Photography

Shan Szetho In At Home, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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:

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.
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.
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.

Jasmine Tai In Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits

Unique Pre-wedding Photoshoot Locations

As the word “unique” implies, unique pre-wedding photoshoot locations may be very different for each couple. For some, it’s the first place they met. For others, it’s the place where they fell in love. For some, it may be a common area. For others, it may carry a significant meaning that the couple will treasure forever. Here are some unique pre-wedding photoshoot locations that you may or may not have thought of:

The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort

This resort is nestled amidst a lush tropical rainforest and inspired by an 18th century “Haut Koenigsbourg” castle in Alsace, France. This location is great for those European vibes couples would like to capture in their photos, without having to leave the country! Additionally, The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort is located on unspoiled land and 3,000 feet above sea level, therefore it is very cool and you will be comfortable in your wedding gown or suit. We did a pre-wedding photoshoot for a newly engaged couple at this location recently and we are absolutely loving the vibes that the photos carry.

National Mosque

For Muslim couples, a mosque can hold deep cultural and religious significance. The mosque provides a beautiful backdrop for unforgettable wedding ceremonies. Taking photos at a mosque may reflect their commitment to their faith and the importance of spirituality in their relationship. Its unique modern design displays a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic ornamentation and art calligraphy.

River of Life

Some couples also like to choose a location where they first met, or a place where a momentous event happened, like a marriage proposal. While most people go to Japan for their pre-wedding photoshoot, this Japanese couple, Atsushi & Kumiko decided to have their photoshoot in the heart of Kuala Lumpur instead! The square’s vibrant urban setting offers a different kind of aesthetic compared to natural or private locations. It can highlight the couple’s love for the city and its dynamic energy.

Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

A hotspring retreat offers a secluded and private environment, which allows couples to capture intimate and personal moments without the usual distractions of more crowded or public locations. More genuine and emotive photographs can be captured when the couple is calm and relaxed. Set against limestone hills, this location can be a reflection of a couple’s love for nature and the adventure they are about to embark on.

Genting Skyworlds Theme Park

Theme parks provide a distinctive backdrop compared to more traditional photo locations. The colorful and dynamic environment can make for memorable and visually striking photos, especially when the couple has fond memories of visiting them together. Couples can opt for a wedding gown and suit which can be an interesting contrast in a theme park. Or they can wear a more casual outfit that brings out the fun they are having in the theme park, as well as the life they are about to share with each other.

Construction Sites

Some couples might have personal or professional connections to construction or architecture. If one or both partners work in the field or have a particular interest in it, it can be a meaningful choice for their photos. The raw and unfinished look of a construction site may symbolize growth and new beginnings, just like their journey together. It adds a modern vibe to their photos, showcasing their uniqueness as an individual and their strength as a married couple.

Peranakan Association of Melaka

Associations like these often have beautiful, historic, or artistic backdrops that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to pre-wedding photos. The intricate details and classic ambiance create a timeless atmosphere especially when the couple is of that particular heritage. We took these photos of Noel and Celine in their Baba & Nyonya wedding outfits, after being dressed by Cedric, a sixth generation Malaccan Baba.

Random Back Lanes

Choosing a random back lane allows for creative freedom and non-traditional photo compositions. The contrast between the raw, unpolished surroundings and the couple’s attire can make for visually compelling and memorable images. The less polished environment can symbolize the journey of a marriage —embracing the beauty in the imperfections.

We hope these locations inspire you to get out of your usual impression that pre-wedding photo shoots can only be done at nicely polished and fancy locations such as the Twin Towers. These ideas can also be an inspiration for your next photo shoot, whether it is for you and your spouse, or even your extended family. The possibilities are endless!

If you’d like us to capture your pre-wedding session through photos or videos, please drop us a message. Or if you need more convincing on “Why You Should Have a Pre-wedding Photoshoot”, you can read more here.

Jasmine Tai In Outdoor Weddings, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits, Wedding Films & Videos

Joshua and Mabel’s Pre-Wedding at Bamboo Hills

Every glance, every smile tells our love story in poetry. We’re so excited for Joshua and Mabel, the beautiful couple who won the “Poetry of Love” pre-wedding photography contest! As a couple, Joshua and Mabel radiate joy and love, and their excitement to get married was beautifully captured on photos and in video. This contest organized by AWP Malaysia and our photography and videography team from Stories made it happen, in collaboration with the following vendors:

Venue: Astana at Bamboo Hills

Decor & flowers: Love & Love Weddings and Events

360 Photobooth: Tagbooth Photobooth

Groom’s Suit: Vestio Bespoke

Wedding Gown: Armadale Weddings

Hairstyling & Makeup: Michelle Touche

Bridal Shoes: Momentshoes

Wedding Cake: Ariana Raisya Sugar Art

Wedding Stationery: Acadia Card

Media sponsor: Bridepay

We would once again like to thank each and everyone of our amazing partners who made this contest possible!

