Malaysia Lifestyle Photographer And Videographer: Stories.my

Grace Tan In Beautiful Everyday, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Here’s what happens during a family photography session: A walk-through

Family photoshoots can get…extremely chaotic.

Between booking a session, coordinating outfits, getting everyone out the door on time, and wondering if the children will cooperate, it’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed and uncertain.

That’s not all; you’ll even find yourself asking the same questions:
Will an hour be enough?
What happens if my child has a meltdown?
How will the photographers manage my large family?
Will the photos turn out the way I want?

The good news is that, with us, a family photoshoot is far less stressful than most people think. A lot of planning takes place long before the shoot, and we’ll guide you through every stage. Here’s everything you should expect, from the initial enquiry to the last photo taken.

Before the family photoshoot even starts

Preparation begins the moment you reach out to enquire about a session. One of the first things we’ll discuss is the size of your family, as it helps determine the duration of the photoshoot.

Why? Well, smaller families (two to four members) may only need 30 minutes, while larger groups (five or more members) often require more time, typically an hour to two, and sessions rarely go beyond that. However, if you require a shoot that involves several outfit changes or have chosen a location that involves a lot of walking, it may take longer — even if you’re a family of four.

Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll send over a questionnaire and preparation guide to help us get to know your family better and ensure the session runs smoothly.

Some questions we’ll include in the questionnaire are:
– How many children will be participating? Do your children have any special needs we should be aware of?
– Tell us about yourself and your family.
– Do you have any specific requests, ideas you’d like to execute, or props you’ll be bringing?
– Please describe the outfits you’ve chosen for the session (formal, casual, colours, etc).
– We’ll also ask about special needs requirements or anything that could help us create a comfortable environment.

For example, if a family of 15 is attending, it’s useful for us to know how everyone is connected and how you’d like the group photos organised. With all this information, we’ll be able to plan ahead so that everyone spends less time figuring things out on the day itself.

The first few minutes of the session

The day of your family photoshoot has arrived. Your session starts at 12 p.m., but rather than rushing in right on the dot, it’s always best to arrive about 15 minutes early. By this point, you’ve spent the entire morning getting everyone dressed and double-checking that nobody has forgotten anything important — it’s basically chaos.

Arriving early will give your family some time to wind down and get used to your environment. At the same time, our photographer will take a few minutes to chat with your family — to get acquainted and understand the dynamics between each member. If your family photoshoot is taking place outdoors or at home, our photographer will usually arrive earlier to assess the location, understand the space, identify the best spots, and determine how to make the most of it.

The first part of the photoshoot — traditional family portraits

Once the photoshoot begins, we’ll typically start with the more traditional family photographs. For large families, these group portraits are usually done first while everyone’s attention is fresh. For those with children, this is key, as they’re usually willing to listen during the opening part of the session, as they are curious when entering a new environment.

If you’ve already provided a shot list, we’ll take it into consideration and will advise accordingly. Basically, we’ll go according to the flow of what we think works best, based on the situation of the shoot. For example, we may try to photograph the families with the youngest children first, and adult-only photos will come last.

The second part of the photoshoot — candid moments

Once the key group photos are complete, the session becomes more relaxed. We’ll flow between posed and candid photos throughout the session. Rather than asking everyone to stand and smile, we’ll encourage interactions. Families may be asked to walk together, talk, play games, laugh, or simply spend time together.

The goal is to capture genuine and authentic moments. We’ll still provide guidance and suggestions throughout this session. You never need to worry about knowing how to pose or what to do next.

Wrapping up the session

As the session comes to an end, we’ll do a quick review of remaining combinations or requests that haven’t yet been photographed. This is also an opportunity to capture any final images family members may have in mind during the session.

If you have children at the shoot, here’s how it’s going to go

Now, for those with children, you’ll probably be worried about how your children will behave. The good news? Children behaving like children is completely normal.

