Jason and I go back a long way. We were at the university together enrolled in the same course. Jason and a bunch of us used to hang out together those days. Slowly we started to notice Jason pulling the disappearing act on us; which led to one thing – a special someone named Michelle. One thing led to another and fast forward a couple of years now, they are engaged and I was flown to Australia to photograph their pre-wedding photos. It was my first time in Australia for an assignment and Oh boy! the weather there was so unpredictable! I was even blamed by them for bringing the rain over when it was supposed to be sunnier. Oh well, at least there were no sweat at all during the shoot and we had great fun! (apart from some shivers, runny nose and flying hair!)
Women who have been friends since childhood. No, correction, some since kindergarten! It was really a pleasure getting to know such amazing, successful women. They have come a long way since their pinafore days in SK Convent Infant Jesus, Malacca. A few have uprooted themselves and are currently living overseas. But what a great way to celebrate a reunion – with a photo shoot themed Fabulous at 45! I think it’s great that friends can continue to keep in touch through the years and remain as silly and super comfortable as ever with each other.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture your beauty behind the lens, ladies. I enjoyed our little morning together. Here’s wishing you many years of friendship, fun and laughter together!
Don’t you think these women look stunning?!
As a parent, I hear comments from people saying that it’s always easier to take care of little girls compared to boys. They are sweet, easy going and easier to manage than boys. Also, it’s fun to dress them up. Honestly, I am not too sure how true this claim is, but as a parent of a little girl, I must say, I enjoy her very very much. Of course, if you have TWO little girls, that is double the fun. Especially when they are cute and sweet as Marcus and Su Leen’s kids – Isabel and Caitlin.
Diane and I truly blessed to have met this family recently. We had a good time eating roti canai and walking the park together. I first tried breaking the ice by singing my favourite kids song “Wheels on the Bus”. But I was told by the kids that their favourite song was “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift. Gee, within half a second, I felt outdated. Haha…
It did take them some time to warm up to us, but at the end of the session, we were like good friends.
Thanks for the fun, girls!
If I could sum up everything in one word, it would be LEGACY. What connects us and brings us together as visual storytellers? It is the idea that we are creating something that will far outlast ourselves. The love that you share as a couple, the memories of your parents, your child as she takes her first step… we want to record these precious moments and build a family legacy that you can look back on, years from now… and remember.
I hope this video will give you a glimpse into our thoughts and motivations and why we keep on doing what we do.
Lots of love,
The Stories Team
Credits:
Filmed by: The Stories Team, Edited by Felicia.
How strange it is that the older we grow, we realize we’ve never truly left our youth? When my dad was in his 70s, he kept telling us stories of when he was in Kirby College, how he almost got frostbite during a particularly cold winter. Last year, I also celebrated my brother’s 50th birthday…and during that celebration, we partied like he was 20. I am also reminded of my 50+ year old aunt turning 60, but still doing bunny ears in photos.
I sometimes wonder if each of us really does have an inner child within us, even though our exterior doesn’t say so.
Joanne recently hit a huge milestone in her life. She turned 30. An age where you begin to feel that you have this idea of identity all figured out in your life. The 20s is an age where you discover the world is your oyster… you can do almost anything you want in life. Almost. (If only money was not a problem!)
But in your 30s… you feel more secure, confident, and wiser. I like how Joanne puts it…
“I wanted to do this photo shoot cause I’d like to have something physical to look back on, as the years pass me by. At 30, i feel wiser than i was at 20. At the same time, i know I’ve still got some way to go, and life has lots more to teach me. What’s in the year/years ahead?”
Joanne, I hope the years ahead will bring you to more places than you’ve ever dreamed was possible. I hope you also never lose your inner child. One that has innocence and wonder at the world around us. May God bless your journey.