Portraits

Diane In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Portraits of Soh Family

Cindy is one meticulous mom, she made sure that communication between the both of us are clear. I remember my initial contact with her regarding the shoot we added each other on Facebook so that I can get to know her family better. And true enough, her love for her family spills over, especially for her very adorable little girl, Qing Qing, who was turning 1 year old.

20131028_FAMILY_PORTRAIT_ARTHUR_CINDY_90 It was also JuJu, Cindy’s sister in law’s graduation from UKM. When she told me she graduated from studying dentistry, I am suddenly reminded that I need to visit my own dentist soon. *shudders*

20131028_FAMILY_PORTRAIT_ARTHUR_CINDY_23 Qing Qing was possibly one of the easiest babies I have photographed. There’s no fuss – other than getting a little whiny after being kissed gazillion times (who wouldn’t want to kiss those chubby cheeks, I mean, com’on!), she just smiles sweetly.

20131028_FAMILY_PORTRAIT_ARTHUR_CINDY_46 copy Must be Arthur’s stubble- Qing Qing’s feeling the tickle!

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Newborn, Portraits

Newborn: Kay Lynn

Yee Ming and I go way back, to when we were little kids, growing up in the town of Malacca. She’s always a cheerful person, great company and a loyal friend. As time went by, we grew up, I moved to KL, and somehow we didn’t really keep in touch through the years. But thank God for Facebook because then we could get reconnected again!

Yee Ming and her husband Boon Hock now shuttle back and forth from JB to Malacca to run their own business. I personally don’t know how she does it with a newborn every 2 weeks or so, but I guess Kay Lynn has learnt to adapt, waking up in JB one day, and then another day in Malacca.

I was pleased to have been able to photograph little one month old Kay Lynn at their apartment in JB recently. Truly happy for the both of you, and I wish you lots of amazing moments with the little one!

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Grace Tan In Casual Portraits, Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits

A dog named Prince and a lot of love: Jeremy & Sarah

Shortly after Jeremy and Sarah tied the knot, they decided on a little portrait session involving their two dogs as they weren’t there during the wedding. As an animal lover myself, I can imagine how much this means to them! Unfortunately, about a week before the shoot, one of the dogs passed away, and Sarah was devastated. So only Prince made it for the shoot. He was such an easy model, they must have bribed him with lots of goodies before the shoot started! Love how he is soooo photogenic (I guess Jeremy and Sarah, you guys look quite ok too! :P)

Personally, I think having a post-wedding shoot is quite a good idea. You feel more relaxed, and you had all the posing practice at your actual wedding! (Thanks Johan and Nigel!) There is less stress to ‘perform’ so that everything is perfect. Thanks Jeremy and Sarah, for making the shoot so enjoyable. Glad you love the photos!

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Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits: Albert, Serina & Alyssa

My first ever contact with Albert and Serina happened during a time when I was just a baby in the wedding photography industry. I hardly had any portfolio under my belt, and yet, they chose to hire us to cover their wedding. It was my first time too at Banker’s Club. What blew me away during their wedding was their beautiful first dance and performances that entertained the guests through out the night. Waltzes, flamenco… it almost made me dance too! We ended the night consuming lots of delicious strawberry fondue.

After the epic wedding, I had the privilege of photographing Serina again at a dance studio. She was moving to Kuching to set up her own dance studio (Albert’s expertise is Jiu-Jitsu, which is another successful business altogether!). We had a great time as she twirled in her belly dancing costume, looked stunning in her flamenco outfit, and jazz danced for the camera.

Fast forward to 2014. It is a true story of a client turned friend. I am so glad to have developed a friendship with this wonderful couple. Many of those who know them would testify that they are an incredibly talented and giving couple. Truly a blessing to know them.

In December 2012, my daughter Krysta and their daughter Alyssa were born just one day apart of each other. Alyssa picked the better date and came out on 12.12.12. One year later, I am pleased to have been part of their family history, yet again.

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Grace Tan In Casual Portraits, Chinese Weddings, For Photographers, Musings, Portraits, Tips + Ideas, Weddings

Behind the Scenes: Making the Most of Every Location

Sometimes I think of myself as not just a photographer, but also a furniture removal specialist, a clutter-free agent, and a lighting consultant. It’s very normal to find less-than-ideal situations at every wedding. Naturally, everyone would love to photograph at beautiful locations and resorts, but most times, I find myself in truly-loved family homes. Read: It usually includes lots of collectibles and objects that have accumulated through the years.

So, I’ve done all of these and more:

1. Moved furniture for the tea ceremony so that we can maximise on better light.
2. Packed clothing into cupboards, hidden rubbish bins, and the rogue red polka dotted mat.
3. Removed curtains because the colour clashes with the wall colour in the bride’s room.
4. Posed couples and families in the compound amidst shoe cabinets and vehicles. Just like these 2 photos of the bride and her bridesmaid were taken in what looked like a seemingly neutral background.

BTS-jon-priscilla1 But in reality, was taken here:

BTS-jon-priscilla2 I had two things that went through my mind when I chose this location: The beautiful light, and clean wall.

Love the challenge! :)