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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Unique Places to Throw Your Kid’s Birthday Party

As a mother of two, I love planning themed birthday parties for my kids and finding unique ideas to execute to make their birthdays extra special. In fact, when my daughter was 4 years old, we came up with a list of fun party themes we could do in the coming years. But I find that as the years go by, we start to slowly run out of ideas. So, I thought what better way than to compile a list of unique places to hold a party for parents who are struggling to think of fun things to do around KL and PJ. From a whimsical kids spa to rolling fun and exciting outdoor adventures, these unique kids’ party ideas will turn the special day into an unforgettable experience.

Jac & Ivy

Get a pampering kids nail spa experience at Jac and Ivy. Kids get wrapped in luscious mini-sized ropes (yes, they have one for both girls and boys) and sip drinks while getting kid-friendly face masks and water-based manicures and pedicures. The spa uses Puttisu products from Korea, which have 100% kid-friendly and non-toxic ingredients which are suitable for children ages 3 and up. Kids get their own little corner for their pamper session on mini chairs, while parents can also relax and indulge in a nail session of their own. Jac and Ivy also create a special birthday tea party with mini treats, decorations, and they can even get a photography session on the spot with Stories.

For more information visit: https://www.jacandivy.com/kidz-spa

Rollerwa

Get the party rollin’ with roller skates! Roller skating is making a big comeback and what better way to do it with a cool laser-light ambience filled with the latest k-pop songs? At Rollerwa, there are plenty of Instagram-worthy places to take photos and places to rest if your feet get tired. If you are new to skating, fear not! They offer walkers on wheels for beginner skaters on weekdays, and there are places at the side with less slippery mats and hand-holding bars for you to practice your skating skills. If your kid is an avid skater, they are allowed to even bring their own quad roller skates (no rollerblades). They provide both skates and safety gear so you just need to show up. For birthday events, Rollerwa has a private party room set aside, which allows you to bring your own food and drinks for the special occasion.

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/rollerwaMalaysia

Photo credit: Discover KL

MAD about Education

If your kids love the outdoors, this is the party for them. Explore outdoor nature adventures through activities that are not only fun, but educational as well. MAD about Education uses nature environments such as forests, lakes, parks and even beaches to curate a special, exciting birthday party for your kids following their interests. Kids get to explore mangroves, dig for sea creatures, and go on a wonderful picnic.

For more information visit: https://madabouteducation.com/birthday-party /


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Kyle’s Birthday Party at Carey Island’s Mangrove Swamp

This is by far the messiest outdoor kids party we’ve ever photographed… but probably the most fun too! We’re talking mud, paint, and a totally cool slippery soap slide! Alex and Grace decided to throw their son a 6th year old birthday he’ll remember for life. Kyle’s older sister, Krysta helped with the set up as the guests began to arrive for the picnic. After everyone had full bellies and nice clean photos… it was time for a gruelling hike through the mangrove forest.

Because this took place during monsoon season, kids had the experience of hiking through knee-high mud. It was a challenge, but they all made it through. After a refreshing dip in the pond, paint buckets, water guns, and soap suds were brought out. You could see how much the adults had missed this sorta thing too.

And did Kyle have a good time? He most certainly did!

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Razin Turns One: Family Portraits with Afiq & Sabrina

Whenever we plan family photos sessions with parents of young children, we like to ask them to describe their child / children. Even at the age of one and younger, a child’s personality traits start to show here and there. It’s always so nice to hear parents marvel at their children even before their kids say their first words! Every little behaviour or quirk is to be appreciated.

Afiq and Sabrina described their son as a very observant baby who takes time to assess new people and his new surroundings. He LOVES animals… especially elephants, balls, shiny gold things, and playing peek-a-boo! So of course, we had to give Razin a birthday setup that would bring out his best smile and twinkly curious eyes. His parents brought along some of their own props and it all came together so nicely!

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Louella Turns One!

A baby’s first birthday is so significant. In one year, a baby can learn how to roll over, sit up, crawl, communicate with sounds and simple words, eat soft foods, use their hands and fingers to hold, wave, and even clap. What’s not to celebrate! Don’t forget, it’s also a celebration for new parents – for making through their first year of parenthood!

Ian and Melanie made a family event out of Louella’s first birthday and brought their extended family to our studio for photos. They are such a photogenic family and we loved seeing how much this little lady was loved on that day! More photos below.

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