portraiture

I met the Hashims through Jek. The moment I met them, I instantly liked them. They are such an easy going family with really good looking children! It was a challenge avoiding the crowds of people at the park, but we managed to find some little corners to shoot in. After a number of outdoor family shoots with children below 3, I have collected a few tips for families who intend to have their outdoor portraits taken.

1. It’s a good idea to dress in similar or complementary colours for the photo shoot. Your family unit will look coordinated and united.

2. Bring a spare change of clothes, especially for the children. They might get dirty or wet as they run around, rolling on the grass.

3. Make sure there’s drinks and some snacks prepared, especially if they start to get a little cranky.

4. It’s also a great idea to bring along a favourite toy.

5. If the child refuses to smile for the camera or pose, don’t worry! If you feel stressed or start yelling, it will show in the photos. You can try to speak in a stern tone for a while, but if the child still wants to do his/her own thing, let them do it. It’s a great time for candid shots.

6. If the child starts to cry, take a little break.

7. Playing little games with the child helps. Make them think that the photo shoot is a fun activity! At the end of the day, treat it like a fun family outing instead of a stressful ‘let’s aim to get my child to behave session’ and everyone will have a good time!

Hope these tips are helpful!

When I heard that ten people would be coming for the portrait session (not to mention 2 dogs), I was a little concerned about how to pose everyone. I remember when I first started out in portrait photography a few years back, I had one of my first few outdoor sessions with a family of 30! I should have known that it was career suicide for me to consider taking 30 people including children out to a park then. Well, I’m glad to say that I’ve improved by leaps and bounds since then. I now understand that taking great people portraits requires great people skills. Every time I meet a family, or a couple, I am excited to be a part of their lives, if only for an hour or two. I remember a photographer friend telling me of a family that she had photographed… the family wasn’t close, but after the photography session, the family bond grew stronger. I’d like to think that after every portrait session I shoot, a family grows closer or a couple is reminded of the love they have for one another.

Thank you Tina for giving me this privilege to photograph your family and your extended family. To Terence, I’m glad to have finally met your family! Everyone was such a good sport… even in suggesting ideas during the shoot! Oh, and I’ll never forget trying to smuggle 2 dogs into Tmn Tun park!

This was how we did it: (pop your head back in, little one!)

I can’t believe how obedient these 2 doggies are! Can you just feel the love in the air?

My sister-in-law, Sarah and her boyfriend Terence

What a way to end the portrait session! They are super flexible!

When I launched the Lifestyle Portraiture Promo 1 month ago, the first person to email me was Priscilla. She called me the day after the promo was launched and immediately made a booking that very day itself. She related to me one of her previous portrait session where her son accidentally stepped on an ant’s nest and was badly bitten in the park! I felt so sorry for the boy. She warned me too that her son Joseph is really playful and would sometimes not pose for the camera.

So on the day of their shoot, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I certainly hoped that there weren’t any ants nest in the nearby vicinity! Despite the initial drizzle, we kept our spirits up and it turned out to be a really fun shoot! I’m not a mother yet, but I can imagine the feeling of coming home pooped after a few hours attending to children. Joseph and Joy-Anne were just so adorable! Here are some of my favourites from that day. Look at that drool!

Even grandma was involved that day!

I love Joy-Anne’s 2 little teeth.

Ian came along with me on this shoot. He took this next shot.

We even had a little ‘couple’ time for Edwin and Priscilla. Edwin was a natural! The moment we said we’d take photos of the both of them, he instantly swept Priscilla off her feet!

And lastly, my favourite from their couple portraits.