Trick Eye Museum - Siloso Beach

Have to be frank, the only reason why we were even here was because my friend had complimentary tickets and we sort of thought Trick Eye Museum was still in its old destination - close to USS. Somehow, Sentosa has moved all its "more boring" attractions according to me and my friends to an ulu area at the far flung end of Siloso Beach. 

Each ticket cost about S$25 per adult and my kiddo (who is less than 3 years old) had free entrance. The husband and I brought our stroller along and because we didn't know the change of location was so inconvenient, we didn't take a taxi in (big mistake!) We ended up being an hour late and it doesn't help that most of the lifts/ ramps were closed so we struggled to bring our well-stocked stroller up certain steps. 

The museum is pretty much split into 4 arenas. Quite honestly, my friends and us had more fun watching my kid ran around the empty space. Thank god, he had enough decency not to hijack other photos. Personally, I felt that this new space though spacious seem to hold lesser exhibits. (You can read my old reviews here.)

Trick Eye also explored 4D animation this time round. My friends tried it out and it seems like it is not the most intuitive to use. We had one video which "erm" my friends didn't really direct haha. We were quite lucky it came out funny. I think if you want good photos/ videos, you totally need to go with dramatic people who love to post on their IG. (Obviously my friends ain't those people. Hehe)

My friends jokingly commented that it was so difficult to film a moving toddler and how the f did I catch these photos of my son? The trick, my fellow readers is to take continuously and numerous photos if you are a beginner. For me, I more or less know my kid's pattern. So when I cue him to smile or pose, he actually does it. Budding supermodel or what, so it makes life easier for me. 

Nonetheless, you still can't really control where they stand or what he chooses to do. For the swan exhibit, he thought it was more fun to climb in and out and hide in a corner. So I guess it is free for these kids because you just can't enjoy the full experience when you are lugging one along. Here's more photos for the memories. 

Go Pro with Trick Eye Museum: Exploration Tips

Ever felt you are so burned out and need a breather? Reality at times can be a real bitch or a real bore. You just wished someone had a key to set you free from the shackles of your mundane world!

So take my hand, I will be bringing you once again into the World of Magic, beyond your wildest imagination. For novice who needs help to survive in this mind-boggling adventure, I would suggest you start off with this article! For experienced explorers, I will be sharing with you 6 tips how to take snaps of Dreamland that are snappy and snazzy (You do need proof to tell those naysayers Wonderland exist!)

1. Grab the Magic Wand

You mean there is Ollivanders there? Haha, Ollivanders is the Trick Eye Museum Counter. There, you can know loan selfie sticks for free. Yup, that's the magic wand I am referring to. Glad they have acted on my previous feedback on the lack of photography assistance. Now, you can DIY! Yipee~~~

Of course, not every exhibit can be DIY, as you can see. The photo on the right just looks so weird *Squirms* But the selfie stick is really useful! Unlike a wand, it doesn't magically snaps good photos. You still need decent skills - steady hand/ angling etc. With some practice waving the wand, you will be able to cast some instagram-worthy magic :)

2. You are never Alone

Fly me to the Moon is a hot favourites among couples. But hey, being single is not a sin okay. My point is don't restrict yourself away from certain exhibitions because you don't have a special someone and this is a "lover's shot".

Although this is a place of illusions, creating an imaginary dreamboat is too loony. Just space yourself out and hogged shamelessly the space meant for 2. The focus will then be on you. As long as you caption it right, you got yourself a winner. Now, could you tell this was a picture for 2? Can't tell right! *Winks*

(3.) Is the Key

If time is on your side, you can really try out different poses. My friend looks so awesomely natural like a Muggle that has learnt to fly. Just missing the broomstick :P While I just look ridiculous trying to be SuperWoman. A good mix of realistic and creative photos are the best.

My suggestion is do the trio shots. No I don't mean landscape, portrait, mugshot. -.-
A. Posed - Take one while you are looking at the camera.
B. Candid - Another looking away from the camera, just being yourself.
C. Experimentation - Just do something you think might be cool (which jolly might end up not, but if it succeeds, you scored yourself a shot worthy to be on the cover page of Daily Prophet!).

Try to do different poses because sometimes you think look awkward but you turn out absolutely awesome. And during unfortunate times, it is the other way round. Bummer!

4. Just Follow The Rules

For those who don't have the luxury of time, the golden rule to taking realistic shots is either to be a copycat (following the group before you) or you just check out the photo samples at the side. This will save you a lot of time if you are not a very creative person or just blushes when people stare and comment at you.

Being my second time there, a good rule of thumb is always look into the camera and flash your most bewildered look (Most of the theme are horrifying anyway!) The second most common theme is fantasy. For such photos, just flash your widest smiles! You really can't go wrong. 

5. Hide Your Flaws

Perhaps I should have dressed better. But obviously I didn't, I picked a tight skirt and ended up flipping over exhibits like a gymnast without the toned legs. Actually the real truth is I didn't know I grew so chubby and have legs which looked like trunks.

I can't comment for all sorts of flaws. But for flabby legs, some of the tricks I used were stretching it (not fully touching the ground to have a lengthen effect), contorting it away (tuck it in and use another part of your body to cover it) or simply just hide it away in a merlion or a teapot. It is really the easiest method. The earlier 2 ways just killed my feet with spasms. But what's a little pain for the prefect shot? 

6. Give yourself plenty of time

Whether you are a first timer or a repeated adventurer like me, don't do yourself a discredit and shortchange yourself. Allocate yourself plenty of time. Being my second visit, I already skipped all the repeated exhibits, but still I couldn't cover all the new cool exhibits within 2 hours!! It is just unbelievable how much new backdrops you have here!

