Paragon Linkbridge Walls

This linkbridge connects Paragon Shopping Mall to Cairnhill. The easiest way to access the Linkbridge is to take the outside escalator behind the Masjid Ah-Falah Mosque on Bideford St, which is across from an entrance to the Paragon Shopping mall. If you are already in Paragon, the Linkbridge is on Level 3 (follow the signs). I took this photograph closer to the Mosque side of the Linkbridge and faced at a 45 degree angle towards the entrance of Paragon Mall. By MRT: - Closest MRT Station: Orchard (North South Line) - Take exit “D” - Turn right onto Orchard Rd - Turn rigt onto Bideford Rd Address: Paragon Shopping Mall, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859

All months are suitable to photograph this Linkbridge since the position of the sun does not matter (the light you see is a street lamp)!

At night, this Linkbridge truly transforms into something out of a sci-fi flick. It’s not only dark outside, but the lights on the bridge turn off as well. When this happens, the Linkbridge is bathed in the golden light of the street lamps along the road running under it, but, with the magical mix of light and shadow, it feels as if you are on a celestial walkway, not on Earth any longer.

I took this photo when all the lights in the bridge were off, allowing the light from the street lamp outside to stream in. The bridge lights turn off around 10pm.

Security will ask you to leave at 11pm, so, you have only one hour to get your shot. Arrive early and plan your time accordingly.

I had my model squat in front of the streams of light to cast a shadow, as well as ensuring the light from the street lamp shined near his head, wreathing him in a golden glow, to achieve a sort of bright sunlight look. Of course, you could try all sorts of other compositions - play with the depth of the bridge, the lights and the shadows.

Since this is a long exposure with a human subject, I suggest not to set a shutter speed of more than 8 seconds, as most people will not be able to hold very still for more than that time frame. If your model moves even a little bit they will appear blurred in the photo. Take note that your model should be in a stable (if not comfortable) pose and ready to hold still before you press the shutter.

If you want a sharper starburst from the streetlamp, set a smaller aperture (higher f/ stop). But, this will result in a longer shutter speed, so increase your ISO accordingly to ensure that your shutter speed is below 8 seconds.

Explore the various malls around Orchard Road before making your way here. There's always something to eat or buy!