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Jasmine Tai In At Home, Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Why You Should Include Your Pet in Your Family Portraits

When you think of family portraits, you probably imagine parents, children, maybe grandparents, and siblings all smiling together. But if you have a furry (or feathered!) companion at home, you know that “family” doesn’t feel paw-fectly complete without them. Pets may not speak our language, but they fill our days with love, laughter, and comfort. They’re the ones who curl up on your lap after a long day, greet you excitedly at the door wagging their tails, or happily paw their way into family activities.

That’s why at the Stories studio, we believe pets belong in family portraits just as much as anyone else. Whether it’s your playful golden retriever, a grumpy tabby cat, or even a quirky rabbit, your pets are family and they deserve to be remembered alongside you in your family photographs.

In this article, we will talk about why including your pets in your portraits is so meaningful, the challenges you might face, and how we make it easy (and fun!) for everyone involved.

Pets Are Fur-ever Family

The biggest reason is simple: pets are part of your fur-mily story. They’ve walked with you through milestones, comforted you during ruff days, and celebrated with you during joyful ones. They’re woven into the everyday rhythm of your household, so why leave them out of something as paw-sonal as a family portrait?

Imagine this with us: years from now, when you look back at your photos, you won’t just want to remember the people you love. You will want to see the beloved dog who always insisted on sitting in the middle of the couch or the cat who photobombed every hug with a “meow-ment” of their own. Portraits are about capturing love and connection, and pets embody that in their own purr-fect way.

The Joy They Bring to Photos

Including pets often brings out the most genuine smiles from everyone. Children light up when their dog is sitting beside them. Couples relax when their cat is curled up on their lap. Pets add an element of playfulness and paw-sitive energy that makes photos feel alive, authentic, and full of personality.

Sometimes, the funniest or sweetest moments happen because of them! A dog tilting its head at the camera, a cat swatting at a ribbon, or even a slightly chaotic group hug where everyone bursts into laughter. These are the fur-tastic memories you will treasure most: the ones that show not just how you looked, but how you felt together as a family.

Making Pets Comfortable

We also know that pets can sometimes be shy, restless, or a little unpredictable, especially in a new environment like a photography studio. That’s why we offer flexibility. If your pet is happy to join us in the studio, we welcome them with open arms (and plenty of treats!). But if your pet is more comfortable at home, we will gladly come to you.

Photographing pets in their own space often makes for the most natural and relaxed portraits. They’re free to be themselves, whether that means lounging in their favorite spot by the window or playing in the backyard. It also makes it easier for you as a family, you won’t need to worry about the travel stress, and your pet gets to stay in their comfort zone.

Overcoming the “What Ifs”

We often hear families ask, “What if my dog doesn’t sit still?” or “What if my cat just hides?” The good news is: you don’t need a paw-fectly posed pet for beautiful photos. In fact, some of the best purr-traits come from those unscripted meow-ments. A wagging tail, a curious glance, or even a mischievous escape attempt can turn into the most heartwarming memories.

As professional photographers, we know how to work with animals. We’re patient, we plan for breaks, and we create a calm environment. We also adapt to each pet’s purr-sonality — some love attention, while others prefer a quiet corner. Either way, our goal is to capture the genuine bond between your family and your furry friend, not to force perfection.

A Fur-ever Tribute

Pets are with us for such a precious, though often too short, part of our lives. Including them in your fur-mily portraits ensures they will always have a place in your memories. Years down the road, those photos will become priceless reminders of the love they brought and the paw prints they left on your hearts.

You can see your children, grown up, looking back at the portraits and smiling at the sight of their childhood dog. Or you flipping through an album and seeing your cat snuggled in your arms. These images will remind you that your pet was truly part of the family story because they definitely were.

Let’s Create Paw-some Memories Together

At our studio, we welcome pets with the same love and care we show to every family member. Whether you want to bring them along to our space or prefer us to come to your home, we’ll make sure everyone (two-legged and four-legged) feels comfortable and celebrated.

