family

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

My Family Portraits

Ever since I started shooting portraits professionally about 2 years ago, I never really did take any proper family photos of my own. It’s kind of strange. A lot of photographers tell me that they have thousands of images of other people, but very few of their own. One professional photographer who has been in the business for more than 10 years told me… “I don’t really have images of my children taken with my DSLR. Most were taken with a compact camera. After a shoot, I don’t feel like carrying a huge camera during family events.”

I feel the same way. During events with friends or family, I don’t usually bring my DSLR. I just want to spend time talking to people and connecting with them. On top of that, I don’t even own a compact camera. It’s either the iPhone or Canon 5D Mark 2.

Recently, my aunt and uncle who lives in Melbourne came back to Malaysia. During this trip, my 2 aunts from Malacca came up to KL as well. And so, rather randomly, I suggested we do a photo shoot together. And amazingly, everyone agreed! This shoot felt really significant to me. It’s true. Taking photos as a family brings you together.

My dad is already 77. He has Alzheimer’s which has no cure. There aren’t that many years left where we can be together as a family, having such an opportunity like this.

It’s worth it.

My family, minus my brother Raymond. Just in case you’re wondering who shot our portraits… well, it was a combination of myself, Alex and Shu Wan. :) Oh, and we didn’t try to colour coordinate. It was by coincidence that my mom, dad and I chose to wear red.

My dad and his two sisters.

On the right, my aunt and uncle from Melbourne.

I told my dad to smile, and he did this…

And then I told him to kiss my mom, never expecting it to really happen… He was a little shy. :)

My parent’s amazing maid, Parmi, who is super duper reliable and loves my family as her own.

My sister Lina and myself, and of course, my husband Alex!

One more for the road…

Hehe, kinda cheesy but cute.

Finally, tapao-ing my sister’s shoe bench back into the car.

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.