Portrait Photography Practice at Madame Tussauds Singapore


Photographing wax celebrities and historical figures at Madame Tussauds Singapore.


My second post featuring a Sentosa attraction in a fortnight. This time, one that I’ve never visited despite it being around for almost eight years.

Madame Tussauds Singapore! Singapore’s premier wax museum and a higher-class replacement, of sorts, for the old Images of Singapore/Surrender Chambers attraction. One of the country’s priciest museums as well, which is why I’ve never gone in. Frankly, I wouldn’t have visited yesterday, had I not had a Sentosa Fun Pass redeemed using SingapoRediscover Vouchers.

Here’s my overall take on the attraction too. I think the museum is fun, in an unapologetic, cheesy, hyper-touristy kind of way. On the flip side, and this might just be me being nonsensical, I enjoyed the historical statues way more than those of still alive famous personalities.

I don’t know, it just feels weird being so near some of those sports and movie stars, and modern politicians. A sensation somewhat bordering on invasion of privacy. Am I being silly? I don’t remember feeling this way when visiting the Hong Kong one in 2007.

“Using” the wax statues to practice portrait photography was enjoyable, though, which was why I went there, to begin with. Anyhow, my visit ended on a high note with the hugely entertaining Marvel Universe 4D show. This quirky superhero movie experience seems odd for a wax museum, but I guess it’s still in sync with the whole glamourous Hollywood/Bollywood theme of the attraction.

Madame Tussauds Singapore Entrance
The main entrance. As mentioned above, this restored colonial-era building previously housed the Images of Singapore attraction.

Madame Tussauds Singapore Photos

Pioneers of Singapore

Since Madame Tussauds Singapore has long been around, I wouldn’t bother with introducing the place, the various sections and themes, etc. I’ll just share the portrait pics I took.

One thing to highlight too, before I continue. The wax statues didn’t look that great on the small preview screen of my new D780. But it was a wholly different business when I viewed them using my desktop.

Sir Stamford Raffles at Madame Tussauds Singapore
Singaporean history is still a key theme of the museum, so I’ll start with this portrait of Raffles. The colonist has been much criticized of late by certain local groups, but I suppose everything about modern Singapore still began with him.

(I’m going to try converting the above picture into a faux oil portrait. It seems perfect for that purpose!)

Nikon D780 Portrait Photo Sample
I neglected to check the name of this spiffy gentleman! Can anyone tell me who he is? (I remember he had something to do with Singapore’s national flower)
Singapore Traditional Letter Writer Wax Statue
One of my better shots for the day. It turned out a little too red but thanks to the incredible facial detail, there’s a certain joy in it. (He’s a traditional letter/CNY decoration writer, BTW)
Singapore Samsui Woman Wax Figure
A Samsui Woman construction worker. Like I mentioned in an old Mid-Autumn post, these hardworking pioneers are now icons of Singaporean history.
Jubliee Theatre at Madame Tussauds Singapore
This dude scared me a little. He’s at the Jubliee Theatre replica and for a few moments, I thought he’s another visitor. Then I realized …

About the above Chinese dude. He’s described as the businessman who popularised motion pictures in pre-war Singapore, as well as the one who built several iconic cinemas/theatres.

Based on that info, he should be Tan Cheng Kee. I surmised that based on this historical rundown by Bonny Tan.

The display doesn’t name him as that, though. Actually, I remember I read another Chinese name. One strangely alike to one of our current deputy prime ministers.

The stated location for Jubilee Theatre was also an Ang Mo Kio address, which implies there’s some sort of confusion between the historical theatre and Jubilee Cinema; the latter was built in the 80s.

Not sure what’s going on here, but I guess it doesn’t really matter. After all, the entire purpose for the theatre replica was a run-up to the Japanese occupation years.

(Sorry for this semi-rant. I feel a weird connection with the statue. I watch movies the same way as him)

Playing Photographer to the Famous and Rich!

A selection of my “celebrity pics” from the visit. I took way more than these, of course.

Shahid Kapoor at Madame Tussauds Singapore.
Shahid Kapoor has a whole studio to himself at the Ultimate Film Star Experience section.
Varun Dhawan in Singapore
Varun Dhawan. Also at the Ultimate Film Star Experience section.
Stefanie Sun at Madame Tussauds Singapore
Singapore’s very own Stefanie Sun. She’s full of positive vibes.
Marilyn … I invited stares for I was experimenting with different angles to fully capture her …
E.T. Wax Figure
Dear E.T. Still longing for home.
Captain Philippa Georgiou | Michelle Yeoh
Captain Philippa Georgiou! Ooh, how I long to be on her bridge … As her number one …
Madame Tussauds Singapore
The late King of Pop. You know, for all the controversies about him, I think Michael is one hell of a musician and performer.
Mahesh Babu at IIFA Awards Experience
Last but not least, Mahesh Babu at the IIFA Awards Experience section. That’s a stylish pose, isn’t it?

An Enchanting Side Trip: Magical Shores at Siloso Beach

After the visit, I headed over to Siloso Beach to check out the Magical Shores light-up.

The entire beachfront was packed! I also ended up not taking enough pictures to do a post, so I’ll just leave two here.

It was a relaxing way to end my excursion with.

Magical Shores Sentosa
The show started at 7.30 pm, when it was still bright. I felt the last lights of the setting sun added a romantic appeal, though.
Magical Shores at Siloso Beach
It gets surreal after a while, much to the joy of everyone. This was taken at the heart of Siloso Beach, right beside the new Scentopia attraction.


Madame Tussauds Singapore is currently open from daily from 10 am to 6 pm. (Last entry at 5 pm). Check their website for details on the different ticket packages available.


Read my other Home Tourist photo essays.

Summary
Portrait Photography Practice at Madame Tussauds Singapore
Article Name
Portrait Photography Practice at Madame Tussauds Singapore
Description
An hour of portrait photography practice at Madame Tussauds Singapore. With a fun 4D marvel superhero movie after everything.
Author
Scribbling Geek
Scribbling Geekhttps://www.scribblinggeek.com
Geek, gamer, writer, movie lover, photographer, and occasional graphic artist. I like to consider myself a one-stop content creator of sorts. But the truth is, I obsess over too many hobbies.

Related Articles

Thanks for commenting!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

error: Alert: Content selection is disabled!!
%d bloggers like this: