Portraits

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! :)

Weiming In International, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits

Pre-Wedding in Melbourne, Australia: Jason and Michelle

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!)

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Grace Tan In Casual Portraits, Portraits

Fabulous at 45

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!

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Don’t you think these women look stunning?!

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