Malaysia Lifestyle Photographer And Videographer: Stories.my

Suzyana Ong In Chinese Weddings, Malay Weddings, Outdoor Weddings, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Chinese-Malay Wedding: Atif & Irene

While movies and novels may glamorize the idea of romantic relationships, the truth is, finding happily ever after is not as easy as it sounds. It takes a deep trust to share one’s true self, fears, dreams, and insecurities. True love flourishes when both partners can be open and honest without fear of judgment. This is the story of Atif & Irene.

“Atif and I met at a friend’s party around 10 years ago in Melbourne, we became fast friends but it was a short friendship as he graduated and went back to KL the same year. We reunited in 2018 when he went to Singapore to take a break after a break up with his ex. Even then, we struggled with insecurities of our own and whether we should take on this relationship as it would be a long-distance relationship (LDR). He was especially cautious about this relationship as it was far from his ideal relationship he had in mind. However, as time went by, we realised that the both of us still managed to be by each other’s side despite the distance and challenges. Even until today I think the main foundation of our relationship is because we both want to stay in this relationship with this person.

We don’t have an anniversary because that way I can receive as many gifts whenever I want! (but also I don’t remember when I fell in love with him). Atif still has many insecurities, but I’ve learnt to have fun with him as the days goes by. I am still learning to express myself better around him to make him feel safe with me.”

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

Family Portraits at Embun Luxury Villas, Janda Baik

We love to explore new places, especially if the places are a hidden gem! It’s so wonderful that Malaysia has so many beautiful resorts scattered across the country but what’s even greater is that we have places like Janda Baik which is only an hour drive from the city. This time, we visited Embun Luxury Villas at Janda Baik for the first time! It is a beautiful resort, with a lot of corners for family portraits. We began the shoot at 4pm and spent about 2 hours taking photos around the premise, thankfully, the weather was amazing!

There’s actually a number of beautiful resorts at Janda Baik that are perfect for a family reunion, birthday celebration and as a photo shoot location! We’ve photographed families at The Acres Resort and at Tiarasa Escapes. Both resorts are also highly recommended if you’re looking for a short escape from the city with slightly cooler weather and luscious greens.

Bin Bin Tan In Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Maternity, Portraits, Studio

Types of Backdrops in Our Studio for your Family Photoshoot

Although we love doing photoshoots outdoors (check out our article for best parks) and at our client’s homes, we understand why you might prefer a studio session – it’s more comfortable, convenient, plus it has air conditioning! You won’t even need to do housekeeping, we’ll get the space sorted for you before you arrive! A studio photo session can be ideal for those reasons, but it doesn’t have to be generic. You can inject your own personality and flair to the shoot by selecting a backdrop to match your style. Below are the options available should you choose to do a session in our studio.

1. Plain or classic backdrop

If you’re those looking for a timeless and classy look, you can opt for a plain studio backdrop. We have backdrops in white, grey and black. You will also have the choice of shooting with our studio’s brown walls if these colours don’t work for you.

To help decide on your backdrop colour, plan your outfits and look in advance to ensure your clothes match with the background. The colour of the backdrop can influence the final outcome of the pictures – for classy vibe, opt for a darker background or choose a lighter background for something simple and versatile.

2. Lifestyle

Lifestyle photography involves more authentic background settings – think contemporary furniture and even plants! At our studio we have a variety of couches, rugs, pillows and blankets that you can incorporate into your shoot. These items will give a cosy feeling and will lend a more natural look to your photos. Plus they make the shoot more comfortable!

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

Navigating the Challenges of Planning a Family Portrait Session

Whether you have 5 or 20 people in your session, it can feel daunting to bring your family together for a portrait session. It can look like a giant mountain you need to scale. Firstly, you have to convince the photophobic members of the family to even show up! Then you need to get everyone’s wardrobe in place, organise a time that fits everyone’s schedule (including working around the baby’s nap time), and finally, think of a location that is suitable. Before you even start, you feel tired already!

Trust me, your situation is more common than you think. As a photographer who has been in front of the camera too, I have personally faced every single challenge listed here. So here are some strategies to help you make this planning process smoother.

1. Convincing your photophobic family member to show up

Remind your family members that they are taking part in a family moment that will eventually be a visual heirloom for years to come. The years will just go by so quickly, and before you know it, the kids will have grown up, and it will be a different season altogether. As a photographer, I have personally invested time and energy to photograph my family every year. It’s my way of seeing how the kids are growing and how our family is ageing as the years go by. It is much better to have these images than to regret never doing it at all. Here’s Michelle and Kishore’s way of documenting their child’s 1st year as a baby, through a 10 month project with us!

2. Scheduling Conflicts

One of the biggest challenges in planning a family portrait session is finding a date and time that work for everyone involved. With busy lives and conflicting schedules, coordinating everyone can be a daunting task. Start by planning well in advance. You can create a shared calendar or use scheduling apps to find a suitable date that accommodates everyone. Be flexible and consider weekends or holidays when family members are more likely to be available. We have had clients organise a family portrait session for 40 people. It was difficult, but they made it happen!

3. Location Dilemmas

Choosing the right location is crucial for setting the tone and style of your family portraits. However, different family members may have varying preferences, making it challenging to decide on the perfect backdrop. You would also have to consider older family members, like grandparents in wheelchairs, etc. A strategy to work this through would be to openly discuss location options as a family and consider everyone’s input. If possible, select a location with sentimental value, such as a favourite park, family home, or vacation spot. Alternatively, you can opt for our professional studio, where we can control the environment.

Grace Tan In Chinese Weddings, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Noel & Celine – Peranakan Wedding Shoot in Melaka

This bridal photo session was organised as a styled shoot by the Association of Wedding Professionals (AWP). It was meaningful for me, because Melaka is my hometown, and I even took my own bridal portraits at the Persatuan Peranakan Cina Melaka 17 years ago. The Peranakan culture is slowly dying, so this is my tribute towards preserving heritage and encouraging couples to go back to their roots for their bridal portraits. It would be even more meaningful if couples could consider taking portraits at their family or ancestral home. Contact us if you’d like to book a portrait session!