From the 19th century onwards, Chinese photographers of Cantonese descent began to open studios in Singapore-Tien Seng at North Bridge Road, Kwong Sun and Yong Fong along South Bridge Road, and the Lee Brothers on Hill Street. These studios printed their names on the front or back of cardboard mounts. Initially, these studios presented their in formal, static poses (see Fong Yong portrait), which was typical of traditional paintings. Gradually, a more naturalistic approach emerged, through incorporating physical objects on the set (see Lee Brothers portrait). After World War II the photography studio business was dominated mainly by the Hainanese.
