Family + Children Portraits

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

A mother’s unending love

In May and June, I ran a competition to give away a free portrait shoot. One of the two winners is Selina, whose story is written beautifully by her husband Robert. Here is his write up that won her a free portrait shoot:

Last year July, my wife was pregnant. We were very happy waiting for the arrival of this second child.

However, in the 3rd month of the pregnancy, my wife experienced the membrane ruptured where there was very little amniotic fluid inside the water bag. When she was in the 5th month, the fluid never increased. Doctor advised us to terminate this pregnancy as the complications would cause abnormalities in the baby, and infections to my wife which may lead to death.

My wife, who had been happily waiting for the second baby, refused to terminate. She went to see several famous gynaes in the Klang Valley and all she got was the disappointing news.

She was still very persistent and flew to Singapore on her own without me knowing to seek the final opinion.

The Singapore gynae said she should continue the pregnancy. She should give the little life a chance to choose his life.

Throughout the remaining of the pregnancy, my wife encountered bleeding, fluid leaking every night when she was sleeping, she had mood swing, she was exhausted, and been refrained from many of the daily activities that she likes to do. She was not allowed to go swimming, yoga, shopping, driving, going up stairs, walking, and this was a torture for an active person like her.

The day had come and she was in the labour room with 7-8 doctors surrounding her. They were expecting that this baby was not going to make it. Baby is finally born at 7th month. I am proud to say that my wife and baby are both healthy. The doctors said this is a miracle! We have created a miracle baby!! Our son is now 3months old and he is growing like a full term baby!!

I am thankful for my wife for her persistence. She has gone through the pain throughout the pregnancy and I really want her to be deserved for this photo shoot, together with our miracle baby.

This is a family that really stuck through thick and thin. I had the pleasure of meeting their 2 wonderful children Jovie & Jovan, the miracle baby. Here are some shots from our portrait session!

This is Jovan, the miracle baby. He was a little sleepy during our photo session.

Seeing Jovan here and hearing their story reminds me of how good God is.

A little sisterly love going on here…

Some father-daughter time.

And finally, some photos of Robert & Selina together. Robert, you have an amazing wife, who has such a strong spirit and energy! And two beautiful children, whom I’m sure bring tremendous amounts of joy to the both of you. You guys definitely deserve this shoot.

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits: Jason, Peng & Leia

Leia is 17 months old. She loves music, dancing and playing on the slide. It took her a while to warm up to me, but in a short time, she was running around and having fun with her parents, Jason & Peng. And when Leia smiles, you just can’t help smiling along with her.

It’s obvious that Jason & Peng dote on Leia.

I love her second outfit, isn’t that super sexy for a little girl? :)

I enjoyed our little outing together, Jason & Peng! I had a great time chatting and getting to know the both of you during the shoot too! Thanks for the wonderful time!

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits: Sara, Charles & Kayne

Sara is a close friend of my sister’s, and I’ve known her for many years (since I was still wearing school pinafores). My initial impression of her as I was growing up was that she came across as a pretty ‘garang’ or fierce person, but once you get to know her, she’s really friendly. Sara has since moved from Malaysia to Beijing and has been living there for many years now. Charles is a really warm person too, and I’m glad to have been able to photograph their family while they were back for a holiday during the Chinese New Year season.

Kayne is super duper cute. He has this way of weaving into your heart and leaving you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

Gee, that nose biting thing looks scary!

Luckily Charles’ nose still looks pretty good after that good biting session.

After all that excitement, we settled down for some reading time.

But Kayne would not sit still. Sara kept ‘bribing’ him with ideas of “A good roti canai breakfast if you behave!” phrases.

Lastly, I discovered that Kayne is a pretty good actor too. We told him to look ‘cool’ and this was the look he gave us…

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits: Tan & Catherine

Marissa is Tan & Catherine’s first child. Somehow, I think firstborns are always photographed more than the second or third child. Parents are usually more diligent in capturing every little moment of their child’s progress, and the slightest smile makes the new parent all soft and mushy inside. I know that Tan & Catherine really dote over Marissa.

Some friends tell me that the pain of childbirth is easily forgotten after you hold your child in your hands. Perhaps not the first 3-6 months (every parent can tell you tales of sleepless nights)… but when she grows a little older, I am sure that child will steal your heart.

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

My Family Portraits

Ever since I started shooting portraits professionally about 2 years ago, I never really did take any proper family photos of my own. It’s kind of strange. A lot of photographers tell me that they have thousands of images of other people, but very few of their own. One professional photographer who has been in the business for more than 10 years told me… “I don’t really have images of my children taken with my DSLR. Most were taken with a compact camera. After a shoot, I don’t feel like carrying a huge camera during family events.”

I feel the same way. During events with friends or family, I don’t usually bring my DSLR. I just want to spend time talking to people and connecting with them. On top of that, I don’t even own a compact camera. It’s either the iPhone or Canon 5D Mark 2.

Recently, my aunt and uncle who lives in Melbourne came back to Malaysia. During this trip, my 2 aunts from Malacca came up to KL as well. And so, rather randomly, I suggested we do a photo shoot together. And amazingly, everyone agreed! This shoot felt really significant to me. It’s true. Taking photos as a family brings you together.

My dad is already 77. He has Alzheimer’s which has no cure. There aren’t that many years left where we can be together as a family, having such an opportunity like this.

It’s worth it.

My family, minus my brother Raymond. Just in case you’re wondering who shot our portraits… well, it was a combination of myself, Alex and Shu Wan. :) Oh, and we didn’t try to colour coordinate. It was by coincidence that my mom, dad and I chose to wear red.