Tomato Photo Family Photography Studio – 2019 In Review

Tomato Photo Family Photography Studio – 2019 in Review

Wow, it is already the middle of February 2020. Didn’t we just ring in the New Year recently!?

It is definitely one of the most repeated clichés but time really flies!

Looking Back At 2019 – Tomato Photo Family Photography Studio

Looking back on a rather productive 2019, we photographed just under 300 Families in total!

Some big, some small, some were familiar faces, others were new, but all of them received some beautiful and lasting memories that they can look back on for years to come.

We are ever so grateful to be a part of that milestone for these families!

Top 3 Requests For Family Photoshoots – Tomato Photo Family Photography Studio

You might be curious Why Do Family Photoshoots? The answer is a simple one. Everyone want some form of tangible memories in their lives. We noticed a few trends over the past year when it comes to photographing families. Many had reached the point of no excuses for further procrastination. Hence, perhaps the proliferation of the following requests.

Extended Family Portraits
Focus on Aged Parents and Grandkids
Nuclear Family Portraits During Extended Big Family Photoshoots

1. Big Extended Family Portraits

More and more of our clients seem to be interested in getting EVERYONE (and we mean everyone!) together for the professional family portrait photos in studio.

This rise in multi-generational, big family shoots where you have everyone from the grandparents to their grandkids and their families participating is great because this is exactly why we moved to a bigger studio space that can accommodate up to 35 pax, in a wheelchair-friendly location!

2. Aged Parents & Great/Grandkids

During the shoots, there is also a popular request for us to focus on the grandmother and grandfather of the family. Be it in the form of their couple portraits, some images with them and their grandkids, or the individual portraits.

Regarding the latter, it is good to see that more family members are planning ahead to get these done professionally so that when the time comes, and it will – no one lives forever, they will never have to worry about searching high and low for a good quality digital photo of the mother or father!

Case in point, a lovely lady named Sally whose father passed away right on the eve of Chinese New Year. Unfortunately, she did not have a recent nor good photograph of her late dad. After literally running around town trying to find a studio to help with the editing process, she got in touch with us and we did our best to help out.

On the other hand, Hart’s grandfather passed away earlier on in January but thankfully, they had updated the family photos just last year so that was one less thing to worry about.

We really should not take time for granted….

3. Nuclear Family Portraits During Extended Big Family Photoshoots

We also find that during the big family portrait shoots, family members do value having some of their own immediate family portraits taken.

That makes total sense.

If everyone has taken the time and made the effort to come down for the family photography session in studio, why not focus a little on your own nuclear family and your kids at the same time, right?

What’s New?

Outdoor Mini Photoshoot Sessions
Newborn Photography Introductory Workshops
Finally! Easing Into Our Own Studio Space

1. Outdoor Mini Photoshoot Sessions

In 2019, we re-introduced our Outdoor Mini-Photoshoot specials again after 9 long years, which so many of you have loved and found useful!

We wanted to make it easier for young, busy parents with young kids to capture precious memories before the little ones grow up!

To make it even more accessible, we further extended the special to include our studio (for those of you who prefer an indoor shoot) along with the other options of East Coast Park, Gardens by the Bay or the colourful shophouses along Koon Seng Road!

These affordable, quick sessions are available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and typically do not last more than 20 minutes. Having said that, should your shoot require more time, Hart will certainly take the time to create the images he has promised.. that’s our guarantee!

Ultimately, we want you to have some beautiful photos.

Tip: Grandparents or primary caregivers are also welcome to bring along the grandkids if parents are unable to take time off from work.

2. Newborn Photography Introductory Workshops – Tomato Photo

Last December, we also started a few “Newborn Photography Introductory Workshops”. These are quick weeknight group sessions with Hart where he shares an overview of what it is like to become a newborn photographer, what to expect, how to start etc. The big picture, so to speak! This is perfect for avid photographers who are thinking of embarking into the professional arena yet unsure what to expect.

The introductory workshops also serve as a good stepping stone to the full, in-depth 1 day photography course that we are planning sometime this year.

3. Home Sweet Home – Finally Easing Into Our Own Studio Space

Tomato Photo has been around since 2008, but last year was the first year we spent in our own purposed built studio space in Ubi. It feels like we have been here much longer! We are so glad we made the move to accommodate bigger families, and family members with mobility concerns. Plus, there is always great comfort in owning your own space, right?

To conclude, we would like to say to all our clients THANK YOU for your trust and support in 2019. We are so glad you chose us, and we hope to continue working together with all of you and create new memories whenever you are keen!

Here are some of our favourite images created in 2019.. and our “Best Nine” posts on Instagram in 2019.

Enjoy!

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Mini Family Photoshoot Singapore – East Coast Park 2019

Who Need Mini Family Photoshoot?

