photo shoot

Grace Tan In Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Maternity, Musings, Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits, Tips + Ideas

KLCC park as a shoot location: Tips you should know

If you think of Malaysia, you’ll have the iconic KLCC twin towers image popping up. Next to the towers is an urban oasis – the KLCC park that marries an iconic cityscape with a lush, relaxing vibe for your maternity, family or pre-wedding portraits. KLCC park offers a perfect blend of natural greenery and stunning architecture, making it an ideal setting for capturing your family’s most cherished moments. We have photographed many couples and families at this iconic location. If you are planning to do a photo session here, here are some tips for you to consider!

Do I need a permit to do a personal photo shoot at KLCC park?

For most casual family portrait sessions, you can breathe easy because a permit isn’t required. However, if you’re planning a pre-wedding shoot that might involve additional equipment and a more elaborate setup, you’ll need to secure a permit from the park authorities. The permit process generally involves contacting the park management office well in advance to get the necessary paperwork in order. You will need to fill out and sign the Letter of Undertaking (LOU), including the Short Term and Unexpected Work Form. You’ll need to provide details like the date, time, names of crew, your clients and the purpose of the shoot. There is no fee involved for your personal shoot. On the day of the session, you will need to submit a Daily Access Permit Form to the KLCC Park Office before the shoot starts. If the guards start questioning you on the day of the shoot, you can just show them your permit, and you are good to go!

Is it suitable for me to bring large groups to the park?

When it comes to family portraits, smaller groups work best. Ideally, keep it to less than six people. A smaller group not only helps in managing the session smoothly but also ensures that everyone gets enough time and attention in front of the lens. With fewer members, it’s easier to coordinate outfits, poses, and candid moments that capture the essence of your family’s unique bond.

When is the best time for a photo shoot at KLCC park?

Timing is everything at KLCC Park. Early mornings are highly recommended for your session. During these hours, the sun casts a warm glow over the park and its surroundings, which not only brightens up your photos but also adds a magical quality to the iconic KLCC skyline. Alternatively, late evenings as the sun is setting, can be just as captivating, with the building lights illuminating the backdrop and creating a dramatic, sophisticated look. Just be mindful that these prime times can sometimes coincide with busy periods, especially on weekends.

When it comes to shooting outdoors in Malaysia, keep in mind that Kuala Lumpur’s weather can be unpredictable. You can monitor the weather forecast, but there is no guarantee that you’ll have beautiful sunny days all year round. Cloud cover can sometimes create a softer light, which might be perfect for a different mood, but for that bright, vibrant look, clear skies are key.

Do you have any tips about where to park?

KLCC Park is a popular destination, which means both vehicle and pedestrian traffic can be on the heavier side, whether on weekdays or weekends. If you plan to drive, you can aim to park at the outdoor carpark near the KL Convention Centre — it’s one of the more convenient spots for families. Alternatively, you might want to take the LRT instead, if you prefer not to drive or are a tourist thinking of doing a photo session there. This can save you the hassle of searching for parking and allow you to focus on your session.

What must I bring for a smooth photo session at the park?

When packing for your day at KLCC Park, comfort and convenience should be your top priorities. Start with comfortable shoes; you’ll likely be walking and standing for extended periods as you explore the park’s picturesque corners. A good pair of walking shoes will help you move around with ease, whether you’re chasing after little ones or setting up a perfect shot.

Don’t forget the practical items – mosquito repellent is a must, especially if you’re shooting in the early morning or late evening when bugs can be more active. Bring a bottle of water to keep everyone hydrated, and consider packing some light snacks to keep the energy up, particularly if you’re planning an extended session.

Is it convenient if I want to change outfits?

If you’re thinking about changing outfits during your session, our advice is: keep it simple. The park is connected to the mall and the convention centre, so if you need a quick change, you will have to walk into these facilities. It’s best to pack as little as possible to keep the process smooth and hassle-free. A small bag with your essentials is all you need.

Is the park wheelchair friendly?

Another plus of KLCC Park is its accessibility. The park is designed to be wheelchair friendly and is generally easy to navigate even if you use a cane. Wide pathways and well-maintained walkways make it a comfortable destination for all family members.

KLCC Park offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty, iconic architecture, and family-friendly amenities, making it a top pick for your next portrait session. With a bit of planning, you’re all set for a day of capturing memories that you and your family will treasure forever. Contact us if you are interested in doing a photo session at KLCC Park! We would love to create memories for you here.

Bin Bin Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

What To Wear For Your Family Photoshoot – A Step by Step Guide

“What Should My Family Wear?” We’re asked this so frequently that we’ve written several articles about it (Click on the thumbnails to read more!):

However, if you’re still having trouble after reading the articles above, here is a simple step-by-step guideline that will hopefully help you get your family photo ready.

Step 1: Decide if you’re going formal or casual

To ensure that everyone in the family is on the same page, decide the level of formality of your photoshoot. Are you planning a casual shoot or would you like everyone to be more dressed up? Dressing up doesn’t have to mean wearing something extremely formal; it can just mean going a little further than normal, like wearing a nice dress for the ladies or a fitted shirt instead of a t-shirt for men.

When deciding the style, do consider the location of your shoot as well. For example, a grand hotel lobby could be an ideal backdrop for a formal photoshoot, but if you’re doing your shoot at home or in a park, a more relaxed style might be preferable.

If you’re planning to shoot in our studio, we will be able to set up according to either style.

Step 2: Decide your base colour

In your next step, choose two to three colours for everyone to select from and request the family to stick to the same range of colours. To achieve this, decide on the primary colour you want for your photo session. This may be based on the outfit you wish to wear or just the colour that the majority of your family members may likely already have.

