This photo session was really relaxing for me. I loved the fact that James and Dea were really easy going during the shoot. They told me that they just wanted to have a good time together (which is awesome!) and it didn’t matter if Aaron’s tummy was showing or not. They were even willing to lie on the wet grass for me (it had rained the night before).

Most family photo shoots can either be a fun or stressful session. Some parents get really upset if their child is not constantly smiling at the camera during the shoot, or are not ‘behaving’ the way they want them to. I usually tell the parents to relax, and just have a good time with their kids. Some parents end up yelling at their kids during my photo shoots, and I don’t think that helps create a good mood or atmosphere. Threatening the kids to take away their candy doesn’t work either. :P Or bribing them with stuff… well, it sometimes works.

But the best way to get fun, relaxed shots as a family? Actually have fun.

Here are some of my favourites from their session.

When baby Julia feels a little restless, Joshua tries to comfort her.

I was happy with the results of the shoot, and though we took more than 50 different shots from this session, only 2 could be selected for the main key art. There were many I liked, but these 2 were selected for the pack.

Have a super Friday!

I love boys with character. So much so I married one with a huge personality! But sad to say, Alex is not the only one who has captured my heart. Every now and then I meet other boys who are simply irresistible. Such as the ones below, Ethan and Lucas. I am sorry to inform you, Alex that there are other boys cuter than you…

The other thing that make these boys so adorable are the rosy cheeks. It must be the weather in Australia where they live. Lucas is only 2 months old, and this was his first photo shoot.

I think Ethan can do well in a milk commercial. Love his expressions!

Joseph and Keryn are a really warm and friendly couple. Even though we met for the first time on the day of the shoot, I felt as if I could connect with them easily! I am truly honoured that you chose to hire us for your family portraits during your holiday back in Malaysia – even though I am sure there are lots of talented photographers in Australia! It was great getting to know the both of you and perhaps we can do another session when the boys are older! :)

Some great childhood memories just last a long time. And some great friends last a lifetime. Even though you might only see each other once every few months, or once a year…it doesn’t matter, because every time you get together, it feels like old times again. Amanda is one of those childhood friends who totally fit the bill. Since our primary school days to secondary school and onwards… we grew up together, saw each other through the ugly years (when I still had braces!) and through all the hardships a teenager would normally go through.

Mance, thanks for all the fun memories from our days in Malacca… I wish I could be there on your wedding day, but unfortunately, that date has been booked by another client months ago. I am glad that I managed to photograph your family portraits and some casual shots of you and Ivan though! Nice meeting Ivan for the first time, but we definitely have to sit down for a proper chat over a meal soon! Maybe after your wedding?

Hope you like the photos and slideshow!

The Pang family…

I am sure he gets his cheeks pinched every so often.

Presenting CK & Martina’s family…

And here’s Ivan & Jennifer’s family. By the way, Cayla and Liz-Myra have really cool parents – Ivan and Jennifer are avid bikers…with Ivan having biked across a few countries crossing thousands of kilometres!

Hope you like these photos!

1. Make sure your child has enough rest the night before / afternoon before the shoot. If I don’t get enough sleep, I’d be grumpy too.

2. If your child has never been to the park before and you want to do a shoot in the park, I really don’t know how he/she’ll react once he sees grass. Might be a good idea to visit the park as a family a few weeks before the shoot so that you can introduce the little one to grass. (and possibly bugs too!)

3. Bring some snacks in case your child gets hungry. (or if the parents get hungry!)

4. Expect to sweat. Malaysian weather can be unforgiving at times… so dress comfortably!

5. Just play with your child during the photo session. Don’t get upset if things don’t go the way you expect it to. You can never force kids to look into the camera when they don’t feel like it, or haven’t warmed up to the photographer. The more flustered you get, the more likely you won’t get the type of photos you’ve been hoping for.

Have a great mid-week!

The best part is, Stories will be there! Come visit our booth on that day, and sign up for a discounted lifestyle portrait session with us. We’ll be excited to meet you to discuss any photo shoot ideas you may have.

If you’d like to register for this event, or find out more about it, please email enquiries@pitterpatter.com.my or contact Veron at 0123288368. See you there!

Towards the end of our trip, I decided to shoot some portraits for the family, minus one member who could not make it. Thanks Koko, Entioh, Roland, Adeline and Jasminne for treating us so well. Alex and I wish we could stay longer. Remember, once our home is ready, you are always welcome to stay with us!

Elisa and Selina stole our hearts… so cute!

And these photos were taken on another day at another park…

Completely not focused on Elisa, but I love her expression!

And yet another day in another part of Melbourne… gee I wish I can remember the names of these places!

Alright, someday I hope to finish going through all my travel photos and post it up online. I still haven’t looked at my US March 2010 photos…. so yeah! Client work always come first. But yes, eventually I aim to get it done! *just like my wedding video which I promised Alex I’ll edit… it’s been 5 years and counting….*

That’s what we did for Andrew and Shih Nei’s family portrait shoot. From a non-smiley face, the kids were smiling and having fun within 5 minutes. Whenever I shoot a family portrait, the parents usually tell me before the shoot, “I hope my children will behave”. With children, you never really know what will happen during a shoot, so I usually tell them, “Relax, don’t worry, we’ll have fun, and let’s see what happens.” Forcing a child to smile at the camera when he/she is not in the mood may not yield good results!

Andrew & Shih Nei, I hope you like these photos of your family having a good time!