Profoto B1

I've Fallen In Love With You Again

"What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility." -George Levinger

It is always interesting to witness how couples treat one another. Some show love by the tenderness of their touch and words, while others can be less ostentatious.

Meet Alvin and Cheryl - these two are the most funny couple in the way they express their love to each other. For example, Alvin would 'disturb' Cheryl, who is no-nonsense kind of girl. She would often 'respond' with a death stare. In return, Alvin would go all giggly and admits to Cheryl that he just loves to see her angry face. How would you get infuriated with such a lovable and sweet response?

That's what love is all about. You don't marry the person you can live with, but you marry the person whom you cannot live without.

Wishing this gorgeous couple many great years ahead!

Here are some photos of Alvin and Cheryl during their recent group-of-four European trip, that included Santorini (Greece), Rome and Venice (Italy)!

My Darling Chloe Turns One

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Having gone through my first 365 days of parenthood, I have to say that the journey as parents is one that's fulfilling and wondrous in every way possible. Thank God for granting us the tenacity to go through our daily lives and bringing up the child in a healthy and sane manner.

As you've noticed, I took a hiatus from blogging for a month. During this period, much time was spent planning, conceptualising and photo-shooting various themes for parents and their little ones who were either turning one or have turned one. However the one most photo-shoot that I was looking forward to was none other than my own daughter's one year old photo-shoot. 

I recalled telling my wife that I would love to DIY something for Chloe's photo-shoot. She gave me a moment's look of disbelief and went ahead to tell me that if it was something I want to do to just do it. Just for the record, I was never an arts and craft person. The last time I tried to DIY something, it failed miserably. Anyway, I managed to DIY three cloud mobile and some backdrop accessories for Chloe's photo-shoot.

To sum it all up, I'm glad that my wife and I survived our first year of parenthood and we both look forward to many more years of parenthood to come. 

Have a happy golden jubilee (SG50) weekend people!


We Are Travelling

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Great news! Kelvin Luffs Photography is heading to Europe and India this August and December respectively!

If you recall, sometime around November last year, we made a blog post about Kelvin Luffs Photography planning trips abroad for photo-shoots. True to our words, we will be travelling to the captivating island of Santorini (Greece) and romantic Venice (Italy) for pre- and post wedding photo-shoots!

Imagine having your pre-wedding pictures taken against this iconic Santorini backdrop?

Or a picture against this mesmerising sunset of Santorini?

How about posing in one of the world's most romantic cities that is Venice?

Or, if you are somebody who does not fancy the romance of either the two European cities but would like to have your pre / post wedding pictures taken overseas, then perhaps you might want to consider India.

Come December we are flying to the capital city of Punjab, Chandigarh, also known as 'The City Beautiful'.

India is filled with an abundance of unbelievably mesmerising beauty. From her lakes, mountains, glaciers, deserts, waterfalls, beaches, to their endless tea plantations, ancient temples, iconic structures like the Taj Mahal and many more. All I can say is that India will be able to offer a myriad of beautiful backdrops and it will then be my job to capture the beauty and essence of these locations together with you. That will forever be your memory to keep.

My trip to India in December (2015) is also confirmed. So if you would like to have your photo-shoots done anywhere in India (not limited to Chandigarh), in Santorini or Venice, feel free to drop me an email at info@kelvinluffs.com so that we can discuss more about your plan.

Have a great week ahead everyone!

To Our SuperMums, Thank You!

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We are celebrating Mother's Day (which falls on 10th May) in advance and in a very special way! 

Make Mum feel like a mega superstar with our inaugural I-LOVE-MY-MUM photoshoot package!

From 29 April to 5 May 2015 (one-week only!), for a super amazing price of SGD165.00/-, we are offering just 10 spots for Mums (and each of their 4 other family members):

  • A 1-hour Air-Conditioned Professional Home Studio Rental
  • A Passionate Photographer
  • 3 Edited, High-Resolution Quality Photos
  • A 12" by 18" Canvas Print
  • Flexible Day or Evening Timeslots
  • Guaranteed Free Delivery of Canvas Print by Mother's Day to Most^ Addresses in Singapore

Quote 'ILOVEMYMUM' when contacting us via the 'Contact' link on the left-hand side navigation panel and receive 10% off package price when you confirm* an appointment.

**FOR AN EXTREMELY LIMITED TIME ONLY: We are giving the very first 5 of you who confirm* an appointment with us by 2pm, Wednesday, 29 April 2015, an SGD80.00/- return discount voucher!