First of all, I know that many of you always look at your friends’ photos and probably think. “There is no way we will put ourselves through all the stress spending hours posing in front of the camera.“

First of all, Jessica Bernard felt exactly the same (see her thoughts below)… Josh is 6.5yo and because, Ella who is 2.5, literally hate sand and grass in her shoes while Ella also simply isn’t a morning person.

Similarly, if your family dynamics has more or less the same. This article may be something you should keep reading on.

One thing for sure that we all know is having your memories captured is not only important, it is probably the only way to show you and your family really existed.

Of course, unless you are on Interpol most wanted list or some exclusive people who feel fine to be forgotten once you leave this world, you got to really have your photos taken once in a while. Even more so especially when you have young kids.

Typical Excuse #1

I get it, it is always those few pounds… let me burst your bubble… are you ready…?

It will only get worse…. Just think about last weekend.

Did you have one extra drink that you shouldn’t? An extra slice of pepperoni pizza that you shouldn’t eat?

As a result, unless you are someone who workout real hard regularly; or someone who is either blessed with great genes or is a breatharian, chances are, it will get worse.

Similarly, one of my client waited 6 years… guess what? the weighing scale kept showing increments!

Yes yes, as a professional, yes read PROFESSIONAL, i will light you better so you shave off a few pounds, then capture you in the right angle, to shave a few more pounds… you will be laughing so hard now and glad you did it today… I ain’t a miracle worker, but of course I know a thing or two to make you look better than real life.

Excuse #2

Now, you are probably going to tell me that your husband is going to kill you to spend the money… Times are bad, yadi yadi yaa… or he says he just hates being photograph…

Totally understand… try this…Why do you think I am behind the camera all the time? Because I try to avoid the camera at all cost (pun intended)?

I hate it as much as your husband. In fact, I used to fight with my mother who always wanted our family photos taken. Now, I know I do it for my children. My 3 boys whom I love dearly is going to have some pictures of me with them too!

Excuse #3

Then you are going to tell me that your kids just hate it every time you take that iPhone out and take their photo.

Short answer is, you can pretty much leave it to me with the kids. I have my way around them. All you need to do is (pretend) to be happy and bring lots of smiles. Oh… no no, I don’t mean really pretend… but you know, try to lah!   It will be easy I promise.

So if you are those who like quick and fuss free experience, a mini session at East Coast Park will be your answer for those grandparents at home and precious memories for your own family too.

So to sum it up Mini Family Photo shoots Are:

Affordable (yes your husband is probably going to nag less. It is certainly not cheap but you know affordable compared to the usual value associated with your memories),
Quick (for those who never have time),
East Coast Park (best place in Singapore, says me!) and last but not least,
I will be the monkey for your children. Means you don’t have to deal with them for at least half an hour. Yes… good thing come in small bite size.

“Its too good to be true!“… and it is… because it is only going to last for a very limited time as good, affordable things usually don’t come often or stay very long.

So its a mini date session, I don’t mean dating me, I mean to schedule a date for your mini session for your family who everyone including yourself hated to be posing in front of the camera.

How Mini Family Photoshoots Work?

It is a promise that you won’t have to pose, hence, guidance is provided.

As a result, I won’t tell you to tilt your head left or right, but I am going tell you to squeeze your kids from time to time or to throw them up and down (for some overdue exercise) and to run with them as well as turning them upside down from time to time or simply chase them down the beach. Simply, spend time, create precious memories with your children.

Finally, You will be sweaty, you will get lots of sand in your shoes, between your toes, you will probably get yourself a little wet, but hey… as results, your kids will remember this great time you spend with them. I will be there just to capture it, probably the way you never thought it was possible.

Above all, who needs a perfect pose model in your family album, so, you can be sure that I am looking for everyday mum and dad who is willing to spend some time with their little kiddos playing wholeheartedly and have their memories captured at the same time.

If that’s you, contact us by phone +65 88580088, whatsapp or email us at info@tomato.sg and lets see which date we can have you in…

East Coast Park Mini Photoshoot Details Here

We recently did an East Coast Mini Shoot with Hart – our first ever family photo session. My husband and I are not very comfortable in front of the camera, while the kids have a tendency to ham it up the second they see the camera – no easy, natural photos for us… or so we thought!

The mini shoot is a great option for those who may not be keen on having their photo taken – because it’s outdoors you don’t feel too fake or posed, and it enables you to interact with your kids and each other in an unforced way. It’s also over so fast that the kids don’t have a chance to get bored, they’re having too much fun!

The three things that impressed us the most:

1. Hart’s manner is so lovely. He’s so relaxed and we were all instantly at ease for the session, we interacted with each other as usual while he gave minor directions or responded to our requests. He’s particularly great with kids, and instantly put my 6 year old son at ease. My stubborn 2 year old resisted his charms initially, but he won her over by encouraging her to look for shells on the beach. The result – gorgeous, candid photos of my kids being themselves.

