Studio

Jasmine Tai In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Why a Multi-Generational Family Photoshoot is Worth It

Let’s talk about something many of us overlook—family photos, especially ones that bring multiple generations together. At first glance, it might not seem like a big deal. But if you think about it, when was the last time your whole family—grandparents, parents, kids—gathered to create something meaningful together? A multi-generational photoshoot isn’t just about pretty pictures; although that is great. It’s more about capturing what makes your family unique. Let me explain why it’s worth considering.

It Celebrates Your Family Story

Every family has a story untold, and it’s easily forgotten as life speeds by. A photo session like this gives you a chance to honor where you’ve come from—your roots. Grandparents, for instance, often carry so much history, wisdom, and experience that shape the family. My grandparents came from China many years ago but it saddens me that no one from the generation before me (my dad and his siblings) know anything about where they came from. Having a photoshoot that ties them with younger generations is a powerful way to celebrate that legacy and help everyone, especially the younger ones, understand the bigger picture of who they are and their culture.

You’ll Preserve Precious Memories

Memories fade over time, but photos can bring them back in an instant. A multi-generational shoot freezes a moment that you’ll want to look back on years from now. Imagine being able to show your grandkids what their great-grandparents looked like or seeing how much love and connection was shared in a particular moment. These aren’t just pictures—they’re keepsakes you’ll treasure forever.

It Brings Everyone Closer

Getting everyone together for a photoshoot is more than just standing in front of a camera. It’s about sharing an experience. It’s in the preparation—coordinating outfits, talking about locations, reminiscing about old times—and in the day itself, with everyone laughing and interacting among one another. These moments of being together at the same time and the same place help create stronger bonds, especially between generations that don’t see each other often due to living in different cities or countries.

Everyone Gets to Be Included

How often do we take photos and realize later that someone was missed out? Maybe it’s the grandparents or a shy cousin who didn’t want to be in the picture. A multi-generational photoshoot ensures no one is left out. It’s a rare chance to show that everyone matters and belongs, creating a lasting reminder of each complete family unit.

It’s Creative and Fun

This kind of photoshoot isn’t just about standing stiffly with your hands by your side and saying, “Cheese.” You can make it as creative as you want! Whether you go for a formal portrait where the older generation sits and the younger generation stands, a relaxed outdoor scene at the yard of your grandparents’ house, or even a theme that represents your family’s personality, the possibilities are endless! The process itself is a great and enjoyable way to express your family’s unique style.

It Marks Life’s Changes

Babies grow up, grandparents age, and families evolve. Life moves fast. A multi-generational photoshoot captures your family at a specific moment in time, whether it’s a major milestone, like a wedding anniversary, or during festive seasons like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali or Christmas. Looking back, these photos become a timeline of your family’s journey—one filled with love, growth, and change.

It Can Become a Tradition

Why stop at just one photoshoot? Many families make this an annual or regular tradition. Over time, you’ll create a collection of photos that show your family’s growth and changes. Imagine looking at the photo prints at your family’s home, what a beautiful way to keep everyone connected and ensure that even as life pulls people in different directions, there’s always something to bring them back together.

It Honors Aging Loved Ones

Let’s be real—our older family members won’t always be around. A multi-generational photoshoot is a way to cherish their presence while we still can. It’s a tribute to their lives and their role in shaping the family. These photos become precious reminders of their love, wisdom, and the legacy they leave behind.

Final Thoughts

A multi-generational photoshoot is so much more than a family picture—it’s a celebration of love, history, and family bond. It’s about honoring the past, cherishing the present, and creating something that will live on in the future. If you’ve never thought about it before, or you have never understood the significance of it, maybe now’s the time. Because one day, you’ll look back and be so grateful for the chance to hold on to these treasured memories.

At Stories, we pride ourselves on capturing family moments, from small families of 3 to even large family portraits of 40 family members! Remember, each generation and family brings something unique to the table. What a better way to capture it all than in an unforgettable photo that can be passed down from generation to generation. For more information on our family shoots, reach out to us.

