Studio

Jasmine Tai In Family + Children Portraits, Misc, Newborn, Studio

Newborn Photoshoot Questions Every New Parent Asks

Hey parents-to-be! If you are expecting a little bundle of joy soon, we would like to say: Congratulations! What an exciting, love-filled season you are entering into.

At our family photography studio, we’ve been honored to walk alongside many families just like yours. One big thing we’ve learned? You probably have a ton of questions. And that is absolutely fine! This is all new territory.

So here are some of the most commonly asked questions we get from expecting (and excited) parents:

What is a newborn photoshoot?

A newborn photoshoot is a photography session which specialises in capturing images of a baby in its first few weeks of life. The main focus on the shoot would of course be your baby and often includes detailed close-up shots, sleeping baby poses or some styling such as use of swaddles or some props.

When is the best time to do a newborn photoshoot?

Ideally, we recommend booking your photo session within the first 2 to 3 weeks after birth. If you are looking for photos of sleepy, swaddled babies, the best time to do this is in the first 14 days, when the babies are still extra sleepy, snuggly, and naturally curl into those adorable womb-like poses. After passing that precious time-window, babies tend to stretch out more and may be more alert, which is still beautiful, just slightly different in style! We shared about baby’s milestones that are worth capturing from birth to 12 months old, you can check it out here.

What if my baby comes earlier or later than expected?

No worries at all! We always build flexibility into our newborn bookings. When you book with us, we will tentatively slot you in based on your due date, and once the baby arrives, just give us a ping. We will finalize your shoot date from there. You don’t need to know the exact day when you book, just keep us posted and we will handle the rest.

Do I need to bring my own props or outfits?

Typically babies will be undressed or swaddled during the session and we will supply these props. However, if there’s a special blanket or outfit (maybe specially-knitted one by grandma?) or a hand-me-down, feel free to bring it along, we would love to include it in the photos!

Can we include grandparents or siblings in the photos?

Absolutely, yes! Some of the most heartwarming photos are the ones with grandparents gently holding their newborn, or siblings peeking at the baby with wide-eyed wonder. We welcome the whole family and will guide everyone through poses that feel natural, calm, and connected.

How long will the session take?

Our newborn sessions start from 1.5 hours and will include one styling with props and some time for lifestyle shots with the family. We do buffer in time for cuddles, diaper changes, feeds, and plenty of soothing breaks. It’s all very relaxed, there’s no need to rush.

What if my baby cries or won’t sleep?

That is totally normal and nothing to stress about. Newborns are unpredictable, and we expect some fussing or alert moments. Depending on the age of your baby at the shoot, we often include a newborn handler to assist with getting your baby to sleep or with guiding your baby into the poses. Often, even awake shots can be incredibly beautiful, so we will follow the baby’s lead, they’re the main star here.

What should I wear for family photos?

Neutral, soft colors always look timeless, think whites, beiges, dusty blues, or muted pastels. Try to avoid large logos or busy patterns. Comfort is key, especially for new mamas who are still healing. Try a loose long dress for mama, and an oversized khaki shirt for dada, or somewhere along that line.

How soon will I see the photos?

You’ll get a sneak peek within 5 working days (because we know you’ll be excited!), and your edited photos will be ready in 14 working days. We’ll help you choose your favorite images and can even guide you in picking frames, albums, or prints that suit your home.

Final Thoughts (and a Big Hug)

If you are feeling overwhelmed by it all, try taking a deep breath. We’re here not just as photographers, but as people who genuinely care about this fleeting, magical moment in your life. Every newborn session is built around love, gentleness, and a whole lot of patience.

So whether you’re still browsing, already booked in, or planning to call us after the baby arrives, we can’t wait to meet you and your family and create something special and magical together.

Got more questions? Reach out anytime. We’re always happy to chat, share tips, or just celebrate this beautiful journey with you.

Jasmine Tai In Portraits, Relationships, Studio

Couples in Love, To Have and To Hold

Love has no expiration date. Whether it’s the excitement of young couples embarking on their journey together or the deep, quiet understanding shared between those who have spent decades side by side, each love story is unique and worth capturing. The way they look at each other, the gentle touches, and the knowing smiles all speak to a love that has weathered the storms of life. Valentine’s Day is a reminder to cherish and celebrate love, and what better way to do so than by preserving it in photographs? Whether young or old, every couple has a love story worth telling. So this year, consider capturing your love through the lens—a timeless keepsake of the bond you share.

For more information on our photoshoots, reach out to us.

Jasmine Tai In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Chinese New Year Family Portraits

Here are some of the family photos we have taken during previous Chinese New Year celebrations! Imagine making this a family annual tradition that everyone can look forward to, not just the simple act of smiling for a photo, but also the time spent with each other, especially when family members are not living in the same country anymore. Look back at these cherished moments through photographs beautifully taken for you and your family.

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!