Waiting for Baby V | Singapore Family Photography | Singapore Maternity Photography

I have been going back and forth for days over the right words for this post ... Everything I write ends up sounding so sentimental because that is exactly how I feel about this family.  Silke is a dear friend and her firstborn has been through, well, a fair bit with my son.  The occasion of her recent pregnancy and birth of her second sweet baby has been such an inspiration, and I am so looking forward to finishing a special family film project for them.  In the spirit of procrastination which I have thoroughly mastered, I will leave the sappy words for later when their film is completed, and let their maternity family pictures speak of their Saturday morning routine before baby V came along ...

Sofia & Co | Singapore Family Photography

I know, I know, I'm a total sucker for babies ... but this 4 month old, well, I can't even look at these photos without wishing I could reach right in and squeeze her little cheeks.  Mind you, I managed to control myself during the entire photoshoot, but that could have been because her wonderful parents were so wrapped up in playing with and caring for her, that I could not bear to break up the moment.  She was all played out by the time early evening rolled around, and I'm glad I got to stick around to document her being put to bed.    

Our time together was so relaxed that I even got to trial a new photo-and-video slideshow offer that I have been working on.  Give me a shout if you'd like something similar for your own family ... you heard it here first!

Gavin & Sarah, In Love | Singapore Couples Photography

When is a good time to get some images that really reflect what you are like as a couple?  Pretty much anytime, in my books.  Pre-wedding, post-wedding, pre-baby, post-baby ... If you are up for a laid-back session just hanging out and really talking to and connecting with each other - no props, no fancy dress, no romance novel poses - I could be your gal.  

Gavin & Sarah were totally on-board with the stripped-back approach that I take.  They laughed, they embraced, they teased each other ... simply because that is what they are like together, not because they thought it would look good in a photograph.  It's hard work creating an experience where true intimacy is not lost in the context of a photo session, which is why I insist on an environment which is an honest part of the couple's lives.  We spent some time relaxing in their new apartment and walking around the neighbourhood, and Gavin & Sarah ran with it, by which I mean they did pretty much whatever they would do together on an ordinary weekend.

3 Months in the Biscuit Diaries | Singapore Family Film

I'm bursting to share something a little different today ...

A peek into the life of my own two little boys ...

And through a new medium, a short (tiny, really) film!  I have been sharing daily images from my personal Project 365 over on my Facebook blog The Biscuit Diaries, but thought that this deserved a little mention over here too.  

I hope that you enjoy the film, and if you would love something similar for your own family, drop me a line and let's chat!  I think it speaks for itself so I wanted to dedicate the rest of this post to the wonderful Emily Mitchell over at Everyday Films.  Not only is she a super talented family lifestyle videographer and photographer, she is a generous, dedicated and meticulous teacher.  I finished the first run of her course DSLR Video Storytelling almost a month ago, and it was totally the inspiration and kick in the bum that I needed to put some muscle behind my vague idea of moving into family films.  

If you are at all interested in learning about shooting and editing video with your DSLR camera, I highly encourage you to check out Emily's course.  It covers the entire process from setting up your camera and shooting the video footage, colour grading and music selection, to editing the video and audio into a short film, and commercial aspects such as pricing.  She goes into just the right amount of detail especially on the technical and artistic aspects, has plenty of instructional videos, and gives precise and thoughtful feedback on your assignments.  

If you are curious about what it feels like to move into videography - I won't lie, it's not a cakewalk but it has been so incredibly rewarding to see the joy that viewing this little film has brought to my family - or anything else, please do leave me a comment or drop me a line!

The Thams at Play | Singapore Family Photographer

Another family shoot in the Singapore Botanic Gardens to follow up my last post, but with a different look and feel entirely because of the family.  I find that outdoor shoots in the same locations run the risk of looking the same, if the majority of the session is focused say on a few tried and tested poses (e.g. sitting on a mat and smiling for the camera).  Letting the family roam and play freely is sometimes a bit more challenging, but makes for more personal and meaningful imagery.

