Portraits

Jasmine Tai In At Home, Family + Children Portraits, Life, Portraits, Studio

The Years Are Short, but the Memories Can Be Long

Let me tell you something I’ve really been feeling lately: this year went by in a blur. Like… a blink. One moment it was January, and suddenly we’re here, wondering how 11 months disappeared without asking for permission.

And maybe it’s not just me. Maybe you feel it too. Maybe you’re also wondering how your kids grew when you were just trying to keep up… or how your parents seem a little softer this year… or how long it’s been since all of you stood together in one frame, at the same time, in the same season of life.

It hits me every year-end: the days feel long, but the years? They’re unbelievably short.
And I don’t want us to wake up one day wishing we had kept more of these little moments.

When We Think We Have More Time Than We Do

I catch myself saying it all the time:
“I’ll book the photoshoot soon.”
“I’ll do it when things slow down.”
“I’ll plan it when everyone’s free.”

And if we’re honest… that “soon” never really comes, does it? Recently my mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital due to a brain injury and she’s been bedridden since. I tried looking for the last family photo we took together when everyone was around and I realized that photo was taken almost 2 years ago during Chinese New Year.

Life doesn’t slow down. Kids don’t stop growing while we breathe. Parents don’t pause their aging. And as we are trying so hard to balance everything, we don’t always realize a moment is becoming a memory until it’s already behind us.

I don’t say this to make you feel guilty. I say it because I’ve felt it too. We think we have more time than we do. We think our loved ones will always look, sound, and move the same way they do now. But time has this quiet way of changing things when we’re not paying attention.

And that’s why I’m writing this — for you and for me. Because I don’t want either of us to miss the version of our family we have right now.

Why Year-End Photos Hit Different

There’s something about this season that makes everything feel a little more real. We slow down. We’re a little more reflective. A little more sentimental. A little more aware of the people who make our lives feel like home.

Maybe it’s the holidays. Maybe it’s the slower nights. Maybe it’s just that invisible shift that happens when the year is about to end. That is why year end photos hit differently. They don’t just capture what your family looks like — they capture who you were this year. The energy. The connection. The inside jokes. The chaos. The quiet love you might take for granted because you’re living it daily.

And trust me on this: the future us is going to want that. Not the perfect outfits or the camera-ready hair, but the real expressions, the real hugs, the real “this is us right now” kind of moments.

The Things We Don’t Want to Forget

When people talk about what they miss, it’s never the big events. It’s always the tiny things we didn’t realise were disappearing:

The way our child still runs into our arms. The way our parents still call our name with that familiar softness. The way grandparents laugh — that specific laugh that you can recognize even from another room. The way our homes look before they change or before we leave them.

These little things? They become some of the biggest treasures later. And taking photos now is how we hold onto them long after time moves on.

You Don’t Need “Perfect.” You Just Need Now

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably thought: “I need to lose a little weight before the photos.” “I want to wait until my kid’s hair grows.” or “I want the house to look nicer.”

But here’s the truth between us: Our loved ones don’t care about any of that. They care that we’re in the photos with them. They care that we showed up. They care that we wanted to remember this chapter together. I still remember one of the Chinese New Year during the COVID-19 season, all of us were in frame together with our masks on. Even though half of our faces were covered, it serves as a reminder that we went through that season together and came out of it stronger.

Let’s Not Wait Another Year

I’m telling you as a friend: Let’s not let another year slip by without freezing the things we’ll miss most. Not the achievements or the milestones. But the people. The hugs. The laughter. The closeness. The version of your family that exists right now, in this irreplaceable moment in time.

The years are short — painfully short. But the memories we choose to keep? Those can stay with us for decades. For generations. For as long as someone opens an album and smiles. So before the year ends, let’s do something our future selves will thank us for. Let’s freeze the love we’re living today.

📸 Book your year-end family session.
For you, for us, for the memories we can’t afford to lose.

Jasmine Tai In Parties & Events

How to Plan a Fun Graduation Photoshoot for You and Your Friends

I remember when I had my graduation ceremony, I had a random photo taken in front of all the graduates, even without a proper photo backdrop. *cues tears* Graduation isn’t just the end of a chapter — it’s the beginning of a brand new one. After all the late-night study sessions, group projects, and exam-week stress, you deserve to celebrate this milestone in a way that truly reflects the joy and pride of your journey. One of the best ways to do that? A fun, memorable graduation photoshoot with your friends. I wished we had thought about it and had the resources to do it.

