The Rise of 写真 Photography: Xiaohongshu's Most Captivating Visual Trend and Studios in Singapore!
Aside from visiting must-see scenic locations in China such as the Great Wall of China, and the iconic urban Chongqing Hongyadong night view, a rising photographic style has captured the hearts of Singapore’s style-savvy crowd and dominated Xiaohongshu feeds everywhere: 写真 (xiě zhēn) photography. This distinctive visual language has transformed from a niche interest into a cultural phenomenon.
What exactly is 写真？
While "写真" (pronounced "shashin") simply means "photograph" in Japanese, the term has evolved on Chinese social media platforms like Xiaohongshu to represent a specific aesthetic that blends nostalgia, authenticity, and artistic expression.
Unlike the highly polished and heavily filtered images that once dominated social platforms, 写真 photography embraces a more cinematic, film-inspired approach. The style features soft, dreamy lighting, film-like grain textures, and carefully composed scenes that feel simultaneously spontaneous and thoughtfully arranged.
The Key Elements That Define the 写真 Aesthetic
Film-Inspired Processing
The hallmark of 写真 photography is its film-like quality. Photos are often edited to mimic the characteristics of analog film: slightly muted colors, gentle contrast, and that distinctive grain that digital photographers spend hours trying to recreate.
Storytelling Through Composition
What separates 写真 photography from standard portraits is its narrative quality. These images don't simply showcase a person – they tell a story. A subject gazing thoughtfully out a café window, hands wrapped around a coffee cup; a casual street scene capturing a seemingly unplanned moment; these composed vignettes suggest a lifestyle rather than merely a face.
Understated Color Palettes
The 写真 aesthetic typically features harmonious, subdued color schemes. Think gentle pastels, warm neutrals, and soft earth tones that work together to create a cohesive visual story. This approach stands in stark contrast to the vibrant, high-contrast images that dominated social media in previous years.
The Art of "Authentic" Staging
Perhaps most intriguing about 写真 photography is its paradoxical nature: these seemingly casual, candid moments often require meticulous planning and staging. The best 写真 photographers excel at creating images that feel spontaneous while being carefully orchestrated – a delicate balance that takes significant skill to achieve.
Photography Studios You’ll Love
Thinking of getting your very own 写真 shoot done? Here are some popular studios in Singapore to consider:
Where: 62 Ubi Road 1, #02-04, Oxley Bizhub 2, Singapore 408734 (by appointment only)
Check out their profile on Xiaohongshu
Where: Woods Square Tower 1 #09-63, Singapore 737715
Dressed Up Dreams Hanfu Photography
