Portraits

Grace Tan In Boudoir, Maternity, Portraits

Boudoir & Lifestyle Maternity Portraits: Steph

Steph is an established lifestyle and portrait photographer based in Singapore, a dedicated mother and a friend. I got to know her years ago, and though we only connected over 2 or 3 face to face conversations, she is the kind of person that makes you feel as if you’ve known her for years. In those short moments together, we chatted about life, the challenges about running a photography business and being a mom at the same time. I feel as if I have found a kindred spirit in her.

Steph is now pregnant with her 3rd child, and I am so pleased to have the honour of photographing her maternity portraits. It was such a pleasure meeting Martin too, who has such a warm and easy going personality. Looking forward to seeing the little one’s photos soon! Lots of love from Malaysia.

Grace Tan In Beautiful Everyday, Family + Children Portraits, Life, Musings, Portraits, Relationships

Raising Children of Character

You have heard of the phrase, it takes a village to raise a child. We were raised by our parents the best way they knew how to. Most likely with a rotan in one hand and with their favourite word, “No”. However, in this day and age, I feel that parenting challenges are even greater in this generation. My husband recently wrote and shared this message with some of our family members regarding the upbringing of our kids. In our culture of over-indulging our children, it’s so easy for their generation to grow up inappropriately without us realising it. Some of our friends saw what we wrote and asked if they could share this content with their family members too. Please feel free to do so.

Dearest Grandma, Yeh Yeh, Uncle & Aunts of our kids,
Grace and I would like to really take time to appreciate you for playing such a crucial role in bringing up our children. With your presence, their lives (and ours!) are greatly enriched.

With the changing landscape of culture and life, bringing up kids today as compared to yesteryear differs greatly in so many, many ways. We as parents are constantly grappling with how we should remain relevant with the times and balance what to accept from today versus what should be maintained based on the fantastic values that you sowed into our lives.

Here are some thoughts we’ve put together about a few topics, that we’d love to hear your feedback about. Continue Reading

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Parties & Events, Portraits

Korean Birthday Boy & Family Portraits: Vincent & Hanna

Now, isn’t this just the cutest Korean boy? Traditionally, a Korean boy who celebrates his first birthday (doljanchi) will wear the hood but this cutie pie kept insisting on taking it off! One part of the celebration is the toljabee ceremony, where various objects are placed before the child for him or her to pick. This could be food items, books, money, etc. Depending on what the child reached out for, these items would represent his future! For example, if he picked up a book, he would be a good scholar; if it was money, he would be wealthy.

For Hanna’s child, he picked a ball, though I wonder whether that meant he would be a good sportsman in the future! It was my first time witnessing Korean traditions for a child’s 1st birthday. Thank you for giving me the opportunity, Vincent and Hanna!

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits in KL: Michael & Dejha

Michael and Dejha wanted to remember their time in Malaysia as an expat family with some beautiful casual family portraits at the park. We met their son who was 3 at the time of the shoot, and he was such a handsome chap! That headful of golden hair really captivated us! It was a rather hot and humid day but you can hardly tell from these photos. Thank you for the opportunity to meet your lovely family and for the time together in KL. All the best to you for the next stage of life!

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits in Melbourne, Australia: Lawrence & Grace

When Grace spoke to me about taking their family portraits in her daughter’s school and their house backyard, I thought it was a great idea! Naturally, Australian schools look much more interesting than Malaysian schools! These locations hold so much sentimental value for this family especially for Amber. Their backyard has a gorgeous, colourful cubby house assembled by Amber’s dad. When I showed the photo of this cubby house to my daughter Krysta, she immediately asked for one too! (Over to you, Alex).

Lawrence and Grace are going to be renovating this house in Melbourne sometime soon, so this photo session marks a season in their life. One day, they will look back at these images and remember how much fun they had together as a family in this backyard. Continue Reading