Malaysia Lifestyle Photographer And Videographer: Stories.my

Grace Tan In Life, Musings, Running a Business

Living your dream life

The way ahead looked murky. It was 2008, and I had just officially started my photography business. It seems like only yesterday that I bought my first second-hand camera, naive and uncertain about what I truly wanted in life. The only certainty I had was that I wanted to take beautiful images and that I wanted my life to make a difference in other people’s lives.

Somehow, I stumbled into the world of weddings, and that journey took me to beautiful locations all over the world across different continents, including amazing journeys in Bangladesh, Turkey, and Holland. I ended up capturing so many memories that remain as fresh in my mind as they are in my clients minds. I saw these couples grow into small families and their relationships strengthen, and I continued the journey alongside them through the years. Why am I sharing this story with you?

You see, the 15-year anniversary of Stories had a humble beginning. It started with a small dream. A little girl who was terrified but made a decision to be brave and step out of her comfort zone. Despite her insecurities and weaknesses, she decided that nothing would be too hard if God was by her side.

That girl 15 years ago would never have imagined owning a studio and working with eight other talented creatives on meaningful and purposeful projects. She would never have imagined that she had the capacity to hire people, inspire them to chase after their own dreams, and create life-changing work.

But she did. That little girl is me.

Success to me isn’t just about the numbers on an Excel sheet; it’s also about how many lives I’ve impacted. To the people I have photographed, I am a legacy builder. I help connect people to an experience with their loved ones that they will remember forever.

To the people I have hired, I am a dream-maker. So many of the people who have worked with me over the years did not start out skilled. They were like me—someone with a dream. I am so blessed that I have been able to be part of their story too.

What about you? Do you have a dream too? What would it take for you to be brave and step out?

You have one life. Why not spend it doing what inspires you, grows you and has an impact on the world around you?

Suzyana Ong In Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Bernice Family Portraits at Lake Gardens

We wandered around Lake Gardens, amongst the roots of massive trees with untold stories. There’s just so much to explore here at this gorgeous green lung in the middle of KL city. Despite the humidity of our Malaysian weather, parks are still one of our favourite locations to shoot. Have you seen our list of our favourite 10 best parks to shoot in KL?

Grace Tan In At Home, Beautiful Everyday, Casual Portraits, Chinese Weddings, Church Weddings, Family + Children Portraits, Musings, Portraits, Tips + Ideas, Weddings

Printing your photos as a family heirloom

We’ve all been there: your phone is bursting at the seams with photos, yet it’s all disorganised. We take a gazillion photos daily (especially if you are a parent, you’ll understand what I mean!) but these images are lost in the digital world, somewhere between the phone, the computer or the cloud. That is why we really encourage couples and families to print their images. Prints have a longer lifespan than digital images. Due to changes in technology, digital files can get lost or corrupted over time, but printed photos can be kept in albums or frames and passed down from one generation to the next.

It’s a beautiful feeling to be able to display your photos on a canvas on the wall or in an album on your coffee table. They provide a physical connection to the past, allowing family members to see and touch images of their precious loved ones. Family photos serve as a visual history of a family’s past. It’s really heartwarming to hear stories of children looking at their parent’s wedding albums, and asking where they were when the photos were taken! It’s a way for the younger generation to connect with their family’s heritage and understand their place in the family tree.

Printed images can hold such a powerful emotional reminder of an exact moment in time. The memories associated with that event brings back so much happiness. It’s so tangible, and more powerful than viewing images on a computer screen or phone. Why don’t you consider printing some images for your home? I guarantee you that it will add life and make your home even more cosy.

Suzyana Ong In Casual Portraits, Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits

Pre-Wedding at Resorts World Genting – Atif & Irene

Who would’ve thought you can have your pre-wedding shoot at Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park and Resorts World Awana? Now you can! As Resorts World Genting’s pre-wedding photography and videography partner, we have made special arrangements for you to have exclusive access to these places from now until 30th June 2023. Each booking comes with a 1 night stay so that you can make the most of your time there.