Chuttersnap
Wedding | Last Updated: April 9, 2024
I’m Klaus Tan, a 17-year old wedding and portrait photographer based in Singapore. I currently helm the label Chuttersnap, which specialises in weddings and portraiture. Founded two years ago, my style is one of boldness and unconventional creativity.
Chuttersnap is best known for its unique style of photographs that are clean, striking and definitive. I also occasionally shoot sporting events and street photos or shoot film in my leisure time. My passion involves inspiring and delighting those around me, especially younger budding photographers, with my creative work.
The main camera body I use is the Nikon D750
. It offers a significant edge in low light performance (shooting at ISO 10000) over other DSLRs, while autofocus is always tack sharp. Due to the fast and dynamic nature of my assignments, I’m always shooting on continuous autofocus. Coupled with a superb continuous shooting rate of 6.5fps, I’m well equipped to capture split-second emotions.
The dual SD card system provides ample storage for shoots. I use two 32gb SD cards. For now I’m sticking with Nikon, as the user interface is much cleaner and friendlier than the competition, and the camera design is more ergonomic.
For creative composition of photographs, the nifty flip screen allows me the freedom to approach subjects from uniquely high and low angles, once inaccessible with fixed screens. That said, I would’ve acquired the Nikon DF
if it could shoot video, or the Nikon D810
if its continuous shooting rate were higher.
I’m intending to upgrade to a 2017 FX model as soon as Nikon releases a replacement for the D750
/ DF
/ D810
models. Improved filming functionalities, touchscreen controls and improved low light sensitivities are essentials I’m waiting for.
My current setup is all-Nikkor prime lenses:
AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8D
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED
The all-primes kit pushes my creativity to its limits, where I’m constantly on the move to find the perfect framing (see tips). It actively engages in the shooting process, as compared to standing aside and zooming into action from afar. Furthermore, most zooms have a maximum aperture of only f/2.8. The fast f/1.8 aperture is something I value when shooting in low light conditions.
My favourite lens is the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
. Its field of view matches that of the human eye, providing a very documentary feel to the images captured. It’s small and discreet, a handy option for my standard setup.
The AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
would be my next. The lens shoots gorgeous headshots, and doubles as a macro lens to capture magnificent details up close. At 105mm, it provides a comfortable distance between me and my subjects, and lets me remain unnoticed shooting headshots at a distance of roughly 1.5m away. This lens creates a beautiful, beautiful bokeh.
These two AF-S lenses have silky smooth focusing. The other two AF-D lenses are slightly more rough, but are nonetheless reliable options.
I use the Nikkor AFD 20mm f/2.8
to shoot extremely wide angled shots that set the scene in any event (landscapes and group / table photos for example), while the AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED
is primarily used for sports photography. The 180mm is much lighter compared to its 70-200mm cousin, and has a significantly smaller diameter. It’s a compact package that’s just as fast.
Extra information: B&W UV filters
are placed on all lenses, as they’re so tough and almost unscratchable. I’m using a Lightroom for Mac to process all my photos.
www.facebook.com/chuttersnap
www.flickr.com/klaust
www.instagram.com/chuttersnap
Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.
Includes limited-time discounts.