If a child becomes overwhelmed, shy, tired, or throws a tantrum, there’s no need to panic. It doesn’t mean the session is failing. In fact, one of the best things parents can do is to stay calm. If a child needs a break, we’ll simply adjust the schedule. They can have a snack, take a short break, or step away from the camera. We’ll simply photograph other family members.

What we try to avoid is creating additional pressure. Children can quickly sense stress if they’re scolded or forced into participating. Instead, we’ll work with the child’s energy.

In the studio, we have a small slide-and-play area for children to settle in. Music will be used to create a relaxed environment. We also encourage parents to ensure their children are well-fed before the photoshoot.

Other than that, we recommend not allowing your children to use a digital device during the shoot, as it may cause disengagement and make it difficult to separate the child from the device. Most importantly, trust the process. Remember, experienced family photographers understand that children have good and difficult moments.

All of these are part of family life, and capturing your family as you are is the goal. If you’re still unsure about taking the next steps, do reach out to us. We’re always happy to chat, answer your questions, and help you plan a family photoshoot that works for everyone.

Bin Bin Tan In At Home, Beautiful Everyday, Family + Children Portraits, Newborn, Portraits

What is a Newborn Photoshoot and What Do To If You Miss The Shoot Window

A newborn photoshoot is a specialised photography session that focuses on capturing images of your brand new baby in the early days of their life. A newborn photoshoot often features babies in sleepy, curled-up poses. While babies are generally considered newborns for the first few months, to a photographer, that window closes much sooner, after about 3 weeks. This is because babies above this age tend to be awake and less likely to spend time in the curled-up pose that makes newborn photography so special.

Most people don’t realise how small this window actually is, which is why it’s so important to plan your newborn photoshoot well in advance, ideally during your second or third trimester!

Posed Newborn Photography vs Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Posed Newborn Photography

When most people think about newborn photography, posed newborn photography is probably what comes to mind. This is the more classic approach, with the baby being placed in specific poses to show off their tiny features. Babies are often swaddled during the shoot and a variety of props (think wraps, knitted hats, and baskets) are used. You can also choose to do the session with your baby unclothed for a more minimalist look.

Traditionally, a posed newborn photoshoot works best within the first few weeks after birth, when baby is sleepier and therefore more malleable to posing. Babies at this age also tend to enjoy being swaddled and in the curled-up position. This is why a posed newborn photoshoot is time-sensitive and best done before the 3-week mark.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Lifestyle newborn photography, on the other hand, is a more relaxed and informal approach, focused on the natural expressions and interactions between you and your baby. The outcome is a more candid photoshoot that aims to preserve the natural essence of the moment. We usually recommend this style be done at your home, as it adds a personal and meaningful layer to your story.

Because lifestyle photography relies less on posing, there is no strict age limit. But we still recommend taking the photos in the first month, especially if you wish to document those tiny, teeny features of your newborn that change so quickly.

For an in-home session, you don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home, just a couple of softly lit spaces to work with. The nursery, living room, and parents’ bedroom are usually the best spots. A quick tidy of surfaces and some natural light goes a long way.

At Stories, our newborn photoshoot is a combination of the posed and lifestyle newborn photoshoots for the best of both worlds.

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photoshoot

A little preparation goes a long way in helping the session run smoothly and stress-free. A Stories newborn photography session lasts approximately 1.5 hours in duration. You could do the shoot at our studio, your home, or your confinement centre. You can let us know if you prefer a more posed or lifestyle approach, and we will adapt accordingly. We will bring all the swaddles and some props for the session. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

Before the session: Try to keep your baby awake in the hours leading up to the shoot. A well-fed, sleepy baby makes for peaceful pictures and a much calmer session for everyone. Feed and burp your baby right before the session begins, and avoid a full feed one to two hours beforehand so they’re ready for a proper meal just before you start.

What to bring: Pack at least one change of clothing in case of any accidents, as well as everything you’d normally need for feeding and changing. If there’s a special item you’d like included in the photos, a family heirloom, a handmade blanket, or a meaningful keepsake, let us know in advance.