Bin Bin Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

What To Wear For Your Family Photoshoot – A Step by Step Guide

“What Should My Family Wear?” We’re asked this so frequently that we’ve written several articles about it (Click on the thumbnails to read more!):

However, if you’re still having trouble after reading the articles above, here is a simple step-by-step guideline that will hopefully help you get your family photo ready.

Step 1: Decide if you’re going formal or casual

To ensure that everyone in the family is on the same page, decide the level of formality of your photoshoot. Are you planning a casual shoot or would you like everyone to be more dressed up? Dressing up doesn’t have to mean wearing something extremely formal; it can just mean going a little further than normal, like wearing a nice dress for the ladies or a fitted shirt instead of a t-shirt for men.

When deciding the style, do consider the location of your shoot as well. For example, a grand hotel lobby could be an ideal backdrop for a formal photoshoot, but if you’re doing your shoot at home or in a park, a more relaxed style might be preferable.

If you’re planning to shoot in our studio, we will be able to set up according to either style.

Step 2: Decide your base colour

In your next step, choose two to three colours for everyone to select from and request the family to stick to the same range of colours. To achieve this, decide on the primary colour you want for your photo session. This may be based on the outfit you wish to wear or just the colour that the majority of your family members may likely already have.

Step 3: Coordinate colours

After selecting the main colour, use the colour wheel to select complementary colours. Complementary colours are hues that are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as yellow and purple. You can also select colours next to each other such as blue and purple as adjacent colours on the wheel also blend well together.

Should the above prove too challenging to coordinate, you can opt for colour shading, which involves selecting lighter or darker shades of your chosen colour. Therefore, if your primary colour is blue, your family members can then choose a variety of blue outfits that may range from navy to pastel.

If all else fails, neutrals such as blue, cream, khaki, or white are popular choices and you can’t go wrong with these.

Step 4: Ensure there is variety

Having a variety of outfits such as blouses, shirts, jeans, skirts and long dresses will create more dimension to your photos. Encourage your family members to wear clothing that expresses their individuality and sense of style. Use different textiles, such knits or lace, to provide texture. You can also incorporate texture by layering – such as throwing on a shirt over a plain tee, a cardigan over a dress or a shawl over your blouse.

If you’re not sure about your selections, feel free to bring an extra outfit to switch up on the day of the shoot.

Some final tips!

Avoid clothing with large graphics, brand logos or too many patterns.
Ensure your clothes fit properly. Do try on your outfit before the shoot to check that it fits well and that you can not only move around comfortably but sit comfortably as well.
Steer clear of clingy fabrics that may highlight unflattering areas.
Make sure to iron out the wrinkles in your outfit prior to the shoot.
Don’t forget to think about your footwear.
Comfort is a must!

If you need more help in this area, feel free to drop us a message and we can discuss more!

Shan Szetho In At Home, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Tips for Managing Family Photo Sessions

With Christmas and Chinese New Year around the corner, family photo shoots are a wonderful way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. But they can also bring on challenges, especially when working with kids, elderly family members, and coordinating relatives. Here are some useful tips to overcome the potential hurdles and ensure a smooth, enjoyable family photo shoot session.

Preparing for the Shoot

It is important to discuss expectations and logistics with the family well in advance. This is so that everyone is aware of the final outcome and there are no surprises on the day of the shoot. Encourage them to plan outfits, consider location preferences, and think about any specific groupings or shots they’d like to capture. Make sure you communicate your preferences to the photographer before the photo session – a practice we highly encourage at Stories!

Bring Essentials

Remind family members to bring snacks, water, and anything that can make the shoot more comfortable for kids and seniors. Small toys or comfort items can help children, while a folding chair may be beneficial for older family members, especially if they have to stand long. You might also consider bringing small hand fans or umbrellas if you are shooting outdoors, as this can help to ensure everyone is more comfortable despite hot weather to keep grumpiness at bay.