Express your love for your tireless SuperMum today!  

 

Terms & Conditions:
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  1. This special package is valid Wednesday, 29 April 2015 to Tuesday, 5 May 2015, both dates inclusive. Slot availability will close at 6pm of May, 4th, 2015, or when the 10 slots are taken, whichever is earlier.
  2. Studio size is limited to 5 individuals. There is an additional flat charge of SGD 80.00/- per head from the sixth member.
  3. (^) A flat SGD 10.00/- delivery fee will be added to the final price to addresses in Jurong Industrial Area, Tuas, Changi/Loyang Industrial Area and Sentosa.
  4. (*) A minimum 50% deposit is required and to be made payable via inter-bank transfer to Kelvin Luffs Photography to confirm an appointment. The other 50% will be made payable upon delivery of our services at the end of the appointment slot.
  5. (**) The return discount voucher code (valid till 31 October 2015) may be redeemed on the client's subsequent visit, for any photography services that is not a part of this special Mother's Day package, and with a minimum quotation of SGD 250.00/-.
  6. All times stated are local and requests are open to Singapore-based clients only.

Chloe & Melanie at 7 Months

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True story: Babies grow very quickly. I think not many parents or grandparents will refute that.

Looking at how these two little cousin-princesses, whom some mistake for twin-sisters, have grown, certainly make their mommies' and dadda's hearts aflutter!

As a parent, I am told the most important changes take place in a child from age four to seven months. Chloe and Melanie have progressed well in terms of the coordination of their emerging perceptive abilities and their increasing motor abilities such as rolling over, sitting up, grasping and even crawling (with Chloe!). 

Moreover, you can't go wrong when your Papa and 姨丈 (yi zhang or mum's sister's husband in the complicated Chinese family tree) is an avid photographer. My idea for this shoot was really simple. It was to capture the bond between the cousin-sisters with a limited number of props.

What you need:

- A photographer
- A play wagon
- Some cute balloons
- Stuffed toys
- The baby stars!
- And lots of enthusiasm!

Though they are still young, I hope that one day, when these two little sweethearts are a little older, they will be able to look back and admire the pictures here capturing their beautiful smiles and cheeriness. We can't turn back time, but we can freeze that exact moment in time, with photography, at the very least. I <3 you two.

 

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Hope you are enjoying your visit. If you liked what you have seen so far, please call me at 9820 1295 or email to info@kelvinluffs.com so we can discuss how I can help you capture those precious and endearing moments of you and your loved ones.  Kelvin Luffs Photography - making each click worthwhile.

Pie Ling's Pregnancy Journey

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Had a wonderful opportunity to be the person behind the camera capturing the bliss of Pie Ling's pregnancy together with her hubby Martin during our recent outdoor and indoor maternity photoshoot.

I enjoy talking to my clients and am glad Pie Ling shared with me the story behind her pregnancy. All I can say is there is a story behind every bump - One that women especially mothers or mother-to-be can relate to.

Behind every bump is a story. What's yours?

Inspired by Cole Kor of 2ofusphotography.

Alvin & Mabel's Solemnisation

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A secondary school student recently asked during my talk (invited back to Greenview Secondary School) about becoming an entrepreneur - why I chose the path of becoming a photographer? Well, this question hit me really hard and as I paused for a moment to think about my response, I can see the anticipation the students had in their eyes regarding my response. Here are the reasons I responded with:

  • I get to capture and preserve memories for people
  • Being a photographer allows me to slow down, observe and appreciate the beauty of my surroundings
  • I get to witness love, warmth and affection
  • Lastly, I get to connect with people

Therefore in my line of work, I am always very privileged to meet with many people. People who are in love, people who love their unborn child, people who love their families and many more. I have to count myself as being very fortunate to be an indirect recipient of their love, warmth and affection because it helps me improve on my personality as well.

Alvin and Mabel was definitely one of those couples who portrayed so much love and affection for each other that they inevitably made me reminisce the time I took my vow together with my wife.

May the both of you flourish in each others' love and affection.

Sophie Rose's Princess & The Pea Party

When my wife came to me and asked if I was interested to photograph a first year old birthday party with cake smash, I remembered vividly my reaction was - "Huh? What's that? Why smash the cake? Is it something new?". Well ok, please pardon me for my ignorance and somewhat lack of the Western exposure of traditions (haha). It seems that the tradition of Cake Smashing has been gaining grounds both locally and around the region with parents now going the extra mile just to learn new recipes to make preservatives and flavouring free cakes for their little ones' cake smashing and birthday parties.

