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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.

Bin Bin Tan In At Home, Family + Children Portraits, Maternity, Portraits

Introducing Family Films

At Stories, we work to create timeless images that will help you immortalize the best times of your life. As the world evolves in the way we tell stories through visuals, we have decided to evolve with it. For this reason, we have expanded our services to offer videography services in addition to family photography packages.

Introducing Family Films, where you can now tell capture your family’s important moments with a video session instead of just a traditional photoshoot.

Moments Package

The Moments Package is a behind-the-scenes coverage as an add on to a family portrait session. This is for clients who have already booked a family photoshoot and would now also like a video. The videos filmed in this package would revolve mostly around the scenes being setup for the photoshoot, which we will then edit with music to tell a little story. Other than showing up, there isn’t any additional work required from the family members.

For the end result, you will receive a 1 to 2 minute edited video of your family in addition to the photos from the photoshoot booked.

Unscripted Package

The Unscripted Package is a standalone video production that can be shot as a mini documentary of your family, whether it’s to showcase your family’s history, a day in the life or to celebrate a family member. As these videos will be more detailed, audio interviews may be used to help tell the story.

Therefore, this package requires more thought and planning. Some things you may consider before deciding to proceed are:

(i) What narrative do you wish to convey?

(ii) Who is going to participate in the shoot?

(iii) Are interviews planned? What are the questions you would like to be asked? What would you like to say in reply?

(iv) What type of scenes would you like to film your family doing?

Under this package, you will receive a 2 to 4 minute edited video. As this package does not include photos, you may like to add on a photoshoot if you would like to receive some photos as well.

The next time you decide to book a professional family photoshoot, why not consider a video as well?

Jasmine Tai In At Home, Newborn

Alex & Mechell’s Newborn Photoshoot

The first few weeks with your newborn are a blur of soft cuddles, tiny fingers wrapped around yours, and sleepy, love-filled gazes. These days are fleeting—one moment, they fit perfectly in the crook of your arm, and before you know it, they’re outgrowing onesies and giggling at your silly faces.

As new parents, you’re experiencing a love like no other. You’re soaking in every sigh, every stretch, every little yawn. And while your heart holds these moments forever, time has a way of slipping through our fingers. That’s why a newborn photoshoot isn’t just about taking pictures, it’s about freezing these precious, fleeting moments in time.

Take a look at these precious photos of Alex and Mechell’s newborn baby. We are so honored to have the opportunities to capture both of their maternity and newborn photos. You can also check out their maternity photos here.

Credits:
Photography by Stephen

Shan Szetho In At Home, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Tips for Managing Family Photo Sessions

With Christmas and Chinese New Year around the corner, family photo shoots are a wonderful way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. But they can also bring on challenges, especially when working with kids, elderly family members, and coordinating relatives. Here are some useful tips to overcome the potential hurdles and ensure a smooth, enjoyable family photo shoot session.

Preparing for the Shoot

It is important to discuss expectations and logistics with the family well in advance. This is so that everyone is aware of the final outcome and there are no surprises on the day of the shoot. Encourage them to plan outfits, consider location preferences, and think about any specific groupings or shots they’d like to capture. Make sure you communicate your preferences to the photographer before the photo session – a practice we highly encourage at Stories!

Bring Essentials

Remind family members to bring snacks, water, and anything that can make the shoot more comfortable for kids and seniors. Small toys or comfort items can help children, while a folding chair may be beneficial for older family members, especially if they have to stand long. You might also consider bringing small hand fans or umbrellas if you are shooting outdoors, as this can help to ensure everyone is more comfortable despite hot weather to keep grumpiness at bay.

Engaging Kids

Young children are often the biggest challenge in family photo shoots. They might be impatient, fussy, or simply not interested in following directions. However, with a little creativity and flexibility, you can capture beautiful photos without forcing kids into unnatural poses or expressions. Parents should encourage their kids and work together with the photographer to get the best outcomes. Remember that the photographer’s job is to take the photo, and not to entertain the kids. Specific tips for kids include:

Make it Fun: Bring small toys, bubbles, or other playful items to capture their interest. These items can be both a distraction and a prop for spontaneous shots.
Be Flexible with Posing: Avoid expecting young kids to stay still or smile on command. Instead, allow them to interact naturally with their surroundings and family members.
Breaks and Snacks: Children, especially toddlers, might need breaks and snacks. Schedule breaks during the shoot to avoid meltdowns and pack their favorite yummy snacks.
Involve the Parents: Sometimes, kids respond better when parents are actively involved. Have parents play, laugh, tickle, throw them up in the air or sing songs with them to capture more candid shots.
Make the Photo Session A Game: Turn everything into a game, like pretending to see who can freeze and smile the biggest or who can laugh the longest.

Handling Older Adults

Older family members might have limited mobility or health considerations. It’s essential to keep them comfortable while ensuring they’re a part of the memorable moments. Some specific tips when including older senior family members can be:

Choose Accessible Locations: Select a location that’s easy to navigate, with minimal walking and few obstacles. If stairs or uneven ground are unavoidable, bring walking aids and portable seating options.
Keep Sessions Short: Avoid lengthy sessions that could tire them out. If the family shoot is extensive, prioritise shots involving seniors early on, allowing them to rest afterward. Building some breaks in can also be helpful for them.
Incorporate Chairs or Props: Use chairs, benches, or even walkers for comfortable and relaxed poses. This also helps elderly family members feel included without having to stand for prolonged periods.

