Tips + Ideas

Recreating your Old Photos

Do you have a favourite photo of you when you were child? One of you having ice-cream all over your face, or all dressed-up in a funny costume? Here’s an idea to recreate that photo with the same pose, same person, only 20 years later! :)

You will need:

1. An old photo of you that you would like to recreate.

2. A camera and a willing friend (or tripod if you like it better than your friends).

3. The same or similar location by which the original photo was taken.

4. Yourself! And your enthusiasm to recreate the photo!

Optional: Clothes that are similar to the one in the original picture.

Step 1: Look through your childhood photos and pick one. If you would like to have ice-cream all over your face to recreate the picture and you are up for it, then go for it!

Step 2: Examine the photo closely: the poses, the facial expression, the clothes and the location. Practice the expression or poses in front of the mirror if you have to. Revisit the location where the photo was taken and for the best results, try to get similar clothes, too!

Step 3: Set up your camera or bring your friend to the location and have fun shooting! For the best results, take a few shots. Check and redo until you are satisfied with the outcome!

Step 4: When you are all done, choose your best shot and put it together with the original photo. Print them out and send it to all your relatives. Congratulations, you have now become their favourite niece/nephew/cousin/grandson/granddaughter!

Extra Tip: Get other people involved, too! Here’s my take on recreating an old photo:

Every photo has a story. What’s your story? Remember to show us your pictures!

Grace Tan In Casual Portraits, Musings, Portraits, Tips + Ideas

It’s a Deal!

Love. I love the idea of love, being in love and seeing other people in love. (Yes Alex, I know I used the words love too many times in the same sentence, but I can’t help it!). Love is this basic need that we all have as humans. In marriage, love to me means a deep sense of commitment between two individuals – a love that never gives up even though times are difficult. Love also equates trust… because to give yourself fully to someone like that requires a huge amount of risk and trust.

I had the privilege of witnessing and recording the marriage proposal of my friends Ivan and Mi Ghent a few days ago. I’ve known the both of them for years – individually and then together as a couple. I am so glad they’ve taken the plunge into this whole realm of trusting each other’s hearts with full commitment to one another.

Ivan had this ingenious idea of creating ‘additional’ Monopoly Deal cards for the proposal. It’s one of Mi Ghent’s favourite game and the idea was so apt! After a few rounds, Ivan played his “Marry Me” card, followed by the “Just Say Yes” card, specially designed by our friend Monica.

She was stunned for a while, and then asked, “Are you on your knees?”

Needless to say, she said YES!

It was especially meaningful too that the engagement ring was a family heirloom handed down by Ivan’s mum. I am so happy for the both of you! Thank you for inviting Alex and I to be part of this beautiful occasion. And of course, thanks for the yummy Ipoh food too! Now, on to wedding planning!

Grace Tan In For Photographers, Musings, Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits, Tips + Ideas, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Behind the Scenes: Aaron & Chrystin

Videographer & Editor: Weiming

A week ago, I posted some photos from Aaron & Chrystin’s pre-wedding shoot. It was such an elaborate set up that I knew we had to document it with a video. What you don’t really see in this image below is the many piles of cow dung that we had to avoid stepping on in that field. The shoot was done at UPM, where cows graze freely at certain times of the day. Thankfully, I managed to find a cow-dung-less spot to set up our little picnic mat. So hope you enjoy the video and do leave a comment behind!

[flv:http://www.stories.my/wp-content/uploads/2011/slideshows/aaron-chrystin.mp4 http://www.stories.my/wp-content/uploads/2011/slideshows/aaron-chrystin.jpg 704 400]

Grace Tan In For Photographers, Musings, Testimonials, Tips + Ideas, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Behind the Scenes: Alvin & Melissa

I always have good intentions to do more behind the scenes videos of our shoots, but as with all good intentions, it sometimes remain as intentions when not followed through with action. On a day to day basis, we have so much work to do in terms of photo touch ups and album design that editing videos like these take a back seat. In fact, I have a number of videos that we’ve shot but not had time to edit. :(

So I am glad that we managed to complete this edit, thanks to the ever hardworking Weiming. He shot and edited this video entirely on his own. Amazing work! Thanks Weiming for making me look good in video (though I cringe when I hear my own laughter).

To view the photos from Alvin & Melissa’s shoot at Carcosa, click on this link!

Do let me know what you think of our little video!

[flv:http://www.stories.my/wp-content/uploads/2011/slideshows/alvin-melissa-bts.mp4 http://www.stories.my/wp-content/uploads/2011/slideshows/alvin-melissa-bts.jpg 704 400]

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Musings, Portraits, Tips + Ideas

Family Portraits: Alan, Alicia & Ava

Just to add some sugary cuteness to your day, here are some photos from Alan, Alicia and Ava’s family portrait session recently. At the start of every family portrait session, I always tell parents that the outcome of the photography shoot will always depend on your baby’s mood. It’s really difficult to predict how babies will really react, but some tips that I give to families are:

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!