Besides having pretty pictures to post on social media — they will become keepsakes that freeze this once-in-a-lifetime moment forever. Here’s how to plan a photoshoot that captures all the excitement, pride, and friendship of graduation day (that I wish I knew 12 years ago):

Don’t Stress About the Gown

Many graduates worry that they don’t have the exact gown that’s used during the ceremony because most of the time, they will have to return the gown to the gown provider within the day itself. Here’s the good news for you: you don’t need to wear the exact same gown for the photoshoot. We have some gowns in the studio where you can wear them for the photoshoot, free of charge! What matters most is how the photos feel.

You can schedule your shoot any time without worrying about gown rental deadlines or returns. You can even personalize your look by adding your own sash, decorate your cap, or wear your favourite shoes underneath. The key is to focus on celebrating the moment, not replicating every detail of the ceremony.

Choose the Perfect Time and Place

One of the best backdrops for your graduation shoot is your university itself. After all, this is where so many of your memories were made. Shooting on campus the day before or after the ceremony means you can enjoy the space without the rush and crowds. You will have the freedom to explore your favorite spots whether it’s the library steps, your faculty building, the iconic university sign, or even that tree-lined walkway where you used to grab coffee before class.

If you’d rather have your photos taken right after the ceremony, that’s a great choice too. You’ll still be glowing from the excitement, surrounded by your proud family and friends. Just be prepared for a little more chaos, lots of people in your photos, confetti, and happy tears everywhere. But sometimes, that energy makes for the most authentic and joyful shots.

A quick tip: if you’re planning to shoot after the ceremony, coordinate with your photographer early. That way, the photographer can meet you at a designated spot and capture your first moments as an official graduate, such as throwing your cap, hugging your parents, or laughing with your best friends.

Use This Chance for a Family Portrait Session

Imagine how proud your parents, grandparents, and loved ones would feel when you are finally graduating. They are the ones that have been with you every step of the way, cheering you on through late-night studies, exams, and all the ups and downs. That’s why this is the perfect time to capture a beautiful family portrait together. Many families choose to have a short studio session after the graduation ceremony, or even a few days later. In the studio, lighting and comfort are perfectly controlled, allowing everyone to look their best without worrying about crowds or weather. You can start with formal portraits in your graduation gown, then take it off for a second round of photos in coordinated outfits for a more relaxed, timeless family look.

Make It a Group Effort

Some of the best graduation photos come from the energy of friendship. Plan your shoot with your closest classmates — those who were with you through group projects, coffee runs, and late-night pep talks.

Coordinate your outfits so everyone looks cohesive but not too “matchy.” Maybe you all wear your gowns over semi-formal outfits in similar tones, or choose a colour theme that ties everything together. Bring fun props like balloons, flowers, or confetti poppers. Even something as simple as holding your certificates or tossing your caps together can create joyful, dynamic images.

When you shoot as a group, it’s about reliving the laughter and pride you all share. You will look back and remember how it felt to stand beside your friends, knowing you all made it through together.

Capture the Emotion, Not Just the Pose

Graduation photos are about emotions, not perfection. That proud smile when your parents hug you. The teary laughter as your friends cheer for you. The quiet, reflective moment when you stand on campus, realizing how far you’ve come.

A good photographer knows how to capture these unscripted moments beautifully. The best shots often happen between poses: when you’re fixing your cap, sharing a joke, or simply looking around, soaking in the moment.

When planning your shoot, tell your photographer what this milestone means to you. Do you want your photos to feel nostalgic? Fun and carefree? Elegant and polished? The more they understand your vision, the better they can capture your story.

A fun graduation photoshoot is about celebrating everything you’ve become. Whether you shoot on campus the day before, immediately after the ceremony, or even a week later in your favourite outfit, what matters most is that it reflects you.

So gather your friends, put on those gowns, and step into the frame with pride. Because someday, years from now, when you look at these photos—, you will remember exactly how proud, happy, and hopeful you felt in that moment. And that’s something worth capturing.

Whether you’re shooting on campus with your friends, right after your ceremony, or planning a relaxed post-graduation session, we can help you design a photoshoot that feels effortless and meaningful. Because this is more than just a photoshoot, it’s your milestone, your pride, your once-in-a-lifetime story.

Book your graduation session today and let’s capture the celebration you’ll never want to forget.

Jasmine Tai In At Home, Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Why You Should Include Your Pet in Your Family Portraits

When you think of family portraits, you probably imagine parents, children, maybe grandparents, and siblings all smiling together. But if you have a furry (or feathered!) companion at home, you know that “family” doesn’t feel paw-fectly complete without them. Pets may not speak our language, but they fill our days with love, laughter, and comfort. They’re the ones who curl up on your lap after a long day, greet you excitedly at the door wagging their tails, or happily paw their way into family activities.

