Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore

Shrangri-la, Singapore, Michelle Chaplow Photography

Singapore reminds me of frangipanis and the unique fragrances of Southwest Asia. It’s a short stay destination, where almost everyone you talk to is using Singapore as a hub to explore other lands. As a travel photographer, it’s fascinating to converse with the constant flux of international travellers arriving throughout the day and night. Observing the guests of the Shangri-La and pondering over where they have come from, what they are doing in Singapore and where they are going next, is a pastime in itself.

Asian service is second to none and a warm smile in front of an array of vibrant, bird of paradise flowers can’t help but provoke contentment, even if you have just arrived on a long haul flight.

The Shangri-La’s restaurant is so vibrant in both cuisine and interior design. The food is superb and it’s open 24 hours a day, so there’s plenty of time for photography.

The Line restaurant of the Shangri-La in Singapore was designed by Adam Tihany. Those clean, straight lines and the interesting illumination provide the perfect combination of elements to photograph.

The stainless steel banister, marble floor and angled lighting panels are immediately softened by the addition of fresh tropical flowers. There are so many images and interesting angles to capture.

The main lobby and the traditionally dressed bellboy are a sharp contrast to the cosmopolitan, modern architecture of The Line. However, both environments are equally photogenic. I often like to introduce a little movement into hotel imagery, to give a sense of urgency and professionalism.

The doorman who will greet you on arrival at this botanical paradise of Singapore sports the dress of a Mongolian warrior. I’m not sure of the logic of this but it does provide an amusing photographic image.

My favourite hotels in the world

As a travel photographer, hotels are a fundamental part of the journeying experience. Michelle averages 100 plus hotel nights per year and this section has been created to share a selection of her personal recommendations for hotels around the world. Whilst on assignment, a hotel provides a travel photographer with a base from which to explore the country and a secure storage space for equipment. It’s the mobile office, the refuelling zone, the meeting point and if you’re really lucky, there may even be time to indulge in the pool or the Spa. The reality of following the light and photographic deadlines however, often means this isn’t the case. A good hotel can be the primary inspiration for a photographer as they embark on their project, the place from which ideas evolve for imagery. A travel photographer’s hotel is essentially the gateway to photographically documenting a destination.