Engaging Kids

Young children are often the biggest challenge in family photo shoots. They might be impatient, fussy, or simply not interested in following directions. However, with a little creativity and flexibility, you can capture beautiful photos without forcing kids into unnatural poses or expressions. Parents should encourage their kids and work together with the photographer to get the best outcomes. Remember that the photographer’s job is to take the photo, and not to entertain the kids. Specific tips for kids include:

Make it Fun: Bring small toys, bubbles, or other playful items to capture their interest. These items can be both a distraction and a prop for spontaneous shots.
Be Flexible with Posing: Avoid expecting young kids to stay still or smile on command. Instead, allow them to interact naturally with their surroundings and family members.
Breaks and Snacks: Children, especially toddlers, might need breaks and snacks. Schedule breaks during the shoot to avoid meltdowns and pack their favorite yummy snacks.
Involve the Parents: Sometimes, kids respond better when parents are actively involved. Have parents play, laugh, tickle, throw them up in the air or sing songs with them to capture more candid shots.
Make the Photo Session A Game: Turn everything into a game, like pretending to see who can freeze and smile the biggest or who can laugh the longest.

Handling Older Adults

Older family members might have limited mobility or health considerations. It’s essential to keep them comfortable while ensuring they’re a part of the memorable moments. Some specific tips when including older senior family members can be:

Choose Accessible Locations: Select a location that’s easy to navigate, with minimal walking and few obstacles. If stairs or uneven ground are unavoidable, bring walking aids and portable seating options.
Keep Sessions Short: Avoid lengthy sessions that could tire them out. If the family shoot is extensive, prioritise shots involving seniors early on, allowing them to rest afterward. Building some breaks in can also be helpful for them.
Incorporate Chairs or Props: Use chairs, benches, or even walkers for comfortable and relaxed poses. This also helps elderly family members feel included without having to stand for prolonged periods.

Managing Tricky Family Dynamics

Family dynamics can sometimes be complex, and these dynamics can manifest in subtle ways during a photoshoot. It’s crucial to remain sensitive, respectful, and diplomatic, especially if there are any known conflicts or strained relationships within the group. If you know in advance that certain family members may not want to be in close contact, plan the shots accordingly. Ensure everyone feels comfortable without making it apparent to others.

Encourage Group Bonding

Use poses and prompts that encourage family members to interact naturally. Sometimes, playful prompts, like a group hug or telling each other funny stories or even family jokes, can help ease tensions.

Family photoshoots can come with unexpected challenges, but with preparation and patience, you can turn each one into a memorable experience. At Stories, we pride ourselves on capturing family moments, from small families of 3 to even large family portraits of 40 family members! Remember, each generation and family brings something unique to the table. What a better way to capture it all than in an unforgettable photo that can be passed down from generation to generation. For more information on our family shoots, reach out to us.

Shan Szetho In Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

10 Tips to Prepare Your Kids for a Photo Shoot

Preparing your kids mentally beforehand for a photo shoot may be challenging, but it is an important step. Ensuring they are comfortable, relaxed, and happy can make a significant difference in the outcome of the photos. Here are some tips to help you prepare your kids mentally prior to your photo session.

Communicate Clearly and Excitedly

Talk to your children about the photo shoot in a positive and exciting manner. Explain what will happen, why it’s happening, and how fun it will be. Use simple, age-appropriate language and focus on the enjoyable aspects, like dressing up or playing with props. By framing the photoshoot as a fun adventure, you can build their excitement and reduce any anxiety they might feel.

Involve Them in the Planning

Give your kids a sense of control by involving them in the planning process. Allow them to choose their outfits, suggest poses, or pick their favourite toys to bring along. This involvement can make them feel more invested and eager to participate. When children feel they have a say, they are more likely to be cooperative and excited for the shoot.

Practice at Home

Practice makes perfect. Conduct a few mini-photo shoots at home to help your kids get used to being in front of the camera. Let them pose, make silly faces, and see the pictures afterward. This practice can help them to get familiar with the process and make the actual photoshoot feel more familiar and less intimidating.

