Ricky Yu and Pierce Tam
Tired of stretching out your arm in search of the perfect selfie? Visit selfie studio FreePho, whose themed rooms and professional equipment take selfies to a whole new level. Co-founder Ricky Yu (L) and marketing executive Pierce Tam (R) tell Cynthia Li about being selfie pros.
HK Magazine: What exactly is FreePho?
Ricky Yu: At FreePho, we provide an experience. The customers come in, choose a room and get dressed up to take photos with professional equipment. You can enjoy complete privacy and be as crazy as you want. We also print a photo or two for free. It is actually more affordable to come here than to go to sticker photo booths. Unlike taking part in room escape games, you don’t play by other people’s rules. Instead, you let your inner child out and take photos that you like.
HK: How popular are selfies among Hongkongers?
RY: Really popular. Everybody wants to be the center of attention. Another reason could be that taking selfies is what everyone else is doing right now. Not doing it means you’re outdated.
Pierce Tam: Just today, a reporter came in, and we invited him to try out some costumes. He was pretty reluctant at first, but he ended up changing into two sets of costumes. So I guess maybe privacy is another appeal here. You’re completely in charge of the room. No photographers. Just you posing however you please.
HK: Is it still a “selfie” when there are so many props?