The Thams already had a few favourite activities in the Gardens from their regular weekend visits, and were up and ready for a morning of fun and family bonding.  Alongside brother Evan, little Nadia in particular was curious and eager to explore as a brand new toddler, even in the face of some bold birds and one angry looking swan!  I must admit to being a bit more nervous than usual ahead of this shoot, as Dawn is an old friend with experience and impeccable taste across many spheres of life, including the creative.  On this sunny morning however, she and Billy were first and foremost parents enjoying some free play with their young, active children, and I hope that these images help them remember a little of the plentiful joy and laughter from this period in all their lives!  

The Lees at Play | Singapore Family Photographer

My recent weeks have been filled with shoots for delicious little babies, and I think it's time for a break before I explode everywhere in a clucking mess!  This family that I'm sharing with you today has the most gorgeous, cheeky boys ... little bro Isaac will be running after Elliot in no time at all, probably smothering each other in kisses or rolling on the ground in mock (or real!) fighting.

In some ways, I find outdoor shoots a little more challenging as my preference is to spend as little time as possible on 'look at me' portraits.  I want the focus to be firmly on the family members and their interactions, no matter how pretty the surroundings.  The Lees made it so much easier by being completely up for an afternoon of gentle horseplay and general hanging out.  Our shoot was a couple of months ago (bad blogger Kerry!), but looking back at these images I can still hear their laughter and Elliot's chatter ... 

Hello Baby Anouk | Singapore Newborn Photography

This sweet family has literally not been far from my thoughts for the last 2 months.  "You will be our first ever family photographer" ... these words came early in our communications, and created more than a little nervousness in me.  Two beautiful children, with one more on the way, and no impetus to hire a professional photographer until now!  

Some sneaky maternity photos and two newborn shoots later, I think we managed to get more than a few personal and intimate images to record this special time in all their lives.  In the short time that I have spent with this family, I can already tell that Anouk will be brought up in an environment full of laughter, play, earnest discourse and mutual understanding.  I particularly love the energy and joy that her siblings have for life, and the calm and inclusive way in which her parents engage the children.  Hopefully some day I will be lucky enough to see how she has grown, and how her siblings have matured into their roles.

Just as I was their introduction to family and newborn photography, they were also exactly what I was looking for to trial a new little endeavour of mine ... Please check out this little clip of stills and motion from their in-hospital session, when Anouk was but a young 'un of 12 hours!  Highlights from their in-home session are just below that.

Lucas is One! | Singapore Family Photographer

Sweet little Lucas turned the grand old age of 1 over a month ago, and his mother had a birthday surprise planned out for him. I was lucky enough to be invited to document some of their family time together, and the unveiling of the beautiful cake Stephanie had baked and decorated for him. This fella has a keen awareness of the camera already, and if you look at the pictures carefully, you'll notice that he has pretty good ball sense too!

Hello Baby Leo | Singapore Newborn Photographer

So not only did I get to spend part of New Year’s Eve with this newly-minted family of three … I got to document them going home together for the first time. Ever. That just blows my mind - their trust in my work, and their openness and generousity, to grant me such intimacy and then to allow me to share a sliver of it publicly.

Everyone who knows them personally already knows how much this little fellow is loved. If these images seem full of peace, contentment and tranquility, it is entirely because of them. To the Dzakpasus - much love to all of you and all the best on this new adventure!

The Nyans at Home | Singapore Family Photographer

I have received quite a few inquiries in the last week about shoots to commemorate the big 1 year old milestone, and thought it would be a good time to share a few highlights from this family session. The family was a joy to work with - not only were they on-board with my vision and ‘fly on the wall’ shooting style, the mother ran away with it and planned a good variety of daily activities to document in our time together.  

A lifestyle / documentary session such as this would be a particularly good way to remember what your family is like at your child’s grand old age of 1 (or 2, 3, 4 etc) … Not every baby develops at the same pace, but with a relaxed environment and familiar activities, I can promise you a shoot that will embrace your child’s personality and your family’s way of life.