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Grace Tan
In Life, Musings, Relationships

Life’s Precious Moments

There were a lot of changes in my life over the past one month. On the 1st of May, while en-route on a company trip to Club Med, I got the news that my mom was struggling with her last breath at home. It was over WhatsApp that I said my goodbye to her. She was 81. Her death did not come as a surprise, because the month before that, my sister and I were going in and out of hospital, trying to rescue her infected toe that was turning into gangrene. Towards the last few weeks of her life, she had a lung and bladder infection, and the doctor basically just told us to be prepared.


My mum, looking very hip then! And the photo below was taken with my dad years ago when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Read a bit more about his journey here.

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Grace Tan
In Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Musings, Portraits, Running a Business, Studio

Janet’s Story: Beyond Epilepsy


I first heard about Janet through her mother, Joyce, at a BNI meeting I was attending. Joyce showed one of Janet’s paintings, which was translated into a beautiful top of the same design. As I got to know Joyce, I also got to know Janet. Janet went through many challenges as she was growing up… she had uncontrollable seizures due to epilepsy and was diagnosed as intellectually and developmentally delayed.

Despite her challenges, she displayed determination to succeed in life. In 2011, she started her own business selling artwork, home baked cookies and fashion wear using her paintings as her main design. After years of hard work, Janet also graduated with a Diploma in Small Business Management in 2017.

She dreams of being financially independent by growing this business and to be recognized and accepted as one of us.

Janet’s achievement in life has really inspired me! It goes to show that all things are possible if you truly put your heart to it. (backed by an amazingly supportive and entrepreneurial mother!).

If you would like to support Janet in what she does, please visit her website to view the products she has for sale. All the best to you in your journey, Janet!

Credits:

Photographer: Grace
Hair & Make Up: Pearl Tan
Location: Stories studio

Grace Tan
In Portraits,

Golf themed pre-wedding: Jonathan & Lyn Yen

Jonathan is a professional golfer, and it was over drinks that the both of them met. While Lyn Yen thought that he was a nice guy and easy to talk to, she didn’t have a clue about anything golf-related! But this encounter that brought them together became the start of many more encounters in the future.

Eventually, she learnt that he is a romantic at heart (a huge teddy bear), loves lame jokes, enjoys surprises though a terrible planner with the best intentions. He learnt that she complemented him in areas where he lacked (planning skills especially). It was a match that fit like a glove.

We had a great time during our simple pre-wedding shoot at TPC KL, a golf course that Jonathan frequents often. That day of the shoot, it was storming, and the rain just made all our shoes wet (even in the lobby). I love how this couple is so easy going – though I was worried about the unrelenting storm (like, it was dark skies everywhere with no sign of stopping), but Jon & Lyn had faith that the rain would stop, and after a while, it did! We managed to head out to the course for some photos afterward.

They were also so casual about how Jon’s face was two toned that day… he had just played at a tournament recently and half his face was tanned while the other half wasn’t! It was quite funny but it told for a great story and we didn’t edit out his half tanned face…

I am excited about their wedding this weekend! See you really soon!

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Grace Tan
In Beautiful Everyday, Casual Portraits, Musings, Portraits, Studio, Tips + Ideas

How to Prepare for Better Profile Headshots


Very often taking some professional headshots sits low on one’s to-do list. Little do people realize that a good headshot is a powerful way to market oneself. Whether you’re a model, business owner, lawyer or a fresh graduate, a professionally taken profile picture will make you look even better on your website, LinkedIn, social media pages and brochures.

Besides choosing the right photographer who suits your style and who knows how to bring out the best in you, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the best images. Remember, first impressions count! So, spend a little time preparing for a stress-free session. You won’t regret it.


1. Hair and Makeup

Whether you’re male or female, a little grooming will not hurt. For makeup, start natural and only apply eyeshadow and lipstick just before the shoot. Try applying lip balm to keep lips soft. You may bring along some makeup for touch ups, plus a hairbrush and hair products to tame any unruly hair before the shoot. For men, shave right before you leave for the shoot so you’ll have that clean-cut look.

If you can afford it, hire a makeup artist so that your makeup and hair will be professionally coifed for that perfect headshot! Continue Reading

Grace Tan
In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

A surprise for a 90 year old grandma: Kirthi’s family

Kirthi wrote to us saying that she was planning to come back to Malaysia from Australia to surprise her grandmother for her 90th birthday. As a family of 4, she said that they never had a family portrait, though they had wanted to do one for years. So this year, she decided that she would make it happen as a wonderful birthday present for her grandmother. When Kirthi shared her desire, it made our hearts swell with love and excitement. We absolutely treasure family photos and we’re so glad that Kirthi does too! These are precious family photos that will remind the next generation of this lovely grandmother and her beautiful smile.

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