Portraits

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits: Brian, Rita and little Lauchlan

I first got to know Brian through my sister Lina, as they share a deep passion for the outdoors and all things adventurous. I know that Brian is really good with his hands… in fact, a lot of the furniture at his home was lovingly handcrafted by him, including the cute little wheelbarrow / wagon you see below! Lauchlan is a really lucky boy! Then I got to know Rita. Lauchlan is her fourth child but what amazed me was that she delivered him at the age of 50! I truly admire her strength and tenacity in running after a small child at this season of her life (who coincidentally, is one month older than Krysta).

She is a truly dedicated mother, and she dotes on little Lauchlan. For a few months, Krysta and Lauchlan attended swimming classes together at a private home. We all enjoyed singing to Old McDonald’s, Humpty Dumpty as the little ones learnt to dip underwater and enjoy the pool.

I was privileged to have photographed their family (and Rita’s extended family!) one day at their home. Thank you for inviting me into your home, and for your friendship. I believe Lauchlan will grow up one day to be a dashing young man, with a heart as big as his mom, and an adventurous spirit like his dad.

20140105_FAMILYPORTRAITS_BRIAN_RITA_075 Continue Reading

Grace Tan In For Photographers, Musings, Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits, Tips + Ideas

Behind the Scenes: Pre-wedding of Adrian & Pei Hwa

It’s always fun doing videos like these because it gives clients an insight on what goes on at our pre-wedding shoot. Before a portrait session, most of my conversations with potential clients sound like this:

“I don’t know how to pose.”
“I hate taking photos.” (usually the men say this!)
“My fiance doesn’t know how to smile.” (the women usually say this!)
“Or he’s very kaku – read: stiff and unnatural”
“We’re just ordinary people.”

Perfect! That makes all of our clients! Honestly, you shouldn’t feel insecure or worried, but be assured that the professional photographer you hired will make you feel comfortable and look great. We know it’s probably the first ever professional photo shoot you’ve ever done. And if you’re female, you probably have 20 dress options because you can’t decide what to wear for the session.

Chill.

We’ll help you plan, and on that day, we’ll just have fun. :) Trust me, even the kaku guys end up looking awesome!

View Adrian and Pei Hwa’s pre-wedding photos here.

Credits: Filmed & Edited by: Felicia

Grace Tan In Portraits, Pre-Wedding & Engagement Portraits, Wedding Films & Videos, Weddings

Pre-Wedding: Adrian & Pei Hwa

20131008_PRE_WEDDING_ADRIAN_PEIHWA_NL_189

Two students, fated to meet at an induction camp in Port Dickson before starting their housemanship. It just so happened that they were the only two from the camp posted in Ipoh. It was natural that they started talking about work, going out for meals together (and movies!)… and soon, Pei Hwa began to sense that there was more than just a friendship blossoming here.

Unfortunately for Adrian, she told him the line that every guy hates to hear…”Let’s just be friends.”

He was crushed.

It soon became awkward and the movies and dinner dates stopped, except for the occasional hi and bye at the hospital. It must have been fate again, because 6 months later, they started talking to one another again, and he followed her along for a trip to Bangkok with some of her friends.

Adrian: I honestly didn’t really dare to confess after what happened a year ago… but somehow I just felt that chemistry we had together. So yeah just thought a trip or two with others might let me get to know her much better but despite that, still didn’t really want to get squashed like a ripe tomato again >_<. Until she got mad = P

Pei Hwa: I really did get mad and didn’t talk to him or reply his messages for the whole day. Then after, he came and confessed. Somehow, we started dating but we didn’t remember when it was. So in the end, we decided to have our anniversary on the first Saturday of December. Hehe…

Then came our dreaded transfers and the beginning of long distance– I got posted to Manjung and him, Parit Buntar. I had never been in one and it didn’t work out for him in the past. Was difficult only being able to see each other once every 2 to 3 weeks, sometimes up to a month. At times we fought, usually I was the one who buckled, but he never gave up on me. But through it, I’d say we both learned to make sacrifices to keep our relationship going.

Want to hear more of their story? Watch the video below!

Grace Tan In Casual Portraits, Portraits

Fabulous at 45

Women who have been friends since childhood. No, correction, some since kindergarten! It was really a pleasure getting to know such amazing, successful women. They have come a long way since their pinafore days in SK Convent Infant Jesus, Malacca. A few have uprooted themselves and are currently living overseas. But what a great way to celebrate a reunion – with a photo shoot themed Fabulous at 45! I think it’s great that friends can continue to keep in touch through the years and remain as silly and super comfortable as ever with each other.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture your beauty behind the lens, ladies. I enjoyed our little morning together. Here’s wishing you many years of friendship, fun and laughter together!

20140126_FABULOUS_AT_45_018a

Don’t you think these women look stunning?!

20140126_FABULOUS_AT_45_070

Grace Tan In Family + Children Portraits, Portraits

Family Portraits: Marcus & Su Leen

As a parent, I hear comments from people saying that it’s always easier to take care of little girls compared to boys. They are sweet, easy going and easier to manage than boys. Also, it’s fun to dress them up. Honestly, I am not too sure how true this claim is, but as a parent of a little girl, I must say, I enjoy her very very much. Of course, if you have TWO little girls, that is double the fun. Especially when they are cute and sweet as Marcus and Su Leen’s kids – Isabel and Caitlin.

Diane and I truly blessed to have met this family recently. We had a good time eating roti canai and walking the park together. I first tried breaking the ice by singing my favourite kids song “Wheels on the Bus”. But I was told by the kids that their favourite song was “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift. Gee, within half a second, I felt outdated. Haha…

It did take them some time to warm up to us, but at the end of the session, we were like good friends.

Thanks for the fun, girls!

20131210_FAMILY_PORTRAITS_MARCUS_ SU_LEEN_ISABEL_CAITLIN_057

20131210_FAMILY_PORTRAITS_MARCUS_ SU_LEEN_ISABEL_CAITLIN_002