That’s why at the Stories studio, we believe pets belong in family portraits just as much as anyone else. Whether it’s your playful golden retriever, a grumpy tabby cat, or even a quirky rabbit, your pets are family and they deserve to be remembered alongside you in your family photographs.

In this article, we will talk about why including your pets in your portraits is so meaningful, the challenges you might face, and how we make it easy (and fun!) for everyone involved.

Pets Are Fur-ever Family

The biggest reason is simple: pets are part of your fur-mily story. They’ve walked with you through milestones, comforted you during ruff days, and celebrated with you during joyful ones. They’re woven into the everyday rhythm of your household, so why leave them out of something as paw-sonal as a family portrait?

Imagine this with us: years from now, when you look back at your photos, you won’t just want to remember the people you love. You will want to see the beloved dog who always insisted on sitting in the middle of the couch or the cat who photobombed every hug with a “meow-ment” of their own. Portraits are about capturing love and connection, and pets embody that in their own purr-fect way.

The Joy They Bring to Photos

Including pets often brings out the most genuine smiles from everyone. Children light up when their dog is sitting beside them. Couples relax when their cat is curled up on their lap. Pets add an element of playfulness and paw-sitive energy that makes photos feel alive, authentic, and full of personality.

Sometimes, the funniest or sweetest moments happen because of them! A dog tilting its head at the camera, a cat swatting at a ribbon, or even a slightly chaotic group hug where everyone bursts into laughter. These are the fur-tastic memories you will treasure most: the ones that show not just how you looked, but how you felt together as a family.

Making Pets Comfortable

We also know that pets can sometimes be shy, restless, or a little unpredictable, especially in a new environment like a photography studio. That’s why we offer flexibility. If your pet is happy to join us in the studio, we welcome them with open arms (and plenty of treats!). But if your pet is more comfortable at home, we will gladly come to you.

Photographing pets in their own space often makes for the most natural and relaxed portraits. They’re free to be themselves, whether that means lounging in their favorite spot by the window or playing in the backyard. It also makes it easier for you as a family, you won’t need to worry about the travel stress, and your pet gets to stay in their comfort zone.

Overcoming the “What Ifs”

We often hear families ask, “What if my dog doesn’t sit still?” or “What if my cat just hides?” The good news is: you don’t need a paw-fectly posed pet for beautiful photos. In fact, some of the best purr-traits come from those unscripted meow-ments. A wagging tail, a curious glance, or even a mischievous escape attempt can turn into the most heartwarming memories.

As professional photographers, we know how to work with animals. We’re patient, we plan for breaks, and we create a calm environment. We also adapt to each pet’s purr-sonality — some love attention, while others prefer a quiet corner. Either way, our goal is to capture the genuine bond between your family and your furry friend, not to force perfection.

A Fur-ever Tribute

Pets are with us for such a precious, though often too short, part of our lives. Including them in your fur-mily portraits ensures they will always have a place in your memories. Years down the road, those photos will become priceless reminders of the love they brought and the paw prints they left on your hearts.

You can see your children, grown up, looking back at the portraits and smiling at the sight of their childhood dog. Or you flipping through an album and seeing your cat snuggled in your arms. These images will remind you that your pet was truly part of the family story because they definitely were.

Let’s Create Paw-some Memories Together

At our studio, we welcome pets with the same love and care we show to every family member. Whether you want to bring them along to our space or prefer us to come to your home, we’ll make sure everyone (two-legged and four-legged) feels comfortable and celebrated.

Your family portraits should reflect the whole picture of your life together, and that includes your pets. They’re not “just animals.” They’re your companions, your comforters, your playmates, and your family.

So the next time you’re planning a family photoshoot, don’t leave them behind. Bring them into the frame and let us help you capture the beautiful, messy, love-filled story that includes every member of your family.

Ready to plan your family photoshoot with your furry friend?

Reach out to us! We would love to meet you (and your pet!) and create portraits that celebrate the family you’ve built, paw prints and all.

Grace Tan In Parties & Events, Portraits

Parti 100 Tahun: Behind the Lens at Tun Dr Mahathir’s 100th Birthday

This Malaysia Day, we find ourselves reflecting on the people and stories that make our nation unique. A few months ago in July, our Stories team had the incredible privilege of photographing and filming a very special occasion — our previous prime minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s 100th birthday, celebrated alongside his wife, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah’s 99th.

And what a celebration it was! The theme was playfully called Parti 100 Tahun — and no, it wasn’t a political party. Guests were invited to “vote” for their favourite version of the Tuns across different eras of their lives, from young doctor and student days, to the many roles they’ve held through the years. Party flags and button badges added to the light-hearted spirit.