There are even videos to engage you! I am not uploading any of it yet cos it is going to be my X'mas video :P It is so darn funny! For those who are considering re-visiting, you should totally just pay them a visit cos the whole place has been re-vamped. It is so much more fun!!! They rid those that I found was meh and replaced it with exhibits that are more realistic and interactive!

So hold my little hand, let me show you way to a land of mystique and intrigue. Before you embark on this journey, do read up my previous manual on the survival tips so that you will be well prepared for a roaring good time. With that, I shall sign off here. Stay tune for X'mas cos there will be some funny stuff coming up HAHAHA!

I have been featured....

Well, yeah my post has been featured! 

Ok, I think it was one of my better underwriting works, so I am pretty glad that it is shared. Perhaps it will open more doors for me. *Winks* If you want to check out other bloggers' work, you can click here.

Lately, my copywriting luck is on a roll. Sort of-ish. Had more opportunities of exposures. But some are pretty much fool's gold. One particular PR/ Event Planning "Global" Firm seriously pissed the shit out of me. You know when people "winning the battle yet feeling like you lost the whole war". Yeah, that's what they make me feel...awful, used, condescending, leaving such a terrible after taste.

I could totally write a whole rant about it. But I won't cos I am a professional in copywriting. I will just write a white paper on "The effects on Poor PR" instead some day when I am in the mood for some intellectual work. Bleh.

-In the mood to grief-

R.I.P

Happy Anniversary: How to survive Trick Eye Museum

On Friday, 19th June, it was our Trick Eye Museum's 1 year old celebration. Were you there? Or did we missed each other? 

1 year back, I pretty much missed their opening so it was great this time round I got a chance to join in the fun and experience it for myself.

I hoped you actually went on the anniversary itself because who every one who visited them that day (valid tickets required) will have a chance to win 1 of the 10 Gold Keys (worth S$300 each) that is locked in the Giant Baby's Cage, the iconic exhibit (which unfortunately I couldn't take any photo with it cos there were so many people crowding around it!)

On top of that, all visitors will also receive a specially designed tote bag that day. Stamps are available for you to personalise them. I have so much Tote Bags already so I didn't try my hand at it. Plus, as you all know, art isn't really my thing. Art museum is a separate issue. But me...attempting to create art pieces, the effect would be disastrous.

Since the event is already over, I thought this post apart from wishing Trick Eye Museum a happy happy birthday, I should share some of the tricks on how to actually get decent photos from the time there. I spent about an hour or so there, although it felt I was there for so so long. 

So without further ado, let Asian Ariel share with you some tips on making the most out of your tickets there?

1. Good shots come from some discomfort

Sad as it may sound, it is the absolute truth. In some of my photos, I attempted to look graceful, but the photos came out looking pretty ridiculous like I have a twisted body or have contorted limbs. Guess I was more of the trick in the Trick Eye. Half the time, you need to experiment your moves or follow the guides or the people in front of you. If you want to try to be creative, be prepared for some heartbreak or a good laugh as you see yourself morphing into a deformed human. My Mum LOLed her heads off at some of my photos!

2. And the Best Actress goes to...

Act like your whole career depends on it. You want the photo to be realistic, don't you? And trust me, it takes a lot of courage, tossing aside any image you possibly have to get into the role. Show fear, grace, horror, love within moments. Single person shots are still alright, but the more people you, the harder it is to get the cast to coordinate. I am unfortunately paired with somebody who doesn't want to be too involved in his role. 'Can you please be more serious not...." screeched a high-pitch irritated young lady. Talk about irony, this is supposed to be entertainment, isn't it? Hahaha.

3. Soul Mates in photography

I don't know how my BF can make such angle errors. How can a tight rope be bent!!! Shouldn't the body be at least aligned? The thing about going with guys is that they don't care about such details. This actually make or break the photos. Imagine putting myself all out, acting so hard and the photos come out like Zzzz...It is just frustrating. So go with someone who has the same vision as your and will tell you to make some adjustment when required, cos at the end of the day, it is all about the photos, Yea!

4. The Law of Nature is your worse Nightmare!

Some things can't be helped, like gravity. Great acting but my skirt gave the game away. Of course, it really depends how sharp you are. The BF felt this shot got "nothing wrong what!" But to counter gravity, perhaps you might want to note a few points on dress code. Say no to dresses and skirts. Go for hugging clothes and tube tops. For guys, it really doesn't matter that much. Heels are not preferred. I ran around the place bare-footed. Liberation at its finest.

5. Surely you want to take with me?

The problem when you go in pairs or alone, who is going to help you with the photos? I suggest group dates if you are more introverted. You can of course always ask strangers for assistance. But if you are opting for this route, don't go during the off-peak. Remember those days where people were complaining about the queues and others getting in their photos, having nobody conveniently around is a lot worse. This is definitely not a place you can take selfies. 

6. Persevere...you will get what you are here for

Last but not least, the perfect time to exhibit perseverance. If you don't stop taking, you are bound to get that display picture shoot. Shoot a hundred arrows, at least one will hit bullseye ba? Also, don't restrict yourself to iconic exhibitions. Just because, other people look good in it, doesn't mean you would. Take it, Try it, Keep Taking, Keep Trying, pretty much the best advice I can impart you with.

It really pays to be a friend of Trick Eye Museum. In future, I hope they will have new exhibitions that make use of light effects. I think that would be really cool. So meanwhile, if you are visiting them, do take note of my tips and tricks. Tell me if they are useful? :)