children

Tammy & Katherine’s Maternity Portraits

Two friends, two pregnant mothers-to-be.

I thought it’d be a great idea to do a combined photo shoot with Tammy & Katherine. How often do you get two friends who are pregnant about the same time, going through similar experiences? I’m glad we did this shoot, because one week after the shoot, Katherine gave birth to lovely Aaron! This is Katherine & Ben.

And this is Tammy & Jordan. Photographed their wedding in 2008.

Funky mothers.

Ben & Kat were still undecided on a name one week before their baby was born.

A little conversation going on here…

I think it’s really wonderful to make time for maternity portraits, especially if this is your firstborn. We should celebrate human life and the wonder of birth. Nine months, and so quickly it changes. I think when I get pregnant, I’d like to document my little baby’s life through images. And appreciating every stage of life as it comes.

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

The Hashim Family Portraits

I met the Hashims through Jek. The moment I met them, I instantly liked them. They are such an easy going family with really good looking children! It was a challenge avoiding the crowds of people at the park, but we managed to find some little corners to shoot in. After a number of outdoor family shoots with children below 3, I have collected a few tips for families who intend to have their outdoor portraits taken.

1. It’s a good idea to dress in similar or complementary colours for the photo shoot. Your family unit will look coordinated and united.

2. Bring a spare change of clothes, especially for the children. They might get dirty or wet as they run around, rolling on the grass.

3. Make sure there’s drinks and some snacks prepared, especially if they start to get a little cranky.

4. It’s also a great idea to bring along a favourite toy.

5. If the child refuses to smile for the camera or pose, don’t worry! If you feel stressed or start yelling, it will show in the photos. You can try to speak in a stern tone for a while, but if the child still wants to do his/her own thing, let them do it. It’s a great time for candid shots.

6. If the child starts to cry, take a little break.

7. Playing little games with the child helps. Make them think that the photo shoot is a fun activity! At the end of the day, treat it like a fun family outing instead of a stressful ‘let’s aim to get my child to behave session’ and everyone will have a good time!

Hope these tips are helpful!

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Maternity, Portraits

Family Portraits: Kay Yeow, Rachael, Katelyn, Kristen and Milo!

In 2006, I had the honour of filming Kay Yeow and Rachael’s wedding. It was the very first wedding video I had ever done! Even though the edited video was only about 10 minutes long, they loved it. Rachael was also the wedding coordinator for my wedding and Kay Yeow led the worship and was the emcee at our wedding dinner. What a long way we have all traveled since then! Well, now they are a tight little family of 5! (Rachael recently gave birth, so I caught these photos at the tail end of her pregnancy!). Thank you for your friendship and though we don’t get the chance to hang out very much, Alex and I do think of the both of you. Will come visit soon!

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Isn’t Katelyn cute?

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Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Jek & Alice’s Adorable Twins

Jek has been Alex’s school friend, colleague and then now business partner for many years. And so it gives me much joy to be able to photograph his new-born twins (now a few months old already!) at his parent’s home in KL. And of course, the parents joined in too! The location was just so beautiful, I didn’t think I was in Malaysia at all! These are a few of my favourite shots. Jek is a photographer too, slowly getting sucked into this whole money grabbing hobby! I really had a great time that day, Jek! Your girls (all 3 of them!) are really beautiful. Hope you like the photos.

Lovely flares! In old school photography books, flares are a no-no!

Definitely my favourite shot of the lot!! So cute!

What do you know? My first nude portraits.

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

The Moey Family: Including Furry Friends too

When I heard that ten people would be coming for the portrait session (not to mention 2 dogs), I was a little concerned about how to pose everyone. I remember when I first started out in portrait photography a few years back, I had one of my first few outdoor sessions with a family of 30! I should have known that it was career suicide for me to consider taking 30 people including children out to a park then. Well, I’m glad to say that I’ve improved by leaps and bounds since then. I now understand that taking great people portraits requires great people skills. Every time I meet a family, or a couple, I am excited to be a part of their lives, if only for an hour or two. I remember a photographer friend telling me of a family that she had photographed… the family wasn’t close, but after the photography session, the family bond grew stronger. I’d like to think that after every portrait session I shoot, a family grows closer or a couple is reminded of the love they have for one another.

Thank you Tina for giving me this privilege to photograph your family and your extended family. To Terence, I’m glad to have finally met your family! Everyone was such a good sport… even in suggesting ideas during the shoot! Oh, and I’ll never forget trying to smuggle 2 dogs into Tmn Tun park!

This was how we did it: (pop your head back in, little one!)