Step 3: Coordinate colours

After selecting the main colour, use the colour wheel to select complementary colours. Complementary colours are hues that are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as yellow and purple. You can also select colours next to each other such as blue and purple as adjacent colours on the wheel also blend well together.

Should the above prove too challenging to coordinate, you can opt for colour shading, which involves selecting lighter or darker shades of your chosen colour. Therefore, if your primary colour is blue, your family members can then choose a variety of blue outfits that may range from navy to pastel.

If all else fails, neutrals such as blue, cream, khaki, or white are popular choices and you can’t go wrong with these.

Step 4: Ensure there is variety

Having a variety of outfits such as blouses, shirts, jeans, skirts and long dresses will create more dimension to your photos. Encourage your family members to wear clothing that expresses their individuality and sense of style. Use different textiles, such knits or lace, to provide texture. You can also incorporate texture by layering – such as throwing on a shirt over a plain tee, a cardigan over a dress or a shawl over your blouse.

If you’re not sure about your selections, feel free to bring an extra outfit to switch up on the day of the shoot.

Some final tips!

Avoid clothing with large graphics, brand logos or too many patterns.
Ensure your clothes fit properly. Do try on your outfit before the shoot to check that it fits well and that you can not only move around comfortably but sit comfortably as well.
Steer clear of clingy fabrics that may highlight unflattering areas.
Make sure to iron out the wrinkles in your outfit prior to the shoot.
Don’t forget to think about your footwear.
Comfort is a must!

If you need more help in this area, feel free to drop us a message and we can discuss more!

Grace Tan In Maternity, Portraits

Prop ideas for your maternity photo shoot

A great way of celebrating that baby bump growing inside of you is through a maternity photo session. The best time to do this is between your 30-36 week of pregnancy. You should be nice and shapely then! If you are planning for a maternity session, you should also give some thought to the props that you could bring along to make the photo shoot more fun. Props can add depth, meaning, and a touch of personality to your photos, making each session unique. Here are some creative prop ideas that can elevate your maternity photo shoots.

1. Ultrasound Photos

The ultrasound is your baby’s very first photo! This tiny glimpse into the life growing inside of you adds a personal and emotional touch to the images. It’s a great prop to also reuse in your newborn baby portrait session. It never gets old!

2. Baby Clothes

Including a favorite baby outfit or onesie in the photo shoot can add a cute and personal element. This prop is not only adorable but also creates a sense of anticipation of the future.

3. Baby Shoes

Tiny baby shoes are an adorable addition to any maternity photo shoot. You can place the shoes on the your belly, in your hands, or next to other props. It’s even more fun when you have matching shoes too!

4. Personalized Signs

Personalized signs with the baby’s name, a due date, or a meaningful quote can make a maternity photo shoot feel even more special. These signs can be simple chalkboards, wooden plaques, or even banners. Have an older sibling hold the signboard, and that can be really meaningful as well.

5. Floral Crowns and Bouquets

Flowers can add a soft touch to your session, creating a serene environment. You can opt for fresh flowers that match the season, or choose faux flowers that align with the colour scheme of the session. If you are planning on a photo shoot in a bath tub, you can also add petals into the water.

6. Books

Books are a wonderful prop that can represent the story you will share with your child. There are many personalised books options nowadays, and you can include your baby’s name in the book as well.

7. Sentimental items

You could bring along items that hold a special meaning for you. For example, this could be a piece of jewelery, your wedding bands, a family heirloom, or even your own childhood toy.

We hope this article gives you some ideas on how you can personalise your maternity photo session with props. It brings us great joy to celebrate the anticipation of a newborn. View our maternity portfolio here or contact us to schedule your maternity session!

Sarah Lim In Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Maternity, Musings, Portraits, Tips + Ideas

How to Style Your Family for a Photo Shoot

Family gatherings are a perfect opportunity for a photoshoot, whether its a birthday party or festive gathering. However, getting a great family photo sometimes requires a little more than just smiling at the camera. There’s some prep work involved and it’s called “styling”. You don’t have to be a professional fashion consultant to do this. In fact, it’s quite easy! Here are four ways to start having better looking photos with just a little bit of styling done right.

1. Consider your location and backdrop

If your photoshoot coincides with an event such as a birthday party or a dinner, think about how the location will look like: What colour will the wall or backdrop be where your group will be standing? Here’s a good rule of thumb you can follow:

Plain background – You can wear either plain or bright colours, and outfits with more patterns. However not everyone should be wearing prints or else the patterns might clash, making overall photo look too messy.
Busy background – It’s best to wear outfits with plain colours (no patterns) that complement the background. Eg. A green leafy background can go with full white outfits or white and khaki colours.

Grace Tan In Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits

A Parisian Pre-Wedding: Jun Ven & Adelene

It’s been more than 10 years since I got to know Jun Ven while studying in college. We had a group of mutual friends, and through the years, got to know each other better over mamak sessions, church, holidays like to Mulu caves and lots of other gatherings. He’s one steady, collected and easy going guy. Adelene, on the other hand, came into the picture a few years ago when she waltzed into Jun Ven’s working life as an intern in Maxis. I remember him telling me a long time ago that one of the things that attracted him to her was her chatty-ness! Yup, she’s sociable, is a kick-ass badminton player, and a driven person, especially when it comes to her career. She now helms the operations behind this amazing business venture called MyTeksi… if you are a regular taxi user, you should definitely find out more about it!

Since their wedding is this weekend, I thought I’d post a few images from their pre-wedding shoot as a prelude to the big day! And you guessed it right, their wedding is Parisian themed!

Congratulations, Jun Ven and Adelene! So happy for the both of you! Looking forward to the wedding this weekend… hope you managed to get some rest and are not too stressed with last minute preparation details!