Portraits

Grace Tan In Beautiful Everyday, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

Here’s what happens during a family photography session: A walk-through

Family photoshoots can get…extremely chaotic.

Between booking a session, coordinating outfits, getting everyone out the door on time, and wondering if the children will cooperate, it’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed and uncertain.

That’s not all; you’ll even find yourself asking the same questions:
Will an hour be enough?
What happens if my child has a meltdown?
How will the photographers manage my large family?
Will the photos turn out the way I want?

The good news is that, with us, a family photoshoot is far less stressful than most people think. A lot of planning takes place long before the shoot, and we’ll guide you through every stage. Here’s everything you should expect, from the initial enquiry to the last photo taken.

Before the family photoshoot even starts

Preparation begins the moment you reach out to enquire about a session. One of the first things we’ll discuss is the size of your family, as it helps determine the duration of the photoshoot.

Why? Well, smaller families (two to four members) may only need 30 minutes, while larger groups (five or more members) often require more time, typically an hour to two, and sessions rarely go beyond that. However, if you require a shoot that involves several outfit changes or have chosen a location that involves a lot of walking, it may take longer — even if you’re a family of four.

Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll send over a questionnaire and preparation guide to help us get to know your family better and ensure the session runs smoothly.

Some questions we’ll include in the questionnaire are:
– How many children will be participating? Do your children have any special needs we should be aware of?
– Tell us about yourself and your family.
– Do you have any specific requests, ideas you’d like to execute, or props you’ll be bringing?
– Please describe the outfits you’ve chosen for the session (formal, casual, colours, etc).
– We’ll also ask about special needs requirements or anything that could help us create a comfortable environment.

For example, if a family of 15 is attending, it’s useful for us to know how everyone is connected and how you’d like the group photos organised. With all this information, we’ll be able to plan ahead so that everyone spends less time figuring things out on the day itself.

The first few minutes of the session

The day of your family photoshoot has arrived. Your session starts at 12 p.m., but rather than rushing in right on the dot, it’s always best to arrive about 15 minutes early. By this point, you’ve spent the entire morning getting everyone dressed and double-checking that nobody has forgotten anything important — it’s basically chaos.

Arriving early will give your family some time to wind down and get used to your environment. At the same time, our photographer will take a few minutes to chat with your family — to get acquainted and understand the dynamics between each member. If your family photoshoot is taking place outdoors or at home, our photographer will usually arrive earlier to assess the location, understand the space, identify the best spots, and determine how to make the most of it.

The first part of the photoshoot — traditional family portraits

Once the photoshoot begins, we’ll typically start with the more traditional family photographs. For large families, these group portraits are usually done first while everyone’s attention is fresh. For those with children, this is key, as they’re usually willing to listen during the opening part of the session, as they are curious when entering a new environment.

If you’ve already provided a shot list, we’ll take it into consideration and will advise accordingly. Basically, we’ll go according to the flow of what we think works best, based on the situation of the shoot. For example, we may try to photograph the families with the youngest children first, and adult-only photos will come last.

The second part of the photoshoot — candid moments

Once the key group photos are complete, the session becomes more relaxed. We’ll flow between posed and candid photos throughout the session. Rather than asking everyone to stand and smile, we’ll encourage interactions. Families may be asked to walk together, talk, play games, laugh, or simply spend time together.

The goal is to capture genuine and authentic moments. We’ll still provide guidance and suggestions throughout this session. You never need to worry about knowing how to pose or what to do next.

Wrapping up the session

As the session comes to an end, we’ll do a quick review of remaining combinations or requests that haven’t yet been photographed. This is also an opportunity to capture any final images family members may have in mind during the session.

If you have children at the shoot, here’s how it’s going to go

Now, for those with children, you’ll probably be worried about how your children will behave. The good news? Children behaving like children is completely normal.

If a child becomes overwhelmed, shy, tired, or throws a tantrum, there’s no need to panic. It doesn’t mean the session is failing. In fact, one of the best things parents can do is to stay calm. If a child needs a break, we’ll simply adjust the schedule. They can have a snack, take a short break, or step away from the camera. We’ll simply photograph other family members.

What we try to avoid is creating additional pressure. Children can quickly sense stress if they’re scolded or forced into participating. Instead, we’ll work with the child’s energy.

