children

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Studio vs outdoor photos: Which is better?

“Should we do a studio shoot or go outdoors for my family photoshoot?”

Now, that’s probably one of the most common questions photographers get before a family shoot. And honestly? That isn’t exactly the easiest question to answer, as there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

If you were to ask Stories, we’d probably not start by talking about parks or studios. Instead, we’d probably ask you these questions:

Can you please tell me about your family?
How many people are there?
How old are the children?
Will Grandma be joining?
What kind of experience are you hoping for?
Most importantly, what do you want these photos to feel like?

And there’s a reason for these questions.

What photographers actually think about when you mention ‘location’

Some clients often think that location is the biggest deal breaker for family photoshoots. However, photographers don’t.

When a photographer hears “studio” or “park”, they’re already imagining something different. They’re probably thinking about the lighting, the movement, the mood, and the family dynamics.

And that’s how we at Stories think. Because deciding between a studio and the outdoors isn’t really about choosing a prettier background — it’s about choosing an environment that helps your family relax, connect, and create the kind of memories you actually want to remember years from now.

For example, photographing a family of four with energetic toddlers is very different from photographing 20 extended family members, including a 90-year-old grandmother in a wheelchair. A beautiful park might sound lovely, but if getting everyone there becomes exhausting, those tired faces will show up in the photos, too.

Again, the location isn’t the star of the photo. The family is. The location simply helps bring the story to life. But there is no harm in looking a little deeper to figure out which setup is the best for your family photoshoot.

A family photoshoot in a studio

A session in the studio = Reassurance and comfort.

The temperature is cool. Nobody is sweating before, during, or after the session. You don’t have to wonder if it’s going to rain. There aren’t any mosquitoes or random strangers walking past you in the background. The best part? There’s a nice, clean toilet at your disposal (every Malaysian knows the pain of finding clean, dry toilets at our local parks).

It’s safe to say that everything feels manageable.

For photographers, a studio offers something valuable: control. We have a beautiful natural light studio, but on gloomy days, studio lighting can be added.

However, there might be a concern that studios are “boring”. And we’re here to tell you that isn’t the case.

In fact, creativity can sometimes be more challenging when you keep doing sessions in the same space, but that can push photographers (especially us) to see a familiar space in new ways.

That’s not all; studios can make life easier for your family. Young children have a contained, safe space to run around. Elderly parents don’t have to walk long distances. Families with members who need quiet breaks, such as autistic children, have a space to pause before jumping back into the session.

The outdoors: When the setting tells part of the story

For outdoor shoots, there’s a different type of magic — the environment becomes part of your story.

Instead of simply serving as a backdrop, the location adds context to your photos. It could be your favourite park or even your family home. These places often hold memories long before the photoshoot begins, making the photos feel even more personal.

Outdoor shoots also naturally encourage movement. There’s more room for children to run, parents to walk hand in hand, or families to simply interact without feeling confined to one spot.

However, of course, outdoor shoots also come with less control. Lighting changes through the session, the weather can be unpredictable, and in Malaysia, heat and humidity are all part of the experience. But that’s not all; we’d recommend shooting early in the mornings — as early as 7 a.m., when the light is softer and the weather is cooler.

Outdoor photography works beautifully for families who enjoy being active, prefer candid moments over posed portraits, or simply want their photos to capture a particular place that’s meaningful to them.

So…which setting is better for your family photoshoot?

It’s like asking whether coffee is better hot or iced.

Neither is better. They’re simply made for different moments.

A studio offers comfort, consistency, and complete creative control. It’s ideal for families who value convenience, have younger babies or children, elderly relatives, or anyone who wants a relaxed, stress-free experience.

An outdoor shoot offers movement, personality, and storytelling. It’s perfect for families who love candid interactions and don’t mind embracing a little unpredictability along the way.

Here’s a simpler way to think about it:

At the end of the day, the “better” location is the one that helps your family feel like themselves because years from now, you probably won’t remember whether the photos were taken in a studio or at a park — you’ll remember how everyone laughed.

And that’s what a great family photography session is all about.

Are you ready to plan your family photoshoot? Get in touch with us! We’d love to help you find the perfect setting for your story.

Shan Szetho In At Home, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Tips for Managing Family Photo Sessions

With Christmas and Chinese New Year around the corner, family photo shoots are a wonderful way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. But they can also bring on challenges, especially when working with kids, elderly family members, and coordinating relatives. Here are some useful tips to overcome the potential hurdles and ensure a smooth, enjoyable family photo shoot session.

Preparing for the Shoot

It is important to discuss expectations and logistics with the family well in advance. This is so that everyone is aware of the final outcome and there are no surprises on the day of the shoot. Encourage them to plan outfits, consider location preferences, and think about any specific groupings or shots they’d like to capture. Make sure you communicate your preferences to the photographer before the photo session – a practice we highly encourage at Stories!

Bring Essentials

Remind family members to bring snacks, water, and anything that can make the shoot more comfortable for kids and seniors. Small toys or comfort items can help children, while a folding chair may be beneficial for older family members, especially if they have to stand long. You might also consider bringing small hand fans or umbrellas if you are shooting outdoors, as this can help to ensure everyone is more comfortable despite hot weather to keep grumpiness at bay.

