family

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Parties & Events, Portraits

Korean Birthday Boy & Family Portraits: Vincent & Hanna

Now, isn’t this just the cutest Korean boy? Traditionally, a Korean boy who celebrates his first birthday (doljanchi) will wear the hood but this cutie pie kept insisting on taking it off! One part of the celebration is the toljabee ceremony, where various objects are placed before the child for him or her to pick. This could be food items, books, money, etc. Depending on what the child reached out for, these items would represent his future! For example, if he picked up a book, he would be a good scholar; if it was money, he would be wealthy.

For Hanna’s child, he picked a ball, though I wonder whether that meant he would be a good sportsman in the future! It was my first time witnessing Korean traditions for a child’s 1st birthday. Thank you for giving me the opportunity, Vincent and Hanna!

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Leaving on a Jet Plane: Samuel & Griselda

We have photographed a number of expat families in Malaysia, which is really special, because we feel as if we are part of this transitionary stage of their lives. For expats, the experience of moving to a new country, settling in, finding new friends and then, finally uprooting again is one filled with emotions and nostalgia. Between these seasons, it’s wonderful to remember the place you called home for a few years. It’s quite common for us to have sessions in homes before the big move happens, just like what Samuel and Griselda did.

We are so honoured that they chose us to photograph their family twice in the time they were living in Malaysia. We’re glad that we are part of their special memories.

If you are an expat thinking of how to document your journey visually, have a look at this beautifully written article by a diplomat’s wife, and be inspired.

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Extended Family Portraits: The Hengs

When we first received the enquiry from Ming Li for a family portrait session, we freaked out just a little bit. It wasn’t because she had weird family members or queer requests… it was because the photo shoot was for 27 persons and they wanted it in our humble little studio! After some discussion, the team decided to take up the challenge and even held a mock shoot with as many people from the office as we could gather to ensure we could fit everyone in comfortably for the group shot.

Jamie Ang In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Our Second Raya with the Naza Family

One year ago, we were contacted to photograph Datuk Wira SM Faisal SM Nasimuddin’s Hari Raya family portraits, and I was pleased to hear that we were asked to do it again this year! What an honour for us to be invited back again to their family home. This time, Jamie took these portraits, so it was nice to have a fresh pair of eyes to the same location. Have a look at a few of last year’s photos here! Naturally, not only did we get to wear our wonderful baju raya, we also got to enjoy delicious kuih and rendang Raya. It’s a great idea to do a yearly family portrait, as you can see the growth of the family just within a year. We encourage everyone to make the idea of documenting your family a priority in your life. This is after all, a moment in history, no matter how trivial some of you might think it is. One day, your kids will look back at these images and remember…

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

The dragonboating family: Lee Shih & Su Li

I love how this family incorporated their favourite activity into their portrait session, by bringing dragon boat oars into our studio! It’s a fun way to inject personality into your family portraits. Luckily I managed to find a ‘boat’ for our little one to use during this session. What a fun session we had. Thank you for a wonderful time together, Lee Shih and Su Li!
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