Your family portraits should reflect the whole picture of your life together, and that includes your pets. They’re not “just animals.” They’re your companions, your comforters, your playmates, and your family.

So the next time you’re planning a family photoshoot, don’t leave them behind. Bring them into the frame and let us help you capture the beautiful, messy, love-filled story that includes every member of your family.

Ready to plan your family photoshoot with your furry friend?

Reach out to us! We would love to meet you (and your pet!) and create portraits that celebrate the family you’ve built, paw prints and all.

Jasmine Tai In Family + Children Portraits, Promotions, Studio

Step Into a Storybook – How the Flight of Imagination Experience Works

Growing up, have you ever wished that you are the hero of your very own storybook? Since we can’t turn back time, you can now see your child become the hero of their very own storybook! That dream is exactly what our Flight of Imagination experience is all about. It’s a magical journey where your child steps into a world of stories, and you walk away with a keepsake that captures their spirit forever. Here’s how it works, step by step:

Step 1: Book Your Adventure

Every great story begins with a starting point. Booking your session is the first step! Our standard package includes a one-hour weekday photoshoot in our studio at Oval Damansara, TTDI. Do you prefer weekends or a senior photographer? That’s possible too with a small upgrade fee. Think of this as buying your “boarding pass” into your child’s world of imagination.

Step 2: Choose the Star of the Story

Every tale needs a main character. In this experience, that’s your child. If you have multiple children, one of them will be the “main character” whose name appears throughout the storybook. Don’t worry, the siblings can still join in the adventure, but the spotlight stays on the hero.

Step 3: Dress for Adventure

Forget about fancy costumes, simple is always best. Since most shots are taken against a white backdrop, we recommend avoiding white clothes. Go for solid, comfortable colours without large logos. Skip short skirts because we’ll be moving and posing in fun, active ways. The goal? Let your child’s personality shine and have fun at the same time.

Step 4: Bring a Prop or Two

Props help bring the story to life, but don’t overpack. Just one or two personal items are enough, for example: a beach hat or sunglasses. We will provide the rest. This little touch adds your family’s unique flavour to the final book.

Step 5: Play and Explore

Once the camera starts clicking, it’s all about fun. We will guide your child through playful, story-driven actions, no stiff poses allowed here! If something doesn’t work, we’ll switch gears. The session is lively, expressive, and full of laughter. Imagine stepping into the pages of a storybook — that’s exactly the feeling we want.

Step 6: Your Choice, Your Book

You’ll get to select your favourite images from the shoot. This ensures the final story truly reflects your child’s personality. Once you’ve selected the photos, we will start working on the edits.

Step 7: Let the Story Unfold

Behind the scenes, we edit the photos and weave them into a beautiful book design. Your child’s expressions, movements, and joy become part of a narrative that feels like it was written just for them. From Malaysia’s iconic city skylines to heritage-inspired backdrops, the visuals will transport you into different worlds.

Step 8: Receive Your Keepsake

Finally, the best part: your Flight of Imagination storybook arrives at your doorstep, complete with 11 digital images. It’s more significant than just a storybook. It’s a treasure chest of memories, ready to be shared with grandparents, displayed proudly at home, or kept as an heirloom your child will one day look back on with wonder. Many parents told us that the book became their child’s favorite bedtime story.

Why Families Love It

Parents often tell us how magical it feels to see their child starring in a story that reflects both playfulness and heritage. It’s a reminder that children are only little once, and their imaginations deserve to be celebrated. From KLCC’s skyline to Penang’s energy, from Melaka’s heritage to Terengganu’s traditions, these pages hold a piece of Malaysia and a piece of your family’s heart.

Ready to Take Flight?

Your child’s imagination is waiting to take off. Book your Flight of Imagination experience today and create a keepsake that grows more precious with time.

For bookings, reach out to us here and we will be in contact with you.

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.