In the studio, we have a small slide-and-play area for children to settle in. Music will be used to create a relaxed environment. We also encourage parents to ensure their children are well-fed before the photoshoot.

Other than that, we recommend not allowing your children to use a digital device during the shoot, as it may cause disengagement and make it difficult to separate the child from the device. Most importantly, trust the process. Remember, experienced family photographers understand that children have good and difficult moments.

All of these are part of family life, and capturing your family as you are is the goal. If you’re still unsure about taking the next steps, do reach out to us. We’re always happy to chat, answer your questions, and help you plan a family photoshoot that works for everyone.

Bin Bin Tan In At Home, Beautiful Everyday, Family + Children Portraits, Newborn, Portraits

What is a Newborn Photoshoot and What Do To If You Miss The Shoot Window

A newborn photoshoot is a specialised photography session that focuses on capturing images of your brand new baby in the early days of their life. A newborn photoshoot often features babies in sleepy, curled-up poses. While babies are generally considered newborns for the first few months, to a photographer, that window closes much sooner, after about 3 weeks. This is because babies above this age tend to be awake and less likely to spend time in the curled-up pose that makes newborn photography so special.

Most people don’t realise how small this window actually is, which is why it’s so important to plan your newborn photoshoot well in advance, ideally during your second or third trimester!

Posed Newborn Photography vs Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Posed Newborn Photography

When most people think about newborn photography, posed newborn photography is probably what comes to mind. This is the more classic approach, with the baby being placed in specific poses to show off their tiny features. Babies are often swaddled during the shoot and a variety of props (think wraps, knitted hats, and baskets) are used. You can also choose to do the session with your baby unclothed for a more minimalist look.

Traditionally, a posed newborn photoshoot works best within the first few weeks after birth, when baby is sleepier and therefore more malleable to posing. Babies at this age also tend to enjoy being swaddled and in the curled-up position. This is why a posed newborn photoshoot is time-sensitive and best done before the 3-week mark.

Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Lifestyle newborn photography, on the other hand, is a more relaxed and informal approach, focused on the natural expressions and interactions between you and your baby. The outcome is a more candid photoshoot that aims to preserve the natural essence of the moment. We usually recommend this style be done at your home, as it adds a personal and meaningful layer to your story.

Because lifestyle photography relies less on posing, there is no strict age limit. But we still recommend taking the photos in the first month, especially if you wish to document those tiny, teeny features of your newborn that change so quickly.

For an in-home session, you don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home, just a couple of softly lit spaces to work with. The nursery, living room, and parents’ bedroom are usually the best spots. A quick tidy of surfaces and some natural light goes a long way.

At Stories, our newborn photoshoot is a combination of the posed and lifestyle newborn photoshoots for the best of both worlds.

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photoshoot

A little preparation goes a long way in helping the session run smoothly and stress-free. A Stories newborn photography session lasts approximately 1.5 hours in duration. You could do the shoot at our studio, your home, or your confinement centre. You can let us know if you prefer a more posed or lifestyle approach, and we will adapt accordingly. We will bring all the swaddles and some props for the session. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

Before the session: Try to keep your baby awake in the hours leading up to the shoot. A well-fed, sleepy baby makes for peaceful pictures and a much calmer session for everyone. Feed and burp your baby right before the session begins, and avoid a full feed one to two hours beforehand so they’re ready for a proper meal just before you start.

What to bring: Pack at least one change of clothing in case of any accidents, as well as everything you’d normally need for feeding and changing. If there’s a special item you’d like included in the photos, a family heirloom, a handmade blanket, or a meaningful keepsake, let us know in advance.

For parents: Wear neutral colours like creams and soft tones for the family shots, and avoid chunky jewellery or accessories that might distract from the main subject, your baby! We always take variations during the shoot, so you’ll definitely be included in the session. These moments pass faster than you think, and you’ll treasure them.

During the session: Try to stay calm and relaxed. Babies can sense tension, so the calmer you are, the more settled your baby is likely to be. Fussing and crying is completely normal, so don’t panic if your baby does that! We have seen it all and will work patiently with you.

What If You Missed The Newborn Photoshoot Window?

We get it; the first month of being a new mum is exhausting. Between all the crying, endless feeding and diaper changing (not to mention recovering from delivery), a photoshoot may be the last thing on your mind.

