Portraits

nicole In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Feature: Parveen’s family

We had the honour of hosting Parveen and their family for a large family photoshoot in our studio. With 11 family members, it was a lovely opportunity to bring everyone together and capture memories across three generations. Our studio is cosy enough for small groups and spacious enough to fit slightly larger ones like these.

A large family photoshoot is usually done within a 2-hour session, which gives us enough time to capture different combinations of the family: everyone together, grandparents with their grandchildren, individual family units, and even solo portraits if time permits. Contact us to schedule your family session at our studio, home, or any outdoor locations. Anytime is a great time for portraits!

Credits: Photography by Jon

nicole In Maternity

Why do mothers take photos of their bellies?

The minute the mother finds out she’s pregnant, her relationship with her child begins. The baby hasn’t arrived, but they’re already being imagined, talked about, and loved. As the belly grows, it becomes a visible sign of pregnancy. As the months go by, it then becomes a marker of how close a mother is to meeting their baby.

There’s anticipation, excitement, and ever-growing love for someone she hasn’t even met yet. So much so that she should plan a maternity shoot with her baby still in her belly.

Many may start to wonder, “Why have a whole photoshoot of yourself and your belly? Wouldn’t it be better if the mother waited until her baby was born? Wouldn’t that save the mother money?” Well, we at Stories don’t have an answer to that, but we can help you understand why mothers take photos of their bellies.

It’s more than just a baby bump

The first answer is simple: maternity photos aren’t simply about documenting the size of a belly but about capturing a deeply personal moment.

Pregnancy is filled with moments that may seem ordinary at first, but over time, they become moments mothers want documented for later reminiscing. Think of it as the first chapter of the relationship between the mother and baby. It’s like an introduction to the characters and to how they intertwine.

A photograph gives mothers a way to hold onto those moments. Yes, the belly itself is temporary. It grows for several months, and eventually, the baby arrives, and everything changes. But a photograph can preserve the version of a mother who was still waiting — still carrying her baby, imagining them, and preparing to meet them.

Perhaps that’s part of why maternity photography is in such demand — it can feel so intimate — just a mother and her baby in her belly.

A commenter on the Chinese platform Zhihu shares, “We [husband and I] took lots of maternity photos ourselves on our balcony. Of course, there were plenty of pictures showing off my belly — it came from the same feeling as wanting to show off and share pictures of the baby…it really felt so amazing [that] I had a baby growing inside me, and I was such a happy mother. That was genuinely how I felt at the time. I was basically this little pregnant woman glowing with joy!”

The second answer: it’s a way of celebrating the mother.

Look at a photograph of a mother smiling, one hand resting gently on her belly; you might see nothing but joy. What the photograph doesn’t show are the months that came before it — the morning sickness, the back pain, the swollen ankles, the foods she had to give up, the restless nights, and countless uncomfortable moments that came with carrying a baby.

Yes, pregnancy can be beautiful, but it isn’t always easy.

Behind that smile is a mother whose body has been changing, stretching, and adapting to make room for a new life. She spent months putting someone else’s needs before her own before they even arrived.

That is worth remembering.

But is a maternity photoshoot worth the investment?

Of course, there’s a question that many would ask: Is a maternity photoshoot worth paying for? Especially when the mother will be hiring a professional photographer again to photograph her baby later on?

A professional photoshoot is a luxury, especially when a phone can simply capture the baby bump for nothing. But professional photography offers something different: allowing mothers to step away from documenting themselves and simply experience it.

Professional photoshoots are intentional — lighting, backgrounds, composition, and details. They can create images that reflect the mother’s personality and beauty. And while it may seem like maternity and newborn photo shoots document the same journey, they capture two completely different moments.

At the end of the day, whether a professional maternity photoshoot is worth the investment depends on family and personal values. For some mothers, it’s about celebrating the changes their bodies go through; for others, it’s about preserving a special chapter of their life before everything changes.

Whatever your reason, there’s no right or wrong way to capture this season. What matters is having photographs that feel true to you and your family.

If you’re still unsure about taking the next step, reach out to us. We’re always happy to chat, answer your questions, and help you plan a maternity photoshoot that feels comfortable, meaningful, and right for you and your family.

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Family portraits over the years: Lay Choo

Lay Choo first came to the Stories studio in 2017, to photograph her firstborn, when she turned one. It was a fun photo shoot with the entire family, which included a cake smash and a quick bath immediately after, right in our studio. That simple action of booking a photo shoot soon turned into a tradition. She came back again for her 2nd child’s first birthday in 2021, and then again this year for her 3rd child’s 1st birthday!

Every time, we would have a cake, a mini celebration and a bath at the studio. That was really cute to see how one bathtub became a storyline over so many years. The thing about traditions is that we do not necessarily see their value immediately. After the years have passed, these traditions become a special keepsake that is cherished.