Before entering the ballroom at The Majestic Hotel, guests could wander through a foyer filled with exhibits from Tun’s life. There were iconic photographs from his journey, reminders of his past achievements, and even a charming mock-up of his old clinic. We loved the special caricature of the couple drawn by our beloved Malaysian cartoonist, Lat. The exhibits made the guests feel like they were stepping into a living museum — a chance to walk through the decades and see the story of his life up close.

Inside, the beautifully decorated ballroom set the stage for a warm and joyful evening. The highlight for us was watching the family come together to celebrate their beloved patriarch. There were heartfelt performances from grandchildren, moving tributes and even a beautifully crafted AI video that showcased Tun’s life through the years. We love how personal and warm the event was, especially seeing their guest list including people like Tun M’s long-time barber, Tun Hasmah’s violin teacher and even manicurist! Emceed by Alif Satar, and with special performances from Dato’ Sheila Majid, Dato’ Yusni Hamid and even an impromptu one from Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza, the night was fun!

As photographers and filmmakers, we often say our greatest privilege is being invited into people’s most meaningful moments. This was one of those occasions that reminded us why we do what we do — to capture not just faces, but the spirit of love, connection and legacy that will live on in memory.

This Malaysia Day, as we honour our nation, we also honour the people whose stories have shaped the nation. Leaders, yes — but also families, communities, and everyday Malaysians who make this country home. Happy Malaysia Day!

Appreciate the entire team who worked hard to cover the event!

Jasmine Tai In Family + Children Portraits, Promotions, Studio

Step Into a Storybook – How the Flight of Imagination Experience Works

Growing up, have you ever wished that you are the hero of your very own storybook? Since we can’t turn back time, you can now see your child become the hero of their very own storybook! That dream is exactly what our Flight of Imagination experience is all about. It’s a magical journey where your child steps into a world of stories, and you walk away with a keepsake that captures their spirit forever. Here’s how it works, step by step:

Step 1: Book Your Adventure

Every great story begins with a starting point. Booking your session is the first step! Our standard package includes a one-hour weekday photoshoot in our studio at Oval Damansara, TTDI. Do you prefer weekends or a senior photographer? That’s possible too with a small upgrade fee. Think of this as buying your “boarding pass” into your child’s world of imagination.

Step 2: Choose the Star of the Story

Every tale needs a main character. In this experience, that’s your child. If you have multiple children, one of them will be the “main character” whose name appears throughout the storybook. Don’t worry, the siblings can still join in the adventure, but the spotlight stays on the hero.

Step 3: Dress for Adventure

Forget about fancy costumes, simple is always best. Since most shots are taken against a white backdrop, we recommend avoiding white clothes. Go for solid, comfortable colours without large logos. Skip short skirts because we’ll be moving and posing in fun, active ways. The goal? Let your child’s personality shine and have fun at the same time.

Step 4: Bring a Prop or Two

Props help bring the story to life, but don’t overpack. Just one or two personal items are enough, for example: a beach hat or sunglasses. We will provide the rest. This little touch adds your family’s unique flavour to the final book.

Step 5: Play and Explore

Once the camera starts clicking, it’s all about fun. We will guide your child through playful, story-driven actions, no stiff poses allowed here! If something doesn’t work, we’ll switch gears. The session is lively, expressive, and full of laughter. Imagine stepping into the pages of a storybook — that’s exactly the feeling we want.

Step 6: Your Choice, Your Book

You’ll get to select your favourite images from the shoot. This ensures the final story truly reflects your child’s personality. Once you’ve selected the photos, we will start working on the edits.

Step 7: Let the Story Unfold

Behind the scenes, we edit the photos and weave them into a beautiful book design. Your child’s expressions, movements, and joy become part of a narrative that feels like it was written just for them. From Malaysia’s iconic city skylines to heritage-inspired backdrops, the visuals will transport you into different worlds.

Step 8: Receive Your Keepsake

Finally, the best part: your Flight of Imagination storybook arrives at your doorstep, complete with 11 digital images. It’s more significant than just a storybook. It’s a treasure chest of memories, ready to be shared with grandparents, displayed proudly at home, or kept as an heirloom your child will one day look back on with wonder. Many parents told us that the book became their child’s favorite bedtime story.

Why Families Love It

Parents often tell us how magical it feels to see their child starring in a story that reflects both playfulness and heritage. It’s a reminder that children are only little once, and their imaginations deserve to be celebrated. From KLCC’s skyline to Penang’s energy, from Melaka’s heritage to Terengganu’s traditions, these pages hold a piece of Malaysia and a piece of your family’s heart.

Ready to Take Flight?

Your child’s imagination is waiting to take off. Book your Flight of Imagination experience today and create a keepsake that grows more precious with time.

For bookings, reach out to us here and we will be in contact with you.