So basically, the tradition of cake smashing is for the little one who's turning one year old. Parents would usually prepare two cakes, one big cake for the guests' consumption and the other, a smaller but much creamier cake for the little star of the day. The goal of the cake smash is simply to encourage the little one to attack the cake with his/her hands, fist, face, legs etc. The whole idea is to get as messy as possible and what comes after that would be the endless cheers, claps, laughters and photographs of the little dainty but very messy birthday super star.

Here are some photos taken during Sophie Rose's Princess & The Pea Party. Thank you LittleBowGirl for giving me the opportunity to capture Sophie Rose on camera. I'll definitely be doing a cake smash for Chloe my daughter when she turns one.


Aerisha's Maternity Series

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Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone! Hope that you've been prospering with good health and wealth in the year of the goat.

To me, being able to document a couple's milestones is truly a privilege - 

Back in December 2013, Kaden had engaged my services to photograph his surprise wedding proposal to Aerisha at Sentosa's Songs of The Sea. It was definitely a proposal to remember.

Just last year (2014), I was yet again present on their wedding day to witness and capture their most magical moments while walking down the aisle. Their wedding was so heartwarming that it brought tears to many who were present during their wedding ceremony.

Fast forward to January 2015, I am once again presented with the opportunity to help the couple capture images of the their pregnancy. They are indeed a gorgeous couple!

Congratulations once again to Kaden and Aerisha and welcome to parenthood!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Destination Pre-Wedding: Nicholas & Fion

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I got a call one morning in late December last year from Nicholas asking if I was willing to accept a last minute booking to shoot their pre-wedding in mid January 2015 of which I gladly accepted.

Basically the couple had already booked a short getaway to Batam, Indonesia to escape the hustling and bustling rapidity at work. So in the midst of planning for the trip, an idea struck the couple that since they were already heading to Batam, they should also get their pre-wedding shoot done there.

While places like Bali and Bintan are common places where couples travel to to have their pre-wedding photos taken, not too many have ever considered Batam for their shoot as most people do not perceive Batam to be as beautiful as it's neighbours.

Well I have to admit that this perception did cross my mind while I was doing my research. Perhaps by pure coincidence, I chanced upon this phrase while doing my research; it read - 'When life gives you lemons, make lemonade' though more philosophical than photography related, it hit me like a tonne of bricks. It basically reminded me that I must make good of whatever that comes my way. Throw me anywhere in any conditions and I'll still give you stunning and memorable pictures for keep.

To those of you who were wondering, yes some of the pictures were shot right smack in midday when the sun was directly above us and there were also instances where I had to shoot directly into the sun - at times the glare was so intense that I had to shoot with both eyes closed and completely trust my equipments and technical knowledge fully to get The shot. 

Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.

With that, I shall conclude this lengthy post with a Wefie with my clients after a day's shoot. Have a great weekend everybody!

Best Friends

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If you've ever watched sitcoms like 'Friends' and 'How I Met Your Mother', you'll notice that the characters in the sitcom portray what best friends should be really well. 

Here are the similarities I gather from the above sitcoms I've mentioned

  1. They hug each other all the time
  2. They apologise when they're wrong (eventually)
  3. They tell the truth (although sometimes it can be hilarious or mean)
  4. They are honest (that's why they tell the truth)
  5. They respect each other (although sometimes NOT)
  6. They push you and encourage you to reach your goals (Drink more BEER!)
  7. They laugh at your jokes although they don't know what it means
  8. After laughing at your joke, they make a joke out of you by teasing you
  9. They are always connected to you (Whatsapp / Telegram chatgroups)
    .
    .
    and the list goes on..

So having the opportunity to document the friendship of these ladies (Phyllis, Winnie, Shanice & Amanda) gives me a chance to rethink what friendships should be.

These ladies were so joyful (even though we started the session really early),  they enjoyed each other's company, teased one another and laughed to their heart's desire. Friendships should be like that. Don't you think so?

Anyway, have a wonderful 2015 everyone!

Blessed Christmas Everyone!

In this christmas, Kelvin Luffs Photography would like to wish one and all a blessed Christmas. May your life be filled with an abundant of joy, happiness and love. May each new day bring about moments to cherish. Merry Christmas everyone!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
                                                                               Romans 15:13

Project 100 Heads

Hi readers! Hope that everyone is having a wonderful weekend so far.

So, something struck me last week while i was in the midst of my daily work of shooting and editing and I asked myself just how many people actually think about having a portrait of themselves taken. As everyone go through with their daily routines, some just miss the fact that our faces age and change by the day.

