Malaysia Lifestyle Photographer And Videographer: Stories.my

Jasmine Tai In At Home, Life, Portraits, Promotions, Tips + Ideas

5 Heartfelt Year-End & Christmas Gift Ideas

Okay everyone, let’s be honest: every December, we tell ourselves, “This year I’m going to buy meaningful gifts. No more last-minute, random stuff.” And then suddenly it’s the 24th, online shopping carts are panic-filled, and we’re quietly hoping no one notices we reused a gift bag or even a gift from 2 years ago.

So this year, let me help you out and share a few gift ideas that are personal, fun and honestly, something even you would like to receive. These are the kinds of gifts people actually remember and go “Aww, you are so thoughtful!”

1. A Family, Couple, or Bestie Photoshoot Package (from RM680 & up)

You know how we always say, “We should take proper photos together one day!”? Well, this is that one day gift. A photoshoot package is like bottling up time and it’s something you can use any time, for anyone. Whether it’s for your parents, your siblings, your partner, or a friend who just had a baby or just got engaged. Imagine gifting them an experience where they get to laugh, dress up, feel special, and then receive photos they will keep for life. And the best part? You’re not just giving them images. You’re giving them a memory they will hold dear to and look back on for years. (Psst… our photoshoot package starts from RM680, just in case you want to be the hero of the season.)

2. A Personalized “Memory Box” Filled With Small Treasures

This is my favourite for the sentimental souls. Grab a pretty box, whether it’s wooden, metal, fabric, anything that sparks joy and fill it with tiny reminders of your year together:

Movie stubs
A tiny jar of their favourite snacks
A handwritten letter
A printed photo from your last trip (very important!)

A little keepsake that only the two of you understand
It’s simple, inexpensive, and ridiculously meaningful. Receiving gifts is not my top 2 love languages but I love it when people put thought into the gifts and they make me go: “You actually remember what I told you?!”

If this idea is a tad bit too much due to your busy schedule, check out the next one.

3. Christmas Candle Sets (Preferably Something That Smells Like Cookies!)

For the friend who says “I’m not celebrating Christmas” but secretly loves all the vibes — candles are a dream. Warm vanilla, cinnamon spice, pine forests, gingerbread… basically anything that makes your home feel like a Christmas movie. If you prefer a safer choice, you can opt for vanilla or something light like ocean breeze. Bonus points if you pair it with:

A mug
Hot cocoa mix
A handwritten “slow down and rest” note
It’s the perfect self-care bundle for anyone ending the year tired (which… is everyone, let’s be real).

Christmas Candle Gift Set

Christmas Discovery Candle Set

4. Personalized Gifts

This one’s for families with little ones (aged ~3–8), but I promise! The excitement spills over to everyone. The Flight of Imagination is a personalised storybook where the child becomes the main character! You can include their name, choose skin-tone options, and even slip in two of their family photos so the story feels like “their story”. It’s a whimsical, heart-warming book they read tonight, treasure forever, and maybe show off to their own child someday. Whether you go for the “name only” version, or the full “photo plus story” book with a photoshoot session, this gift becomes a memory beautifully preserved.

5. The Gifts of Experience

Honestly, people don’t need more stuff. They need more moments. Fun experiences that bring out so much joy and laughter, and to discover more about themselves. So whether it’s a pottery class, a Christmas market date, a baking workshop or a massage or spa voucher, experience gifts are the kind people talk about months later. It’s something they enjoy, learn from, and remember even long after most physical gifts are forgotten at the bottom of the drawer. If you’re thinking what to get for me, I would totally love a spa voucher please 😛

A Little Reminder From Me to You

Gifts don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. They just need to say: “I thought of you. You matter to me.” Even if you have not met or spoken to them since last Christmas. And if you ever need help turning memories into beautiful photographs, you know where to find us.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a greater new year ahead!

Love from,

The Stories Team

Grace Tan In Musings, Running a Business

Year-end reflections

Every year as December rolls in, I find myself slowing down, almost instinctively counting the blessings from the past 12 months. 17 years in this industry still feels surreal!

I started this journey with nothing more than heart. I was naive, lacking any form of photography or business skills, but just a desire to tell stories. I made many mistakes but learnt many lessons along the way too. Somehow, one year folded into the next, and here we are in 2025.

17 years as a photographer and business owner

I used to remember every client’s name and face in the early years. These days, after thousands of portraits, the details blur a little (could be perimenopause too!). Still, what stays with me are the seasons I’ve journeyed through with so many families. Watching little ones stretch into teenagers, seeing couples weather the years with grace, and at times, hearing about losses that break our hearts. I am reminded over and over again why photography matters.

This truth became even clearer when my aunt passed away this year at the age of 86. She lived alone in Melaka as a single person, and my family were the closest relatives since the rest live overseas. One moment she was line dancing with her friends, the next we were facing an aggressive illness we didn’t see coming. When we put together her obituary photos, I felt grateful for every little memory we had documented as a family. In the end, these pieces of our lives become priceless.

