Rebecca & Matthias Koch (Newborn Photography)
Our second son was born in May, and for such a special occasion we needed a special newborn photographer. We already had several photo sessions and hence high expectations. JJ…
Michelle and Jeremy (Newborn Photography)
We chose JJ Photography because of the simple yet beautiful feel of the photography. It was also a plus that he does the shoot in our own home complete with…
Jessica and Cyprian (Newborn Photography)
We found JJ by chance and feel so lucky that we did! We initially chose him because of his quick response time and artistic photography style. He not only was…
Wan Jing & Sam (Newborn Photography)
We initially made the decision to engage JJ for the newborn photography session because he was responsive, and we do not regret making that decision. He is nothing short of…
Charlotte Wong (Newborn Photography)
Finally got down to write this much delayed review. Contacted JJ for my newborn daughter photoshoot. He was very responsive and immediately we managed to arrange a date. He…
Sandra Goh (Newborn Photography)
Why did I choose JJ photography for my Newborn Photography session? Firstly, I sent out about 10 inquiries on Newborn photography package and JJ was the only one who bothered…
Paul Branson (Family Session)
I’ll start by saying thank you again for a wonderful photoshoot – one of the highlights of my wife’s 40th birthday celebration which we spent in Singapore that is also our first holiday as a family.
In fact, you had managed to put us at ease even before we met as you had shown your flexibility and readiness to be as accommodating as possible when there had been some difficulty with arranging the transfer of the deposit. In these increasingly mistrustful times I certainly appreciated your trust and flexibility.
When you first turned up at our hotel door, we were surprised to see quite how much equipment you’d brought with you. In fact, I thought the Hotel reception had maybe got confused (more…)
Darene Wong (Baby Session)
With the impending arrival of our little prince, we scoured the internet for ages for a photographer to capture our little one’s precious moments. It was a nightmare searching for the right person who’s able to do our baby photography at home, accommodate our requirements and still be professional at the same time. We’ve tried other photographers with disappointing results.
JJ is one of the best photographers we’ve ever encountered. As first time parents, we are pretty clueless on how to get our little one in front of the camera but JJ guided us through it and made us feel at ease. He has tons of idea and tricks to get the baby to respond which is pretty amazing as we’ve tried taking pictures on our own but failed miserably.
Anjum (Newborn Photography)
“We had a wonderful experience working with JJ for our new born baby’s photo shoot. Two things stand out for me in the whole experience.
First, JJ is a thorough professional. To start with, JJ’s studio quality photo gear converted our living room into a mini studio in 45 minutes. All shots were fantastic (in fact
we had difficulty selecting the best ones). JJ’s work ethic and style clearly stood out for me. He is one of the very few photographers who shared the soft copies of ‘all’ the pictures from the photo shoot with us (for no extra charge).
Secondly, JJ clearly loves what he does.This reflects in the quality and commitment of his work. (more…)
Candice (Maternity Photo Shoot)
I had a bad experience with my wedding photographer, leading to my misguided impression that photographers work only with their DSLR camera. I was hesitant to engage a photographer for a pregnancy photo shoot, but since I did not have one with my first child, I decided to have a maternity photo shoot for this second pregnancy.
So I checked out a few companies. Most do not return the soft copies or charge you an arm and a leg for them while others did not even respond to my queries about purchasing additional photos. Then I saw JJ’s website. What drew my attention was that he returns clients all their soft copies of their photo session so I decided to email him. He responded pretty fast, calling back personally and explaining that everything will take place at the convenience of my home. He also answered all my enquiries patiently.
On the actual day itself, we scheduled our photo shoot at 4 pm. I was late, but he waited patiently at my doorstep. (more…)
Reflections on Novena Church
A large part of my growing up years was spent at Novena Church, (officially known as Church of St Alphonsus), that iconic church at Thomson Road. I started making weekly visits when I was 7, when my father took me along for the Saturday novena sessions. Five years on, I joined its youth group, Vine & Branches, together with my older sister.
That was decades ago. Since then, the religious fraternity and church members have become very much a part of my life, an extended family of sorts. It’s where I formed some of my best friendships and made some of my best memories; it’s where I seek solace, hang out, help out, attend services, particularly at my favourite times of the year like Christmas, Easter and New Year.
The Loss of a Good Friend
We have just lost a good friend. Simon Farmer swept into our lives years ago one Sunday morning at Novena Church. We were late, as usual, and were scurrying to our customary spot on the left veranda when we saw a lady sitting on the floor surrounded by children. It was like a scene out of “The Sound of Music” movie. The lady was Mandie, Simon’s wife, with their kids, as well as our friends’ children.