If having a photoshoot in the first three weeks is not an option, don’t worry about it! Just because your baby isn’t a newborn anymore doesn’t mean you can’t still have a beautiful photoshoot. After all, babies don’t stop being cute, and any age is a good time to capture these precious memories.

If you do plan to take the photoshoot after the one-month-old mark, there are just a few things to take note of.

Since babies are more awake and active by then, we recommend a lifestyle photography session rather than a posed newborn shoot. Rather than sleepy, curled up poses, the focus will be on alert expressions, eye contact and perhaps even a smile.

If you need more time for rest and the photoshoot gets pushed back even further, the sessions can always be customised to focus on baby milestones, such as tummy time, crawling, etc. You can see this article for some milestones worth capturing.

Having a baby is one of the most extraordinary phases of life. Regardless of when you choose to do your photoshoot, you will always cherish the photos and the memories of the session.

Grace Tan In At Home, Beautiful Everyday, Casual Portraits, Family + Children Portraits, Maternity, Portraits, Studio

What You Wear Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be honest. The first question before any shoot is always, “What should we wear?” Usually followed by a few outfit changes, a bit of overthinking, and at least one “does this match?” moment. And fair enough, it’s not always the easiest question to answer.

But maybe the better question is, “What tends to work well on camera?”

Because while a good outfit can elevate a photo, the right choices can really help everything feel a little more natural and put together, without taking attention away from you.

Let’s talk colours

Colours don’t just sit there looking nice. They’re doing quite a bit behind the scenes. They reflect light, affect skin tones, and influence how a photo feels overall.

Very bright colours can sometimes reflect onto the skin more than expected.
Very dark tones can feel a little heavier in photos.
And when there are too many different colours in one frame, it can start to feel a little busy. And not always in a good way.

This is why softer tones, neutrals, and earthy palettes tend to work so well. They keep things balanced and let the focus stay on people. Also, they are generally easier to match as a group, which helps when everyone is trying to agree on what to wear at the same time… which is usually where things get a little chaotic.

Things that tend to work better

Over time, we have noticed a few things that tend to photograph more smoothly:

Coordinated over matching
Outfits that complement each other often feel more natural than everyone wearing the exact same thing. A little variation actually makes the whole photo feel more alive and a lot less stressful to put together.
Simpler patterns
Smaller prints or textures tend to photograph more cleanly and keep the attention where it should be. Nothing too loud, nothing too distracting, just enough.
Softer colour tones
Muted or toned-down colours are usually more flattering on camera and easier to work with. They also tend to age better when you look back at the photos later.
Comfort matters
Outfits that feel easy to move in help you stay relaxed and present during the shoot. If you feel good, it shows. If you don’t, that usually shows pretty quickly too.
Staying true to your style
Photos always feel more natural when you look like yourself, just a little more put together. No need to suddenly become someone else for the day. You don’t need a whole new personality just for photos.

Where everything starts to click

So instead of overthinking every detail, here’s a simpler way to look at it. Think of your outfit as part of the overall frame, not the main focus.

Soft, balanced colours.
Simple textures.
Pieces that move easily with you.

And most importantly, something you feel comfortable and confident in. That usually does more for a photo than anything else.

If there’s one thing to take away

Photos are not really about the outfit. But the right outfit can help everything come together a little more naturally. More than anything, it’s about how you feel in what you’re wearing. When you’re comfortable, when you feel like yourself, it shows in ways you don’t have to think about.

So keep it simple, comfortable, and true to you. Because the best photos are the ones where you feel like yourself in them.

Oh, and this year’s colour of the year

Oh, and speaking of colours, Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2026 is Cloud Dancer. Which, yes, is a very nice way of saying a really good shade of white. It’s a soft, airy white that leans slightly warm. Calm, minimal, and very easy to work with. The kind of colour that feels clean and effortless. It also photographs really well. It doesn’t compete for attention and pairs nicely with almost everything. It’s one of those colours that just works without needing too much effort.

You don’t have to go all in, but it works nicely as a base or layered with softer tones. And if nothing else, it’s a very safe option when no one can decide what to wear. What do you think, something you would wear for a shoot, or more of a background kind of colour? If you would like to read more about colours, check out this other blog post we wrote.

And if you are ever unsure what to wear, we are always happy to guide you through styling for your session.