My family with my aunt

To every client who has trusted us with your stories, thank you. Whether it is through photography or a video documentary of your life, your memories matter to us. We want you to feel joy every time you look through your photos.

This year brought fresh stories. Families with their pets, travellers exploring Malaysia, couples falling in love, and of course, one of the most memorable shoots of the year—documenting our past prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s 100th birthday party. We also relaunched our Flight of Imagination storybook, now available in an illustrated version for younger children. If you’re looking for a meaningful gift for kids below 8, you can personalise the illustrated Flight of Imagination. Add your child’s name, choose the relevant illustration, and include two of your own family photos. It’s RM120 and makes such a sweet keepsake.

I’m also leaving you with a video from Danny and Tanya, a family we’ve walked with for many years. What they shared captures the heart of why we do what we do. If you’re thinking of a family shoot, don’t wait too long. We’re feeling extra festive and have packed Christmas Blind Box gifts worth up to RM2,000 for bookings this season. Wishing you a meaningful year-end with the people you love. I hope our paths cross again soon.

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

The Years Are Short, but the Memories Can Be Long

Let me tell you something I’ve really been feeling lately: this year went by in a blur. Like… a blink. One moment it was January, and suddenly we’re here, wondering how 11 months disappeared without asking for permission.

And maybe it’s not just me. Maybe you feel it too. Maybe you’re also wondering how your kids grew when you were just trying to keep up… or how your parents seem a little softer this year… or how long it’s been since all of you stood together in one frame, at the same time, in the same season of life.

It hits me every year-end: the days feel long, but the years? They’re unbelievably short.
And I don’t want us to wake up one day wishing we had kept more of these little moments.

When We Think We Have More Time Than We Do

I catch myself saying it all the time:
“I’ll book the photoshoot soon.”
“I’ll do it when things slow down.”
“I’ll plan it when everyone’s free.”

And if we’re honest… that “soon” never really comes, does it? Recently my mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital due to a brain injury and she’s been bedridden since. I tried looking for the last family photo we took together when everyone was around and I realized that photo was taken almost 2 years ago during Chinese New Year.

Life doesn’t slow down. Kids don’t stop growing while we breathe. Parents don’t pause their aging. And as we are trying so hard to balance everything, we don’t always realize a moment is becoming a memory until it’s already behind us.

I don’t say this to make you feel guilty. I say it because I’ve felt it too. We think we have more time than we do. We think our loved ones will always look, sound, and move the same way they do now. But time has this quiet way of changing things when we’re not paying attention.

And that’s why I’m writing this — for you and for me. Because I don’t want either of us to miss the version of our family we have right now.

Why Year-End Photos Hit Different

There’s something about this season that makes everything feel a little more real. We slow down. We’re a little more reflective. A little more sentimental. A little more aware of the people who make our lives feel like home.

Maybe it’s the holidays. Maybe it’s the slower nights. Maybe it’s just that invisible shift that happens when the year is about to end. That is why year end photos hit differently. They don’t just capture what your family looks like — they capture who you were this year. The energy. The connection. The inside jokes. The chaos. The quiet love you might take for granted because you’re living it daily.

And trust me on this: the future us is going to want that. Not the perfect outfits or the camera-ready hair, but the real expressions, the real hugs, the real “this is us right now” kind of moments.

The Things We Don’t Want to Forget

When people talk about what they miss, it’s never the big events. It’s always the tiny things we didn’t realise were disappearing:

The way our child still runs into our arms. The way our parents still call our name with that familiar softness. The way grandparents laugh — that specific laugh that you can recognize even from another room. The way our homes look before they change or before we leave them.

These little things? They become some of the biggest treasures later. And taking photos now is how we hold onto them long after time moves on.

You Don’t Need “Perfect.” You Just Need Now

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably thought: “I need to lose a little weight before the photos.” “I want to wait until my kid’s hair grows.” or “I want the house to look nicer.”

But here’s the truth between us: Our loved ones don’t care about any of that. They care that we’re in the photos with them. They care that we showed up. They care that we wanted to remember this chapter together. I still remember one of the Chinese New Year during the COVID-19 season, all of us were in frame together with our masks on. Even though half of our faces were covered, it serves as a reminder that we went through that season together and came out of it stronger.

Let’s Not Wait Another Year

I’m telling you as a friend: Let’s not let another year slip by without freezing the things we’ll miss most. Not the achievements or the milestones. But the people. The hugs. The laughter. The closeness. The version of your family that exists right now, in this irreplaceable moment in time.

The years are short — painfully short. But the memories we choose to keep? Those can stay with us for decades. For generations. For as long as someone opens an album and smiles. So before the year ends, let’s do something our future selves will thank us for. Let’s freeze the love we’re living today.

📸 Book your year-end family session.
For you, for us, for the memories we can’t afford to lose.