Her first photo session in 2017

The second session in 2021

The 3rd session in 2026

Funnily, during our recent session this year, little Alex fell asleep halfway through the photo session. After a power nap, he woke up in time to savour his birthday cake!

Our company has been in existence since 2008 (we’re 18 this year!), so we have photographed many families through the years. It is our joy to see the children grow through the years. Thank you so much for choosing us, over and over again.

Credits:

Photographer: Grace
Videographer: Abel

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Studio vs outdoor photos: Which is better?

“Should we do a studio shoot or go outdoors for my family photoshoot?”

Now, that’s probably one of the most common questions photographers get before a family shoot. And honestly? That isn’t exactly the easiest question to answer, as there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

If you were to ask Stories, we’d probably not start by talking about parks or studios. Instead, we’d probably ask you these questions:

Can you please tell me about your family?
How many people are there?
How old are the children?
Will Grandma be joining?
What kind of experience are you hoping for?
Most importantly, what do you want these photos to feel like?

And there’s a reason for these questions.

What photographers actually think about when you mention ‘location’

Some clients often think that location is the biggest deal breaker for family photoshoots. However, photographers don’t.

When a photographer hears “studio” or “park”, they’re already imagining something different. They’re probably thinking about the lighting, the movement, the mood, and the family dynamics.

And that’s how we at Stories think. Because deciding between a studio and the outdoors isn’t really about choosing a prettier background — it’s about choosing an environment that helps your family relax, connect, and create the kind of memories you actually want to remember years from now.

For example, photographing a family of four with energetic toddlers is very different from photographing 20 extended family members, including a 90-year-old grandmother in a wheelchair. A beautiful park might sound lovely, but if getting everyone there becomes exhausting, those tired faces will show up in the photos, too.

Again, the location isn’t the star of the photo. The family is. The location simply helps bring the story to life. But there is no harm in looking a little deeper to figure out which setup is the best for your family photoshoot.

A family photoshoot in a studio

A session in the studio = Reassurance and comfort.

The temperature is cool. Nobody is sweating before, during, or after the session. You don’t have to wonder if it’s going to rain. There aren’t any mosquitoes or random strangers walking past you in the background. The best part? There’s a nice, clean toilet at your disposal (every Malaysian knows the pain of finding clean, dry toilets at our local parks).

It’s safe to say that everything feels manageable.

For photographers, a studio offers something valuable: control. We have a beautiful natural light studio, but on gloomy days, studio lighting can be added.

However, there might be a concern that studios are “boring”. And we’re here to tell you that isn’t the case.

In fact, creativity can sometimes be more challenging when you keep doing sessions in the same space, but that can push photographers (especially us) to see a familiar space in new ways.

That’s not all; studios can make life easier for your family. Young children have a contained, safe space to run around. Elderly parents don’t have to walk long distances. Families with members who need quiet breaks, such as autistic children, have a space to pause before jumping back into the session.

The outdoors: When the setting tells part of the story

For outdoor shoots, there’s a different type of magic — the environment becomes part of your story.

Instead of simply serving as a backdrop, the location adds context to your photos. It could be your favourite park or even your family home. These places often hold memories long before the photoshoot begins, making the photos feel even more personal.

Outdoor shoots also naturally encourage movement. There’s more room for children to run, parents to walk hand in hand, or families to simply interact without feeling confined to one spot.

However, of course, outdoor shoots also come with less control. Lighting changes through the session, the weather can be unpredictable, and in Malaysia, heat and humidity are all part of the experience. But that’s not all; we’d recommend shooting early in the mornings — as early as 7 a.m., when the light is softer and the weather is cooler.

Outdoor photography works beautifully for families who enjoy being active, prefer candid moments over posed portraits, or simply want their photos to capture a particular place that’s meaningful to them.

So…which setting is better for your family photoshoot?

It’s like asking whether coffee is better hot or iced.

Neither is better. They’re simply made for different moments.

A studio offers comfort, consistency, and complete creative control. It’s ideal for families who value convenience, have younger babies or children, elderly relatives, or anyone who wants a relaxed, stress-free experience.

An outdoor shoot offers movement, personality, and storytelling. It’s perfect for families who love candid interactions and don’t mind embracing a little unpredictability along the way.

Here’s a simpler way to think about it:

At the end of the day, the “better” location is the one that helps your family feel like themselves because years from now, you probably won’t remember whether the photos were taken in a studio or at a park — you’ll remember how everyone laughed.

And that’s what a great family photography session is all about.

Are you ready to plan your family photoshoot? Get in touch with us! We’d love to help you find the perfect setting for your story.

Grace Tan In Beautiful Everyday, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Here’s what happens during a family photography session: A walk-through

Family photoshoots can get…extremely chaotic.