Have a look at their pre-wedding video here:

Shan Szetho In Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

10 Tips to Prepare Your Kids for a Photo Shoot

Preparing your kids mentally beforehand for a photo shoot may be challenging, but it is an important step. Ensuring they are comfortable, relaxed, and happy can make a significant difference in the outcome of the photos. Here are some tips to help you prepare your kids mentally prior to your photo session.

Communicate Clearly and Excitedly

Talk to your children about the photo shoot in a positive and exciting manner. Explain what will happen, why it’s happening, and how fun it will be. Use simple, age-appropriate language and focus on the enjoyable aspects, like dressing up or playing with props. By framing the photoshoot as a fun adventure, you can build their excitement and reduce any anxiety they might feel.

Involve Them in the Planning

Give your kids a sense of control by involving them in the planning process. Allow them to choose their outfits, suggest poses, or pick their favourite toys to bring along. This involvement can make them feel more invested and eager to participate. When children feel they have a say, they are more likely to be cooperative and excited for the shoot.

Practice at Home

Practice makes perfect. Conduct a few mini-photo shoots at home to help your kids get used to being in front of the camera. Let them pose, make silly faces, and see the pictures afterward. This practice can help them to get familiar with the process and make the actual photoshoot feel more familiar and less intimidating.

Keep it Relaxed and Fun

On the day of the photoshoot, maintain a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Avoid putting too much pressure on your kids to perform or behave in a certain way. Encourage them to be themselves and enjoy the experience. Sometimes the best photos are captured when children are genuinely happy, rather than forced into unnatural poses. Incorporate games and activities into the photoshoot to keep your kids engaged, with simple games like Simon Says or peek-a-boo. This strategy can help capture natural smiles and laughter.

Bring Comfort Items

Bring along some of your children’s favourite comfort items, like a beloved stuffed animal or blanket. These items can provide a sense of security and familiarity, helping them feel more at ease. Plus, these cherished items can make for some heartwarming, candid shots.

Plan Around Their Schedule

Schedule the photoshoot at a time when your kids are usually in a good mood. Avoid times when they are likely to be tired, hungry, or cranky, such as right before nap time or meals. Well-rested and well-fed children are more likely to be cooperative and happy during the shoot.

Prepare for Breaks

Be prepared to take breaks during the photo shoot. Kids have limited attention spans, and expecting them to stay focused for an extended period of time can be unrealistic. Allowing short breaks for snacks, drinks, or simply to run around can help them recharge and return to the shoot with renewed energy. That being said, don’t forget to pack their favourite snacks!

Don’t Resort to Devices

It is easy to resort to taking out your phone or tablet as a bribe when your kids start to misbehave or start to cry during the photoshoot. Although this may help stop them from misbehaving, it is only a quick fix and not a long-term solution. In fact, once the devices are given to the kids they would most likely kick up a bigger fuss if it has to be taken away later. Remember, it is impossible for a photographer to capture a good smiling photo of your child if he or she is looking down at a device, and it is not a solution that can easily be fixed later in Photoshop.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Instead of a device, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour and cooperation. Praise your kids frequently, offer small rewards, or promise a fun activity after the photoshoot. Positive reinforcement can motivate children to participate enthusiastically and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Choose a Child-Friendly Photographer

When choosing a photographer for your family shoot, do some research and select a photographer who has experience working with children. Check out the photographer’s family portrait portfolio and their online reviews beforehand. A skilled, child-friendly photographer will know how to engage with your kids, make them feel comfortable, and capture their personalities. They will also be patient and understanding of the challenges that come with photographing children.

By taking the time to incorporate these simple tips, you can help ensure that your little ones will be prepared for a positive photography experience. Just remember to set realistic expectations for yourself and your children. Understand that not every moment will be perfect, and that’s part of the charm. Embrace the imperfections and remember that the goal is to capture genuine moments and emotions, and leave the rest up to your skilled photographer.

At Stories we have been capturing family portraits and beautiful moments for over 16 years. Do reach out if you would like to know more about how we can help you form the best photo memories with your loved ones.

Chi Yin Tan In Beautiful Everyday, Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Maternity, Newborn, Portraits, Studio, Tips + Ideas

Makeup tips for your photography session

We highly recommend putting on some makeup for a photoshoot. That way, you would look your best and wouldn’t have to worry about taking photos from different angles!

After speaking with our makeup artist, Charlyn Leong, she said that there are some things we might do on our own to prepare. For basic makeup, we can prepare mascara, eyebrow pencil, blush, lipstick, compact powder, and oil-absorbing paper. Let’s dive in a little deeper.

Mascara – This is a great tool for enhancing your eyes, and it’s quite easy to use. It only takes a few seconds, and our eyes look better, so why not?

Eyebrow pencil – It’s good to have tidy eyebrows. Before you do this, make sure you have plucked or shaved some hair outside of the eyebrow shape. And then, use an eyebrow pen to fill in the spots that are empty. Just apply it softly without putting on too much pressure to create a more natural eyebrow.