2. My husband was reluctant to do the photo shoot – he wanted the photos, just didn’t want the awkward photo session – but has since commented that he was amazed how much it didn’t feel like a photo shoot. It just felt like our family, hanging out with Hart, who just happened to have a camera.

3. I can’t stop looking at the photos! The light and composition is wonderful, and he’s captured some brilliant expressions from both my children. I got teary when he first sent them through (same day as the shoot btw!), and it’s so special to have some photos of the whole family – previously the only photo of all of us was a selfie!

From a reluctant, camera-shy family, we are now total converts to the family photo session, and will definitely be booking another mini shoot with Hart in the future.

Jessica Bernard

East Coast Park MIni Session 2019

Details of Mini Family PHotoshoots at East Coast PArk

What sets us apart…

With so many choices out there in the market, how do you find a suitable photographer or studio to help you in your quest of capturing memories of your love ones?

Its easy for us to show you articles or features but we believe that it is best said from those who have experienced a photo shoot with Tomato Photo. Here are our clients thoughts on Tomato Photo

Clients believe in:

Tomato Photo’s professionalism
The ability to handle their children
The ability to capture the moments that clients are looking for
Tomato Photo quick turn around time
Their children are in good hands
Match and deliver what the clients want
Creativity and artistic vision
Friendly and approachable attitude
Last but not least, my ability to make people smile

Here are some screen shots from our wonderful clients:

Here are some grateful client emails that we are happy to share

Our vision is to put smiles on people’s face and create images that warm peoples hearts and our actions are reflection in our vision.

On the surface, you can see the images that we created, the price we charge, but many prospects perhaps forget to include the intangible return that they are getting. With this in mind, it is easy to know why 82% of our business is returning clients and referred clients.

So if you want something special for your family… why not give us a call on 8858 0088 for a chat?

Regards,

Hart Tan
88580088
info@tomato.sg
www.tomato.sg

Family holiday 2015…

Every year, many families including ours planning for holiday either locally or within the region or some place far away…

Holiday is an interesting way to relax, spending time together, recharge, refresh and ready to tackle what’s ahead of us when we are back.

Our children loves animal, playground and intrigue with natural and we love some where that is quiet, some place to think.

Pictures are great way to remember what we do, where we go, food we eat, and most importantly, what our kids do… I love capturing what our kids do as that reminds me of who they were as they grow… It is always a great pleasure to see those images of them growing up. I tend to organise those picture in an album with images that I took of them… they could tell me so much details about our holiday that we did years ago and I thought, their memories are good but only discover that they co-sleeping with those album from time to time. That gives me the motivation to keep doing it and best part of being a photographer, I have an in-house album designer who can take on the job for me… if left to me, nothing will be done.

However, for those who know how, have the time and willing to do it themselves… there are a few album printers in Singapore/Malaysia… (I have not tried them, but they seems to be legit, check them out before making a purchase…)

1. Photo Genie – http://www.photogenie.com/
2. Photobook – http://www.photobooksingapore.com/
3. Photobookmart – http://www.photobookmart.com.my/
4. Fotohub – http://www.fotohub.com/

I have help some of my clients to do the same using the resources that we have to get their holiday pictures organised. It is the part of what I believe in preserving memories… helping others to have something tangible to remember their holiday with. So why don’t email us if you simply want something to keep yet find it difficult to jungle everything yourself while have the layout done by professional album designer?

Regards,

Hart Tan
Associate Master Photographer
www.tomato.sg
info@tomato.sg
www.facebook.com/tomato.sg

The next chapter has begun…

The past 7 years living in Singapore has been really interesting… It fills with up and down and drama… now the dust has settled a little, things are getting more interesting.

On photography front, for myself, I have continue to sharpen my vision that offer clients into preserving part of their memories…. The Tomato Photo brand is growing and I am still hungry to take the brand to the next stage… but one step at a time keeping the promises as we go along. I am not perfect, and do pardon me if I make mistake along the way.

Along the way, I found love in nurturing new talents… nurturing them to release their full potential by taking baby steps forward… It is almost like seeing your child walk that first step… so magical…

We set up our subsidiary company, Bambini Photography (www.bambiniphoto.sg), slightly over 5 years ago but only really actively building it for the past 3+ years… the time has passed quickly, through changes and constant improvements have been set in place to offer their services to our audience. As a mentor, I love to see how they grow and yesterday was the day that they can call themselves as Qualified Master Photographer. It isn’t the end point, nor it is a point that they stop, but it is a point where more responsibility for them to offer their skills to fulfill their client’s need for memories preservation.

The journey they learn to become a Master Photographer is the most important part of the whole process… getting the qualification is just a formality.

It is a way that we continue to bring more to clients who choose us for what we do.

So thank you for everyone who have and will be supporting us through our journey. Without your support, none of these are even possible.

Regards,
Hart Tan
www.tomato.sg
info@tomato.sg
www.facebook.com/tomato.sg

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