So our circle of friends grew larger, as did the numbers for Sunday brunch, parties and get-togethers. Through all the celebrations, there is always that bright spark – Simon with his silly jokes and boisterous laughter. Simply said, he is a happy person. So joyful with life, spreading that happiness to whoever he’s with. He is clearly besotted with his wife, and dotes on his children, Anthony, Alicia and Elsa. A very loving family man indeed. Simon is obviously very successful in his work, but you’ve never guessed it from his humble and self-effacing demeanour.
A few years on, (more…)
Aichi Chong (Family Photography Session)
The most attractive factor that got us to engage JJ’s photography services was his home photography service. With a family of 3 generations (16 adults and kids), convenience was a BIG plus.
The entire photography session was simply FUN. JJ blended competence and professionalism with humour. He made us laugh throughout the photo shoot ; even the kids found him rather amusing. We especially enjoyed his tactic in using lighthearted mockery to make us smile more naturally! 🙂
One of the highlights of the evening was when JJ brought out his props of hats and fun spectacles. (more…)
Costing a Maternity Photography Session
It’s Not As Expensive As You Might Think
Many people associate professional photography with costing an arm and a leg, but it isn’t the case. Most photographers these days have many options, or packages, which enable you to have a prints and digital copies of your images to use as you please. They usually have a sitting fee which varies, then you can choose prints or digital be it all the shots or selected shots on CD. Considering how much we might spend photographing a wedding day, a pregnancy photo shoot which is just as memorable costs a fraction of that.
Jiewen (Maternity & Newborn Session)
7 months preggy, first-time mummy, I had been taking a number of selfies that featured my growing bump until one day, it dawned on me that I might as well have a maternity shoot!
So I started searching online, and JJ’s website stood out for its clarity on the packages available, as well as the fact that I could get all the soft copies of the photos! And of course, the possibility of having the shoot done in the comfort of our new home was a plus. (more…)
Treasuring and Protecting your Photos
All of you who love taking pictures, you should check this out.. It's a Tedx talk from a photographer Kevin Gilbert and I promise you it’ll be worth your time.…
Jacqueline (Newborn Session)
We engaged JJ for our newborn photography and had a most enjoyable experience with him. He brought in a load of equipment and props, turning our tiny apartment into a professional looking studio. Our newborn was not in the most cooperative mood, but JJ who is something of a baby whisperer, managed to settle the baby and caught some brilliant shots of him. He was extremely patient, even allowing time for half hour feeds in between, so much so that we didn’t feel rushed at all. (more…)
Arranging that Maternity Photography Session
Now that you’ve decided to go ahead with a maternity photography, when would be a good time to book your session? Naturally, you would save it for the last trimester when your baby bump is really showing. So, the 7th or 8th month. 8th if this is your first pregnancy, and 7th upwards if this is your second child onwards.
That Maternity Shoot
To take or not to take. Pregnancy photos are all the rage these days, judging by the growing number of photography studios offering maternity shoots. You may, however, be self-conscious and embarrassed by how big and fat you think you are, and feel that a maternity photo shoot is definitely not for you. Well, think again. In time, all images of your pregnant days will be wiped out, and you will be hard put trying to remember what you looked like carrying your children in your belly. Your children, when they are older, will also get quite a kick from seeing their expectant mama, with the baby in her tummy, as it grows inside of her. These photographic memories will serve to remind them of the love you have for them, and your joy in having them. Even if you don’t care for the memory for yourself, do it for the kids.
Peter Leong (Baby Session)
We had a Baby Photography Session with JJ and it was a wonderful experience. He is a very friendly and knowledgeable guy and the best part, he is willing to share his photography knowledge.
Being a leisure photographer myself, I was amazed when JJ took time to explain to me how to take better photos and shared his experience. I actually changed my photography technique after my time with him. He also recommended some very useful photography tools to help improve my skills.
Take lots of photos !!!!
Take Photos. Just snap away. You’d want to be trigger happy with your camera, to snap those precious moments in your life. Of yourself. As a couple. With family and friends. As you await the arrival of your child, in all your maternity glow. As that child grows. Just capturing those snippets of time, cos how much can one remember, without aids like photos and keepsakes.
All too often, we are so caught up with our daily lives, madly scrambling to do what we feel we need to do each day, we fail to take time to enjoy the moment, let alone record it for future savoring. Time lost is never found again. But with photos, it’ll be easier to recall those treasures of times.