Keep it Relaxed and Fun

On the day of the photoshoot, maintain a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Avoid putting too much pressure on your kids to perform or behave in a certain way. Encourage them to be themselves and enjoy the experience. Sometimes the best photos are captured when children are genuinely happy, rather than forced into unnatural poses. Incorporate games and activities into the photoshoot to keep your kids engaged, with simple games like Simon Says or peek-a-boo. This strategy can help capture natural smiles and laughter.

Bring Comfort Items

Bring along some of your children’s favourite comfort items, like a beloved stuffed animal or blanket. These items can provide a sense of security and familiarity, helping them feel more at ease. Plus, these cherished items can make for some heartwarming, candid shots.

Plan Around Their Schedule

Schedule the photoshoot at a time when your kids are usually in a good mood. Avoid times when they are likely to be tired, hungry, or cranky, such as right before nap time or meals. Well-rested and well-fed children are more likely to be cooperative and happy during the shoot.

Prepare for Breaks

Be prepared to take breaks during the photo shoot. Kids have limited attention spans, and expecting them to stay focused for an extended period of time can be unrealistic. Allowing short breaks for snacks, drinks, or simply to run around can help them recharge and return to the shoot with renewed energy. That being said, don’t forget to pack their favourite snacks!

Don’t Resort to Devices

It is easy to resort to taking out your phone or tablet as a bribe when your kids start to misbehave or start to cry during the photoshoot. Although this may help stop them from misbehaving, it is only a quick fix and not a long-term solution. In fact, once the devices are given to the kids they would most likely kick up a bigger fuss if it has to be taken away later. Remember, it is impossible for a photographer to capture a good smiling photo of your child if he or she is looking down at a device, and it is not a solution that can easily be fixed later in Photoshop.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Instead of a device, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour and cooperation. Praise your kids frequently, offer small rewards, or promise a fun activity after the photoshoot. Positive reinforcement can motivate children to participate enthusiastically and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Choose a Child-Friendly Photographer

When choosing a photographer for your family shoot, do some research and select a photographer who has experience working with children. Check out the photographer’s family portrait portfolio and their online reviews beforehand. A skilled, child-friendly photographer will know how to engage with your kids, make them feel comfortable, and capture their personalities. They will also be patient and understanding of the challenges that come with photographing children.

By taking the time to incorporate these simple tips, you can help ensure that your little ones will be prepared for a positive photography experience. Just remember to set realistic expectations for yourself and your children. Understand that not every moment will be perfect, and that’s part of the charm. Embrace the imperfections and remember that the goal is to capture genuine moments and emotions, and leave the rest up to your skilled photographer.

At Stories we have been capturing family portraits and beautiful moments for over 16 years. Do reach out if you would like to know more about how we can help you form the best photo memories with your loved ones.

Bin Bin Tan In Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Maternity, Portraits, Studio

Types of Backdrops in Our Studio for your Family Photoshoot

Although we love doing photoshoots outdoors (check out our article for best parks) and at our client’s homes, we understand why you might prefer a studio session – it’s more comfortable, convenient, plus it has air conditioning! You won’t even need to do housekeeping, we’ll get the space sorted for you before you arrive! A studio photo session can be ideal for those reasons, but it doesn’t have to be generic. You can inject your own personality and flair to the shoot by selecting a backdrop to match your style. Below are the options available should you choose to do a session in our studio.

1. Classic or plain backdrop

If you’re those looking for a timeless and classy look, you can opt for a plain studio backdrop. We have backdrops in white, grey and black. You will also have the choice of shooting with our studio’s brown walls if these colours don’t work for you.

To help decide on your backdrop colour, plan your outfits and look in advance to ensure your clothes match with the background. The colour of the backdrop can influence the final outcome of the pictures – for classy vibe, opt for a darker background or choose a lighter background for something simple and versatile. If you have a special theme or idea in mind, please let us know!

2. Lifestyle

Lifestyle photography involves more authentic background settings – think contemporary furniture and even plants! At our studio we have a variety of couches, rugs, pillows and blankets that you can incorporate into your shoot. These items will give a cosy feeling and will lend a more natural look to your photos. Plus they make the shoot more comfortable!