Grace Tan In At Home, Beautiful Everyday, Family + Children Portraits, Portraits, Studio

How to Arrange People in a Family Photo (Without Losing Your Sanity)

With Chinese New Year and Hari Raya coming up, many families start thinking about taking a proper family photo. What often sounds simple can quickly become stressful. Who stands where? How do we fit everyone in? Why does it look awkward even though everyone is smiling?

The truth is, most family photos don’t fall apart because of the camera or lighting. They fall apart because of arrangement. When people are placed with intention, the photo instantly feels more balanced, connected, and meaningful. It took me years to learn some of these lessons the hard way – by evaluating my photos and finally understanding what worked and what didn’t. Thankfully, 17 years later, I have refined my thought process during every photo shoot. So here are some practical tips to help you elevate your DIY family photos, whether you’re working with a small group or a big extended family.

1. Start with the number of people and the space you have

Before thinking about poses, first be clear about how many people will be in the photo. A group of 10 people needs to be arranged very differently from a group of 20. The size of the group determines how much space you need and how creative you can be with positioning.

More space makes things easier. It allows you to spread people out, create layers, and adjust without rushing. If the space feels tight, you will need to be more intentional about who goes where. This is exactly how I plan my family sessions, especially for larger groups.

2. Arrange people by relationships, not by height

One of the most important things I look at when photographing large families is the family structure. For extended families, I often ask for a simple family tree or a list of names and relationships. This helps me understand how everyone is connected.

For example:
Grandfather and grandmother
Their eldest son and his wife with two children (with age)
Their second son and his wife with two younger children (with age)

Once relationships are clear, the arrangement becomes much easier. Knowing the age of the children helps me a lot too because positioning a 1-year-old would look different from positioning a 16-year-old. I usually place grandparents in the centre as the heart of the family. Each nuclear family stays together, with children close to their own parents instead of being placed randomly in the group.

This approach does two things. Visually, the photo feels organised and intentional. Emotionally, people feel more comfortable standing with those they are closest to, and that comfort shows in the photo.

3. Create layers to add depth and interest

Flat rows tend to look stiff and uninspiring, especially for large groups. Instead, try to create layers by mixing sitting and standing positions.

Some people can sit on chairs or the floor, while others stand behind them. If you are outdoors, use stairs, low walls, tree roots, or rocks. Indoors, stools, boxes, or even the edge of a sofa can help create different heights.

For groups of 15 people or more, you may need two to three layers. Don’t be afraid to let children sit on the floor or stand on a higher surface with support. Layering helps everyone be seen clearly and makes the photo feel more dynamic and natural.

4. Look for triangles and varied heights

Once people are layered, pay attention to height differences. A tall person doesn’t always need to stand, and a shorter person doesn’t always need to sit. The goal is to create gentle triangular shapes throughout the photo.

These triangles guide the eye and make the composition more interesting. Think of it as creating small peaks and slopes rather than straight lines. Move people slightly, adjust where they sit or stand, and see how the overall shape changes. This is something photographers constantly fine-tune during a session, so take your time and enjoy experimenting.

5. Using a sofa without making it look boring

Sofas are common in home photos, but they can easily look dull if everyone sits in a straight line. Try mixing things up by asking someone to sit on the armrest with their legs turned sideways, or placing a few people on the floor in front of the sofa.

If there are people standing behind the sofa, bring them as close as possible to those seated so the group feels connected. For those sitting, ask them to sit slightly forward rather than leaning back fully. This helps with posture and keeps faces closer together.

Every sofa is different. Some are deep or bulky, so not every pose will work. Adjust accordingly and see what looks best in your space.

6. Keep faces close and take a test shot

A simple tip that makes a big difference is encouraging people to lean in slightly towards one another. Small movements like shoulders touching or heads gently angled closer can instantly make the photo feel warmer and more connected.

Always take a quick test shot and review it. Look out for gaps, hidden faces, or anyone feeling too far away from the group. Make small adjustments instead of starting over. This is exactly how I work during professional sessions.

A final thought

Family group photos are not easy, especially when there are many personalities involved and different dynamics to the relationships. Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for connection. When people feel comfortable, seen, and close to one another, the photo will naturally feel right.

And if arranging everyone still feels overwhelming, that’s completely normal. This is where having a professional family photographer helps. My role is not just to take photos but to guide families gently through the process so they can relax and enjoy the moment together.

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!