Ding Liqun (Maternity & Newborn Session)
My husband and I had a wonderful experience during both maternity and newborn photo sessions. JJ was patient, creative, professional and gave us exactly what we wanted. We were surprised…
Family Photography Session
The Request
A client has a well-loved shot of a favourite band, Death Row (right), and asked if I could model a picture of him and his children after that photo. Never one to turn down a challenge, I naturally agreed to make that shot work for him.I had to take individual shots of my client and each of his children in the many poses by the different band members. The children were all excited by the project, so were totally cooperative in striking the many postures required. After that, it was like playing jigsaw puzzles, as I pieced together the best takes. And here’s the result.
Photographing Twins
Had a wonderful session with a pair of twins. Incredibly, both boys were very cooperative and the whole session went very smoothly. When one was awake, the other went to…
Stephen (Maternity & Newborn Session)
My wife and I were looking for ways to capture the magic of the moments before the arrival of our first child. This seemed almost impossible given the logistics and anxiety around the birth, until we found JJ Photography.
JJ offered flexible timing and the convenience of a professional studio brought to our apartment.
The familiar surroundings made the maternity photo shoot more natural, restful and beautiful. JJ also took lifestyle shots of us around our home, thereby capturing poignant moments that we would have forgotten amidst the rush of early parenthood.
JJ is a very warm and engaging person, and was extremely generous with his knowledge and time during the shoot. (more…)
John (Newborn Session)
My wife and I engaged JJ for a photo shoot when our daughter was born. I was apprehensive at first when I was broached the idea. I was concerned about the timing, the place, and someone handling our first child. I didn’t even know what newborn photography really was! Eventually I agreed to the shoot after a discussion with JJ, and we had an extraordinary experience.
JJ has excellent photography skills, and is a natural with babies – he is totally at home in handling our infant. I quickly realized, as I watched him in action, that not everyone is blessed with the abilities he has. Ten minutes in, I knew we had a great photographer present. Throughout the shoot JJ was patient, confident, and likeable all at the same time.
(more…)
Vicki (Newborn Session)
As first-time parents, there are many things to figure out in the first few weeks at home – it’s a stressful time. The last thing you want is to be dealing with extra logistics and difficult contractors. JJ was fantastic in this regard – very easygoing, patient and flexible. We simply named a few convenient times for him to come to the house (no need to cart the family to a studio!), and he made it work.
JJ was extremely generous with his knowledge and time, talking us through how the process works, and offering photo tips for us to use after he packed up his gear.
Peter (Maternity & Newborn Session)
Phyllis and I are first-time parents, and so the arrival of Phoebe was hectic to say the least. WE wanted to capture some moments from the first few weeks, but we weren’t too keen on going to a studio for a photo shoot. This is what sets JJ Photography apart, and why we were so happy with the shoot and with the beautiful photos of our family and of little Phoebe. JJ understood how the shoot would have to revolve around Phoebe’s feeding times, so he was very flexible. He quickly transformed our living room into a living studio and it was fun and relaxing as we waited for Phoebe to get a little sleepy so that she would be more ‘pliable’ for the photos. Phoebe was a little star to say the least, and JJ kept us all laughing with his warm sense of humour.
Erin (Maternity & Newborn Session)
Pregnancy, for us, was a whole host of new and funny experiences. We wanted a photographer to help us capture not only the beauty of it all, but also to help us lighten the mood and find amusement in it. When we briefed JJ on our sometimes outlandish needs, he ensured we got everything we wanted – including both serenity and humour. He laughed through the session with us and showed the utmost professionalism and courtesy. His expertise was obvious from the moment he turned up and we are thrilled with the resulting shots.
Cycling weekend in Bintan
Went to Bintan over the weekend with the wife, kids and some friends. It was a good trip – some exercise (we cycled to the kelong where we stayed), lotsa sun, sand and scrumptious seafood, and some fireworks.
What’s nice about such short breaks is the chance to rest and relax, and recharge. While my ever-conscientious daughter did lug along some homework, the drill was done against a background of sea waves lapping on the beach, with the occasional call of the random bird scanning the area for food, before it plunge-dive into the sea for a fish. My son, meanwhile, learned to play pool, among many other lessons from the uncles and aunties; picked shells, teased the cats and cycled on the kelong boards.
Here is a stop motion video created with 2,050 photographs of the three days we spent in Bintan