Jasmine Tai In Parties & Events

How to Plan a Fun Graduation Photoshoot for You and Your Friends

I remember when I had my graduation ceremony, I had a random photo taken in front of all the graduates, even without a proper photo backdrop. *cues tears* Graduation isn’t just the end of a chapter — it’s the beginning of a brand new one. After all the late-night study sessions, group projects, and exam-week stress, you deserve to celebrate this milestone in a way that truly reflects the joy and pride of your journey. One of the best ways to do that? A fun, memorable graduation photoshoot with your friends. I wished we had thought about it and had the resources to do it.

Besides having pretty pictures to post on social media — they will become keepsakes that freeze this once-in-a-lifetime moment forever. Here’s how to plan a photoshoot that captures all the excitement, pride, and friendship of graduation day (that I wish I knew 12 years ago):

Don’t Stress About the Gown

Many graduates worry that they don’t have the exact gown that’s used during the ceremony because most of the time, they will have to return the gown to the gown provider within the day itself. Here’s the good news for you: you don’t need to wear the exact same gown for the photoshoot. We have some gowns in the studio where you can wear them for the photoshoot, free of charge! What matters most is how the photos feel.

You can schedule your shoot any time without worrying about gown rental deadlines or returns. You can even personalize your look by adding your own sash, decorate your cap, or wear your favourite shoes underneath. The key is to focus on celebrating the moment, not replicating every detail of the ceremony.

Choose the Perfect Time and Place

One of the best backdrops for your graduation shoot is your university itself. After all, this is where so many of your memories were made. Shooting on campus the day before or after the ceremony means you can enjoy the space without the rush and crowds. You will have the freedom to explore your favorite spots whether it’s the library steps, your faculty building, the iconic university sign, or even that tree-lined walkway where you used to grab coffee before class.

If you’d rather have your photos taken right after the ceremony, that’s a great choice too. You’ll still be glowing from the excitement, surrounded by your proud family and friends. Just be prepared for a little more chaos, lots of people in your photos, confetti, and happy tears everywhere. But sometimes, that energy makes for the most authentic and joyful shots.

A quick tip: if you’re planning to shoot after the ceremony, coordinate with your photographer early. That way, the photographer can meet you at a designated spot and capture your first moments as an official graduate, such as throwing your cap, hugging your parents, or laughing with your best friends.

Use This Chance for a Family Portrait Session

Imagine how proud your parents, grandparents, and loved ones would feel when you are finally graduating. They are the ones that have been with you every step of the way, cheering you on through late-night studies, exams, and all the ups and downs. That’s why this is the perfect time to capture a beautiful family portrait together. Many families choose to have a short studio session after the graduation ceremony, or even a few days later. In the studio, lighting and comfort are perfectly controlled, allowing everyone to look their best without worrying about crowds or weather. You can start with formal portraits in your graduation gown, then take it off for a second round of photos in coordinated outfits for a more relaxed, timeless family look.

Make It a Group Effort

Some of the best graduation photos come from the energy of friendship. Plan your shoot with your closest classmates — those who were with you through group projects, coffee runs, and late-night pep talks.

Coordinate your outfits so everyone looks cohesive but not too “matchy.” Maybe you all wear your gowns over semi-formal outfits in similar tones, or choose a colour theme that ties everything together. Bring fun props like balloons, flowers, or confetti poppers. Even something as simple as holding your certificates or tossing your caps together can create joyful, dynamic images.

When you shoot as a group, it’s about reliving the laughter and pride you all share. You will look back and remember how it felt to stand beside your friends, knowing you all made it through together.

Capture the Emotion, Not Just the Pose

Graduation photos are about emotions, not perfection. That proud smile when your parents hug you. The teary laughter as your friends cheer for you. The quiet, reflective moment when you stand on campus, realizing how far you’ve come.

A good photographer knows how to capture these unscripted moments beautifully. The best shots often happen between poses: when you’re fixing your cap, sharing a joke, or simply looking around, soaking in the moment.

When planning your shoot, tell your photographer what this milestone means to you. Do you want your photos to feel nostalgic? Fun and carefree? Elegant and polished? The more they understand your vision, the better they can capture your story.

A fun graduation photoshoot is about celebrating everything you’ve become. Whether you shoot on campus the day before, immediately after the ceremony, or even a week later in your favourite outfit, what matters most is that it reflects you.

So gather your friends, put on those gowns, and step into the frame with pride. Because someday, years from now, when you look at these photos—, you will remember exactly how proud, happy, and hopeful you felt in that moment. And that’s something worth capturing.

Whether you’re shooting on campus with your friends, right after your ceremony, or planning a relaxed post-graduation session, we can help you design a photoshoot that feels effortless and meaningful. Because this is more than just a photoshoot, it’s your milestone, your pride, your once-in-a-lifetime story.

Book your graduation session today and let’s capture the celebration you’ll never want to forget.

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.