For parents: Wear neutral colours like creams and soft tones for the family shots, and avoid chunky jewellery or accessories that might distract from the main subject, your baby! We always take variations during the shoot, so you’ll definitely be included in the session. These moments pass faster than you think, and you’ll treasure them.

During the session: Try to stay calm and relaxed. Babies can sense tension, so the calmer you are, the more settled your baby is likely to be. Fussing and crying is completely normal, so don’t panic if your baby does that! We have seen it all and will work patiently with you.

What If You Missed The Newborn Photoshoot Window?

We get it; the first month of being a new mum is exhausting. Between all the crying, endless feeding and diaper changing (not to mention recovering from delivery), a photoshoot may be the last thing on your mind.

If having a photoshoot in the first three weeks is not an option, don’t worry about it! Just because your baby isn’t a newborn anymore doesn’t mean you can’t still have a beautiful photoshoot. After all, babies don’t stop being cute, and any age is a good time to capture these precious memories.

If you do plan to take the photoshoot after the one-month-old mark, there are just a few things to take note of.

Since babies are more awake and active by then, we recommend a lifestyle photography session rather than a posed newborn shoot. Rather than sleepy, curled up poses, the focus will be on alert expressions, eye contact and perhaps even a smile.

If you need more time for rest and the photoshoot gets pushed back even further, the sessions can always be customised to focus on baby milestones, such as tummy time, crawling, etc. You can see this article for some milestones worth capturing.

Having a baby is one of the most extraordinary phases of life. Regardless of when you choose to do your photoshoot, you will always cherish the photos and the memories of the session.

Grace Tan In At Home, Beautiful Everyday, Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Maternity, Portraits, Studio

What You Wear Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be honest. The first question before any shoot is always, “What should we wear?” Usually followed by a few outfit changes, a bit of overthinking, and at least one “does this match?” moment. And fair enough, it’s not always the easiest question to answer.

But maybe the better question is, “What tends to work well on camera?”

Because while a good outfit can elevate a photo, the right choices can really help everything feel a little more natural and put together, without taking attention away from you.

Let’s talk colours

Colours don’t just sit there looking nice. They’re doing quite a bit behind the scenes. They reflect light, affect skin tones, and influence how a photo feels overall.

Very bright colours can sometimes reflect onto the skin more than expected.
Very dark tones can feel a little heavier in photos.
And when there are too many different colours in one frame, it can start to feel a little busy. And not always in a good way.

This is why softer tones, neutrals, and earthy palettes tend to work so well. They keep things balanced and let the focus stay on people. Also, they are generally easier to match as a group, which helps when everyone is trying to agree on what to wear at the same time… which is usually where things get a little chaotic.

Things that tend to work better

Over time, we have noticed a few things that tend to photograph more smoothly:

Coordinated over matching
Outfits that complement each other often feel more natural than everyone wearing the exact same thing. A little variation actually makes the whole photo feel more alive and a lot less stressful to put together.
Simpler patterns
Smaller prints or textures tend to photograph more cleanly and keep the attention where it should be. Nothing too loud, nothing too distracting, just enough.
Softer colour tones
Muted or toned-down colours are usually more flattering on camera and easier to work with. They also tend to age better when you look back at the photos later.
Comfort matters
Outfits that feel easy to move in help you stay relaxed and present during the shoot. If you feel good, it shows. If you don’t, that usually shows pretty quickly too.
Staying true to your style
Photos always feel more natural when you look like yourself, just a little more put together. No need to suddenly become someone else for the day. You don’t need a whole new personality just for photos.

Where everything starts to click

So instead of overthinking every detail, here’s a simpler way to look at it. Think of your outfit as part of the overall frame, not the main focus.

Soft, balanced colours.
Simple textures.
Pieces that move easily with you.

And most importantly, something you feel comfortable and confident in. That usually does more for a photo than anything else.