Between booking a session, coordinating outfits, getting everyone out the door on time, and wondering if the children will cooperate, it’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed and uncertain.

That’s not all; you’ll even find yourself asking the same questions:
Will an hour be enough?
What happens if my child has a meltdown?
How will the photographers manage my large family?
Will the photos turn out the way I want?

The good news is that, with us, a family photoshoot is far less stressful than most people think. A lot of planning takes place long before the shoot, and we’ll guide you through every stage. Here’s everything you should expect, from the initial enquiry to the last photo taken.

Before the family photoshoot even starts

Preparation begins the moment you reach out to enquire about a session. One of the first things we’ll discuss is the size of your family, as it helps determine the duration of the photoshoot.

Why? Well, smaller families (two to four members) may only need 30 minutes, while larger groups (five or more members) often require more time, typically an hour to two, and sessions rarely go beyond that. However, if you require a shoot that involves several outfit changes or have chosen a location that involves a lot of walking, it may take longer — even if you’re a family of four.

Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll send over a questionnaire and preparation guide to help us get to know your family better and ensure the session runs smoothly.

Some questions we’ll include in the questionnaire are:
– How many children will be participating? Do your children have any special needs we should be aware of?
– Tell us about yourself and your family.
– Do you have any specific requests, ideas you’d like to execute, or props you’ll be bringing?
– Please describe the outfits you’ve chosen for the session (formal, casual, colours, etc).
– We’ll also ask about special needs requirements or anything that could help us create a comfortable environment.

For example, if a family of 15 is attending, it’s useful for us to know how everyone is connected and how you’d like the group photos organised. With all this information, we’ll be able to plan ahead so that everyone spends less time figuring things out on the day itself.

The first few minutes of the session

The day of your family photoshoot has arrived. Your session starts at 12 p.m., but rather than rushing in right on the dot, it’s always best to arrive about 15 minutes early. By this point, you’ve spent the entire morning getting everyone dressed and double-checking that nobody has forgotten anything important — it’s basically chaos.

Arriving early will give your family some time to wind down and get used to your environment. At the same time, our photographer will take a few minutes to chat with your family — to get acquainted and understand the dynamics between each member. If your family photoshoot is taking place outdoors or at home, our photographer will usually arrive earlier to assess the location, understand the space, identify the best spots, and determine how to make the most of it.

The first part of the photoshoot — traditional family portraits

Once the photoshoot begins, we’ll typically start with the more traditional family photographs. For large families, these group portraits are usually done first while everyone’s attention is fresh. For those with children, this is key, as they’re usually willing to listen during the opening part of the session, as they are curious when entering a new environment.

If you’ve already provided a shot list, we’ll take it into consideration and will advise accordingly. Basically, we’ll go according to the flow of what we think works best, based on the situation of the shoot. For example, we may try to photograph the families with the youngest children first, and adult-only photos will come last.

The second part of the photoshoot — candid moments

Once the key group photos are complete, the session becomes more relaxed. We’ll flow between posed and candid photos throughout the session. Rather than asking everyone to stand and smile, we’ll encourage interactions. Families may be asked to walk together, talk, play games, laugh, or simply spend time together.

The goal is to capture genuine and authentic moments. We’ll still provide guidance and suggestions throughout this session. You never need to worry about knowing how to pose or what to do next.

Wrapping up the session

As the session comes to an end, we’ll do a quick review of remaining combinations or requests that haven’t yet been photographed. This is also an opportunity to capture any final images family members may have in mind during the session.

If you have children at the shoot, here’s how it’s going to go

Now, for those with children, you’ll probably be worried about how your children will behave. The good news? Children behaving like children is completely normal.

If a child becomes overwhelmed, shy, tired, or throws a tantrum, there’s no need to panic. It doesn’t mean the session is failing. In fact, one of the best things parents can do is to stay calm. If a child needs a break, we’ll simply adjust the schedule. They can have a snack, take a short break, or step away from the camera. We’ll simply photograph other family members.

What we try to avoid is creating additional pressure. Children can quickly sense stress if they’re scolded or forced into participating. Instead, we’ll work with the child’s energy.

In the studio, we have a small slide-and-play area for children to settle in. Music will be used to create a relaxed environment. We also encourage parents to ensure their children are well-fed before the photoshoot.

Other than that, we recommend not allowing your children to use a digital device during the shoot, as it may cause disengagement and make it difficult to separate the child from the device. Most importantly, trust the process. Remember, experienced family photographers understand that children have good and difficult moments.

All of these are part of family life, and capturing your family as you are is the goal. If you’re still unsure about taking the next steps, do reach out to us. We’re always happy to chat, answer your questions, and help you plan a family photoshoot that works for everyone.