Are you one of those who will look into the mirror some mornings and comment about yourself in the mirror - "wow.. I've really aged a fair bit. How nice if I had a beautiful / handsome portrait of myself during my most youthful and most energetic days".

Well, the more I think about it, the more I feel that I should start a personal project on compiling Singaporean faces. And so, I've decided to commence my personal Project 100 Heads.

Upon reaching 100 heads, my plan is to have them compiled into a book and perhaps have it published - some would ask "who will buy this book and why will they buy?" - Honestly, I have no idea. It may be just one reason for me to start this personal project.

Because my aim is a hundred head portraits, I may invite friends, relatives or just about anyone via the social media to participate in this personal project of mine. So if you're invited, all I need is just an hour of your time and you'll have yourself a nice head portrait taken for your own keep. 

Here are some of the portraits I took over the weekend. Enjoy!

July Mommies & Babies

Howdy people! Hope I'm not giving you a baby overload on my blog. It's just so much fun and joy photographing babies and children. Yes, some do cry while others sleep but when the cries gradually turn to smiles and laughter, both the mommies and the photographer become at ease knowing that phew.. the little one is going to have some nice photos of them taken.

So back in November, I was given an assignment to photograph 13 babies and 13 mommies in a single day.  All the babies during the shoot were born between late June to end July (July Mommies Group)

In all honestly, the job was both fulfilling and tiring. The tiring part was inevitable because the shoot lasted for a full 6 hours. Thankfully my partner / wife was assisting me so as to make the flow of the photo-shoot more seamless. YES it was also a very fulfilling job simply because the expectation of the assignment was met and all the parents left with a smiling face knowing that the photographer (me) has captured lovely photos of their dear little ones.

Haha.. enough said, here are some photos taken on the day of the shoot. Enjoy!

Baby Chloe & Baby Melanie

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To begin, allow me to introduce the stars of the photo-shoot. They are baby Chloe (my lovely daughter) and her cousin baby Melanie (my lovely niece). Both Chloe and Melanie were born in August this year, just a day apart from each other in the same hospital. Somehow I feel, these two baby girls are destined to be as close as sisters when they grow up, just like how close their mummies are to each other.

As I seek to add pictures to my portfolio, being a daddy photographer gave me the opportunity to do just that. Having these two precious little babies allowed me to constantly practice shooting with my baby models, play with the lightings to ensure the lights compliment the subjects, meddle with the props, think on my feet, etc.. I must say, I can handle babies really well now (after the few months of practice Chloe gave me).

In my previous post, I mentioned that in a baby photo-shoot, most of the time is spent on every other thing related to the babies Except photographing them. But when you do get down to taking their pictures, their expressions can sometimes blow you away.

Take for example this picture below, Chloe was busy crying and Melanie was well.. shocked! Priceless expression from baby Melanie.

Some behind the scene pictures.. Having a two Profoto B1 Air made a world of difference in lighting these precious babies.

[Picture left] So as the shoot progresses, it ended quickly (within 30mins) because both babies started being cranky (time for their nap). [Picture top] We all know that photographers love to 'Seize the opportunity' and that's exactly what I did, seized the opportunity to take the both of them sleeping, just like the picture below.

After about an hour and a half, both Chloe and Melanie came awake. So immediately, the mummies and I sprang into action by helping them change into their next outfit for the next shoot. Like all human beings, babies too need time to warm up after they come awake but perhaps we were too anxious in changing their diapers and clothes, the babies became agitated and showed me their displeasure in this photo.

Another two behind-the-scene photos to show how the next few pictures will transpire. Seriously, it involves the mums hopping up and down and making all sorts of baby language noises just to gain the attention of the two little ones.

[Picture above] Any home can be a make shift studio. With the right backdrop and a sofa, voila! We've now got a red background. [Picture right] Most parents would know that the colors that babies first see are Red, Black and White. As red background is too distracting for the babies, we had to quickly change a background to one that's of a more neutral color.

The babies being 3 months old have gained a fair bit of muscle mass hence rendering them less flexible as compared to when they were just infants but we still managed a few good pictures nonetheless.

Remember, babies are precious and they grow up real fast. So seize every opportunity to capture fun portraits of them, just like these pictures. If you're interested in having such portraits of your kids done, just drop me an email at info@kelvinluffs.com and I'll be most willing to sit down and conceptualize ideas for the shoot.

Here are a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure. Have a great week everyone!