If there’s one thing to take away

Photos are not really about the outfit. But the right outfit can help everything come together a little more naturally. More than anything, it’s about how you feel in what you’re wearing. When you’re comfortable, when you feel like yourself, it shows in ways you don’t have to think about.

So keep it simple, comfortable, and true to you. Because the best photos are the ones where you feel like yourself in them.

Oh, and this year’s colour of the year

Oh, and speaking of colours, Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2026 is Cloud Dancer. Which, yes, is a very nice way of saying a really good shade of white. It’s a soft, airy white that leans slightly warm. Calm, minimal, and very easy to work with. The kind of colour that feels clean and effortless. It also photographs really well. It doesn’t compete for attention and pairs nicely with almost everything. It’s one of those colours that just works without needing too much effort.

You don’t have to go all in, but it works nicely as a base or layered with softer tones. And if nothing else, it’s a very safe option when no one can decide what to wear. What do you think, something you would wear for a shoot, or more of a background kind of colour? If you would like to read more about colours, check out this other blog post we wrote.

And if you are ever unsure what to wear, we are always happy to guide you through styling for your session.

Grace Tan In At Home, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

A Decade of Raya: 10 Years of Memories with the Nasimuddin Family

Ten years ago, producer/director Peter Chin introduced me to the Nasimuddin family. At the time, it was simply a request to photograph their Raya family portrait.

I did not know then that it would become a decade-long tradition.

Every year, on the first day of Hari Raya, the extended family gathers at the home of Puan Sri Zaleha Ismail. Between greetings, laughter, and the joyful chaos that comes with a house full of relatives, the Stories team arrives with our cameras to capture a moment that has now become part of the family’s annual ritual.

The family includes Puan Sri Zaleha, her children and their families: Datuk SM Faisal, Nur Diana, SM Nasarudin and Marion Caunter, Faliq and Chryseis Tan, as well as Nur Nadia and Hamzah.

It is a big family. And when everyone gathers together in their Raya outfits, the house fills with energy.

In the early years, photographing the children was an adventure in itself. Toddlers rarely sit still for long. I still remember little Liam crawling away from the sofa during one of our sessions while the adults laughed and tried to coax him back.

Fast forward a decade, and those same children now walk into the room with growing confidence and personalities of their own. Some who once needed to be carried now stand tall beside their parents. Along the way, new babies have joined the family, and every year the group grows just a little bigger.

For Marion Caunter, the yearly portrait has become a moment she looks forward to.

“I do photos for a living, but family shots are always the most stressful,” she laughs. “But it’s so fun every year to do them with the kids as they grow older and more babies enter the family. You see the family grow, and it’s just chaos but in a good way.”

One of the highlights of each session is Marion’s now legendary “catwalk moment” with her daughters Leia and Lana. Year after year, they stride toward the camera together, turning a simple walk into a playful tradition. When you watch the images side by side across the years, it becomes a beautiful visual timeline of childhood unfolding.

That is what makes these annual portraits so meaningful.

A single photograph captures a moment. But a series of photographs over time captures a life story.

When we look back through ten years of images, we see children growing taller, cousins forming bonds, and the subtle ways families evolve over time.

For us at Stories, moments like these remind us that photography is about much more than a single photoshoot.

Every family we photograph becomes part of a larger narrative. In that moment behind the camera, we are witnessing a slice of life that will one day become part of a family’s history.

That is also why we take archiving seriously. Over the years, we have invested in terabytes of storage to safeguard the photographs we create. It is our way of protecting these memories so that if families ever lose their copies, those moments can still be recovered. Because photographs are not just images. They are pieces of a family’s legacy.

Looking back at the Nasimuddin family’s portraits over the past decade feels a little like flipping through a living archive of Raya celebrations. Each year tells a slightly different story, but the heart of it remains the same: family gathering, laughter filling the home, and one shared moment in front of the camera before the day unfolds.

For us, it is always a privilege to be invited back again the following year to continue documenting that story.