Engaging Kids

Young children are often the biggest challenge in family photo shoots. They might be impatient, fussy, or simply not interested in following directions. However, with a little creativity and flexibility, you can capture beautiful photos without forcing kids into unnatural poses or expressions. Parents should encourage their kids and work together with the photographer to get the best outcomes. Remember that the photographer’s job is to take the photo, and not to entertain the kids. Specific tips for kids include:

Make it Fun: Bring small toys, bubbles, or other playful items to capture their interest. These items can be both a distraction and a prop for spontaneous shots.
Be Flexible with Posing: Avoid expecting young kids to stay still or smile on command. Instead, allow them to interact naturally with their surroundings and family members.
Breaks and Snacks: Children, especially toddlers, might need breaks and snacks. Schedule breaks during the shoot to avoid meltdowns and pack their favorite yummy snacks.
Involve the Parents: Sometimes, kids respond better when parents are actively involved. Have parents play, laugh, tickle, throw them up in the air or sing songs with them to capture more candid shots.
Make the Photo Session A Game: Turn everything into a game, like pretending to see who can freeze and smile the biggest or who can laugh the longest.

Handling Older Adults

Older family members might have limited mobility or health considerations. It’s essential to keep them comfortable while ensuring they’re a part of the memorable moments. Some specific tips when including older senior family members can be:

Choose Accessible Locations: Select a location that’s easy to navigate, with minimal walking and few obstacles. If stairs or uneven ground are unavoidable, bring walking aids and portable seating options.
Keep Sessions Short: Avoid lengthy sessions that could tire them out. If the family shoot is extensive, prioritise shots involving seniors early on, allowing them to rest afterward. Building some breaks in can also be helpful for them.
Incorporate Chairs or Props: Use chairs, benches, or even walkers for comfortable and relaxed poses. This also helps elderly family members feel included without having to stand for prolonged periods.

Managing Tricky Family Dynamics

Family dynamics can sometimes be complex, and these dynamics can manifest in subtle ways during a photoshoot. It’s crucial to remain sensitive, respectful, and diplomatic, especially if there are any known conflicts or strained relationships within the group. If you know in advance that certain family members may not want to be in close contact, plan the shots accordingly. Ensure everyone feels comfortable without making it apparent to others.

Encourage Group Bonding

Use poses and prompts that encourage family members to interact naturally. Sometimes, playful prompts, like a group hug or telling each other funny stories or even family jokes, can help ease tensions.

Family photoshoots can come with unexpected challenges, but with preparation and patience, you can turn each one into a memorable experience. At Stories, we pride ourselves on capturing family moments, from small families of 3 to even large family portraits of 40 family members! Remember, each generation and family brings something unique to the table. What a better way to capture it all than in an unforgettable photo that can be passed down from generation to generation. For more information on our family shoots, reach out to us.

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. Classic or plain 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. If you have a special theme or idea in mind, please let us know!

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!

Bin Bin Tan In Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Life, Maternity, Musings, Portraits, Relationships, Tips + Ideas

5 Ways to Treasure Your Pregnancy Journey

Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life – full of anticipation, excitement, and joy. However, there is often so much to prepare for that we sometimes get lost, focusing on the to-dos, instead of savouring all the special little moments.

Here are some tips for treasuring your pregnancy, and making the journey just that little bit more special:

1. Take the time to prepare your home

Babies may be small, but they can take up a significant amount of space. From diapers to bottles to clothes, the list of things to buy may seem endless! But shopping for your baby shouldn’t have to be stressful.

Whether it’s a nursery, or carving out a corner in your current room, take the time to think about what works for you and your home. Make a list and run it through with experienced mums. Knowing exactly what items you’ll get also prepares you to designate storage space for the things you need and want, so you don’t end up with more than you can handle.

In the end, having that cozy nook prepared in advance for your little one’s arrival will help build anticipation. Plus, a photogenic corner will help you capture the special moments of your journey.

2. Keep a journal – or even better, a pregnancy scrapbook

Keeping a pregnancy journal is a wonderful way to capture your thoughts and experiences throughout the nine months. You can record your feelings, your hopes and wishes for your baby, your cravings, your daily routines, and more.

For something a bit more special, consider scrapbooking instead. You can include ultrasound photos, baby shower invitations, congratulatory cards, and other mementos. Years later, you’ll be able to look back on these items and remember this special time in your life.

Bin Bin Tan In Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Life, Musings, Portraits, Tips + Ideas

Reflections on 1 Year of Motherhood

I recall writing about my journey toward parenting in one of my earliest Stories blog posts, just over a year ago. I can still remember how I was feeling back then—everything from anxiety to eagerness, but most of all, so much uncertainty. Becoming a mother is like applying for a job for which you have no experience and expecting to perform on day one.

Fast forward one year later, and I’ve survived! There’s no denying it: motherhood is HARD, and no book you read can adequately prepare you for it. But amidst the challenges and the exhaustion, you will also experience joy, unwavering love, and the realisation that you are more capable than you realised.

Here are some personal reflections on my journey since then, as well as some things I wish I could have told myself a year ago.

1. You Will Be So, So Tired (But You’ll Get Through It!)

Everyone warns you about the sleep deprivation, and while every mother knows it’s inevitable, it’s one thing to know about it and another to experience it. In the first few months, I wondered if I would ever sleep again. There would be days when I was in a literal daze of moving in between periods of being not really awake and not really asleep. A friend told me this: “It gets better.” And it will, whether it’s your body adjusting to the lack of sleep or your baby establishing a sleep schedule. Even if it initially seems nearly impossible, a day will come when you will sleep through the night once more.

2. Everyone’s Just Winging It

It may seem like you’re the only one who’s lost in figuring out how to be a mom, but trust me, everyone else is just figuring it out as they go along as well. No one is born knowing how to parent. And while there may be guidance books and “how-to” articles, no child is the same, and you are a unique individual with your own needs and ideals. The path you will walk on this journey is something you will carve out on your own. You can learn from others, but, like with lots of things in life, you can’t fully plan for it; you just have to figure it out for yourself—as you go.