Managing Tricky Family Dynamics

Family dynamics can sometimes be complex, and these dynamics can manifest in subtle ways during a photoshoot. It’s crucial to remain sensitive, respectful, and diplomatic, especially if there are any known conflicts or strained relationships within the group. If you know in advance that certain family members may not want to be in close contact, plan the shots accordingly. Ensure everyone feels comfortable without making it apparent to others.

Encourage Group Bonding

Use poses and prompts that encourage family members to interact naturally. Sometimes, playful prompts, like a group hug or telling each other funny stories or even family jokes, can help ease tensions.

Family photoshoots can come with unexpected challenges, but with preparation and patience, you can turn each one into a memorable experience. At Stories, we pride ourselves on capturing family moments, from small families of 3 to even large family portraits of 40 family members! Remember, each generation and family brings something unique to the table. What a better way to capture it all than in an unforgettable photo that can be passed down from generation to generation. For more information on our family shoots, reach out to us.

Grace Tan In At Home, Beautiful Everyday, Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Embracing Malaysian Culture in Family Photography

Since it’s Malaysia Day, I was thinking about how we can incorporate Malaysian culture into our family photo sessions. My heritage as a child born into a Peranakan family in Melaka is colourful, but personally, I have not embraced much of the culture in my daily life (except to wear the kebaya and eat pong teh occasionally). My children certainly do not identify as being Peranakan.

The thing is, growing up, seeing my mom cook all her Peranakan dishes using the batu lesung, listening to my parents speak the Peranakan lingo, and being asked to pin the kerongsang on her kebaya didn’t feel like heritage. It felt like a normal, everyday part of life. I didn’t know what I had until I lost it. Of course, I never had the opportunity to document most of these everyday memories, as cameras were a luxurious item we didn’t own back then. This photo of my parents taken in front of our home in Melaka is a precious memory for me. It is not fancy, but it is meaningful.

We value the things we once took for granted as we age. I wish my parents were still alive so I could take a beautiful portrait of them in their element. If I could do it again, I would photograph my mom in her kebaya holding a bakul sia filled with her homemade pineapple tarts, which she used to make every Chinese New Year. I would create a mini-video documentary of everyday life snippets, filled with stories from yesteryear.

As a family photographer, I have photographed so many different cultures in Malaysia. Family photo shoots are more than just a moment in time—they are a celebration of history, heritage, and identity. Interestingly, as more and more inter-racial marriages take place, our cultural identity becomes even more diverse and fascinating for the next generation!

So here are some ideas on how you can infuse Malaysian family culture into your next photo shoot and create something that resonates deeply with your family’s story.

1. Cultural Dressing

Clothing is one of the easiest and most visually striking ways to incorporate culture into family photos. In Malaysia, we are blessed with beautiful cultural garments that can be beautifully showcased in a photo shoot. Whether you are wearing the baju kurung, cheongsam, saree, or any East Malaysian traditional costume, these outfits can look especially striking because most of them are rather colorful! These outfits can carry deep meaning, reflecting your family’s roots and values.

2. Locations

Malaysia’s diverse landscapes are another wonderful way to integrate cultural elements into your photos. Choosing locations that are meaningful to your family’s background or that hold cultural significance can create a profound visual story. For some of you, your family home could be a heritage site or museum on its own! You could take photos in your hometown, whether it is the city or the kampung. When making a choice, think about the significance of the locations to you. It could even be a simple location like the family swing, where you used to enjoy moments as sisters growing up.

3. Props

Props are a fantastic way to add personal and cultural touches to your family photos. Every Chinese New Year, my family would dress up for a family photo. It’s a great time to add in props like Mandarin oranges, lanterns, bakul sias, baskets, and angpaos! Other ideas could be incorporating old family photos into the current image. It’s a great way to remember how far you have come and to see how everyone has aged gracefully.

4. Extending the Shoot: Coffee Table Books and Family Videos

After your photo shoot, you can enhance the experience by crafting keepsakes that narrate your family’s story more comprehensively. You could do it with a beautifully designed coffee table book that allows you to showcase the photos in a way that tells your family’s story. You can organize the book chronologically, starting with older family members and progressing to the younger generations, or you can group photos by theme—such as family traditions, celebrations, or important milestones. This family went the extra mile in creating their coffee table book—it was a huge family project that incorporated their family tree, written stories, and scanned letters from great-grandparents!

A video is another way to capture the essence of your family’s cultural heritage. We’ve created short family films that combine video clips from the shoot with candid moments, and sometimes even interviews with family members. Imagine capturing your grandparents sharing stories about their youth or your children talking about what their heritage means to them. This turns your family photos into a living, breathing memory that you can pass down through generations.

Documenting heritage through photos and videos can be a wonderful way of passing a piece of life to the next generation. This is why we do what we do at Stories—our vision is to touch lives by building visual stories for the present and future generations. As a photographer, it’s a joy and honour to capture these moments, knowing they’ll be cherished for years to come.