Ten years later, we are still there. Camera in hand. Witnessing the next chapter.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes snippet from one of the shoots we did! Contact us if you’d like to start your own family legacy of images.

Bin Bin Tan In Misc

Booking Your Stories’ Wedding Photography and Video Team: What You Need To Know

Getting married is such a momentous occasion – life-changing and exciting at the same time. There are so many aspects to the planning, and wedding photography and videography are one of the main considerations for most couples. After all, after the high of the wedding, your photos and videos will be the one thing that remains as memories from the big day.

Selecting your creative team may first involve researching styles to find one whose vision matches your preferences. At Stories, our focus is on natural, authentic moments that capture the essence, emotions and relationships behind your special day.

If this aligns with your needs, check out our process, from enquiry to the actual day, below!

Enquiry

To begin, just drop us an enquiry! You can do this on our website or through WhatsApp, and we will be in touch to discuss your needs.

Some information that would be useful to us at this stage would be:

Type of ceremony that you will be having
Dates (if you already have them, so we can check our availability)
Location
Number of expected guests

We will then share the relevant package. We understand that booking a wedding photographer and videographer isn’t a one-day decision, and we are happy to meet in person for you to get to know us better before making the decision. Feel free to also browse our website to learn more about our creative style.

Booking

If you’ve decided to confirm us – firstly, thank you so much for putting the trust in us to capture your big day! We will send over our booking documents, which consist of an invoice and a contract. To lock in the date, we require the signing of our contract and a 50% retainer fee. The balance is due a week before the wedding.

Getting To Know You Better

As part of our booking process, we will send you a questionnaire to get to know you and your needs better. This is usually sent about 6 weeks prior to the wedding day.

The questionnaire will involve understanding the important people attending (having a family photo list is always helpful), your schedules, any cultural elements that we need to be aware of, etc. Feel free to also put together a vision board and share it with us. We will go through and assist with our input. Do remember to carve out some time for couple portraits!

We will then schedule a meetup (in person is best, but online works too) to have a chat and iron out all the details for a smooth-flowing event. This will also help you know the team better and be more comfortable in their presence on the actual day.

A group chat will be created to coordinate the events better. We’re always available to answer any questions you may have.

Final Check-in

A few days before the wedding, we will drop you a message to reconfirm all details (starting time, location) and to find out if there are any last-minute details or changes we need to be aware of.

THE BIG DAY

All the work now shifts to us. Let go and enjoy your wedding!

Our wedding photography and videography team will be on-site slightly before the allocated time for setup. Since you shouldn’t be worried about all the minor on-the-day details, assigning a coordinator from your end to assist the team in managing the schedule helps.

Please note that we do require meals for our photographers. Nothing major, but a quick bite is sufficient. Hotels and restaurants are familiar with the vendors’ meal and can help you prepare it.

Same Day Slideshows

If you have booked a full-day package with us, we do offer Same Day Photo Slideshows as part of our package. However, if you have requested videography services and would like to have a Same Day Video shown at your wedding dinner, an additional fee is required.

We have a range of royalty-free music that we use for slideshows and videos. These are non-mainstream songs, and we’ll choose a song for you according to our creative discretion. If you do have a particular music genre preference, just let us know so we understand your music style and can take that into consideration. We don’t usually ask for specific songs from our clients, as the song may not necessarily work well with the images or video clips that have been shot. However, if you still prefer to use your own selection, please email us at least 3 options for us to choose the best song that suits the video or photos.

Post-production and Delivery

You can expect some teaser images within a week of the big day. The full set of edited images is delivered 1-2 months after the wedding. For videos, the timeline is 2-3 months. We will send you a download link, and a USB will also be couriered to you.

Albums are currently not included in our package but can be added on. Do have a look at our range of albums available here.

That’s it!

We hope the above is helpful and sheds some light on our processes for capturing your wedding day. Feel free to come say hi to us in our studio at Oval Damansara if you would like to know more, or drop us an enquiry (link to form) and we will be in touch to chat more.

Congratulations once again!