behind the counter are a large part of why it works. The format is otherwise the chain’s: you control the timer, retake as often as you like inside your session, and pick your frames at a screen afterwards. It opens 10am to 10pm every day.

It is among the best-regarded self-photo studios in Singapore, and noticeably different in feel from the chain’s other outlets — closer to a small set than a booth. Being at the Handy Road end of Dhoby Ghaut puts it within a couple of minutes of the station and the Cathay’s cinema, which makes it easy to fold into an evening rather than travel for on its own.