Christmas in Tiong Bahru | Singapore Family Photographer | Singapore Documentary Photography

What will Christmas 2020 look like for us in Singapore? It has been a hard year for so many and we have all had to find our own ways to respond while thoroughly unprepared for what has come along. In the midst of calendar tetris for the end of the work year, I remembered with fondness a family session from last December. The Kwongs are like the treasured friend you see once a year and feel like no time has lapsed. Liz is an amazing family photographer herself, in addition to her day job, baking up a storm and dreaming up all sorts of fun activities with her children. I don’t say this enough - never is never enough - but I have always envied their resilience and determination to see the best in life. Somehow, revisiting these photos today made me remember what I admire about them, and reflect on how I have handled the time that has passed since these were taken. May the end of 2020 bring some relief for us all, and may we be able to gather with loved ones again next year.

Hello Baby Isla | Singapore Newborn Photography | Singapore Family Photographer

Sometimes there are stories that strike at my heart, suddenly, surprisingly. Stories that at once remind me of others that I have listened to before, yet gain poignancy because of where I am in life, and because of who the stories belong to. I read Grace’s words one night after a few intense weeks of working on a personal project. They burrowed deep because they crystallised conversations that I had been granted so generously, so openly just before. I hope to share these stories soon but in the meantime here are the Gohs, a new family of four, writing a new chapter of their lives together.

Good Times at the Pinnacle | Singapore Family Photographer | Singapore Documentary Photography

First homes are special - I wish I had more photos of mine. I grew up in the same place until my dad threw me out and sold the flat while I was working in London. True story! I’m glad the Pangs gave me a ring before they moved out of their first home together … and even more glad that they didn’t laugh at my fear of heights. Here’s to old memories and new milestones.

The Tings are Five | Singapore Family Photography | Singapore Documentary Photographer

Old friends, newly expanded family. Basically some of the best things in life in one shoot.

Farewell Kovan | Singapore Family Photographer | Singapore Documentary Photographer

This family right here, came at the right time for me. Mum wanted an honest, open documentation of a typical family morning in the neighbourhood, something to treasure when they settle into their new home in Europe. ‘Let’s move the schedule around, the light will be easier’ I said. ‘But that’s not our routine’ came the response. She didn’t need it to be perfect - she wanted it to be true. And she was right.

Hello Baby Leo | Singapore Newborn Photography | Singapore Family Photographer

New family of four, new to Singapore. We started with popcorn and ended with chippies, thank you for having me!

Trevor is One | Singapore Family Photography | Documentary and Lifestyle

A simple morning at home, marking the first year milestone in little T’s life by celebrating his favourite everyday activities.

The Tans at Eastside | Singapore Family Photographer | Singapore Newborn Photographer

Life with 4 kids under 6 ... A family photography session doesn't get more real than this.  Thank you Maryanne and John for wanting to document real life in your real home - embracing rather than glossing over the inevitable chaos, letting your kids play freely (mostly!) rather than corralling them into an aspirational family advertisement.  Authentic lives deserve authentic imagery.  May these pictures serve as a beautiful reminder of the time and the home in which you became a family of 6.

The McGs at Home | Singapore Family Photography

Sometimes I come away from a session giving myself virtual high fives and pats on the back because heck, I know I aced it.  This extended family session in Katong was not an example.  I remember feeling anxious as I left because I knew that it should look amazing - a rambling house awash with morning light, characterfully decorated and filled with family members of diverse ages all ready to celebrate the recent arrival of a baby girl.  I worried that I had focused too much on the house or hadn't incorporated it enough; that I had taken too few images of the baby because there was so much else happening that morning; that no matter what I had done, the images wouldn't be as great as this wonderful family deserved.

I remember sitting down to edit the photos and first feeling a huge sense of relief, then a sense of wonder at the opportunities I have to truly enter clients' homes and lives for a brief window of time.  I observed the McGs for only two hours, but looking back at the images, I realised how much they had trusted me with unfettered access to their home and daily routines.  They played, laughed, teased, fussed, comforted, rested and enjoyed each other's company without any artifice for the camera.  They spoke to me honestly and shared their stories, their family heirlooms, their private moments.  I saw many types of love and affection in that one morning - both loud and quiet, vigorous and gentle, playful and nurturing.  And in the centre of it all, there was mum, happy to step back but always there when needed.  Thank you for having me.

The Chatfields at Home | Singapore Family Photography

I don't know if it's because it's been a while - too long a while - since I've looked at this session, but holy smokes I was blown away by this family's gorgeousness all over again.  Not gorgeousness on the outside, though I wouldn't argue with that, but gorgeousness in the 'loving tumbling laughing loving again' and 'friendly to the strange lady who walked in with a big camera' way.  Big bro just turned two, which means more shenanigans are on the way ... I'm sure you guys will do just fine with your big smiles and bigger hearts.