I’ve been ill just a few days back. So ill that the doctor decided to admit me into the hospital ward for treatment & observation. While I was in pain & misery early that morning, only 2 major thoughts came to mind. Haley & my clients. Boy oh Boy, was I in a mess! Who’s going to take care of them if I’m like this?

Honestly, I was partially afraid for my life that day. My heart was beating so hard so fast, that doctors were worried about my thyroid situation. I was praying so hard that I do not get a heart attack that day. It was so scary… an event which has left me lots to ponder about… again.

This year has me struggling in keeping a balance between my personal life & my business. I was at the verge of burning out. I was working so hard to achieve so many goals, that I forgot to take a step back & give enough time to myself. Every time I wanted to do that, I started feeling guilty about it. I started telling myself the “Me Time” can wait. Lots more important stuffs need to be done first. And thus, I got caught into a whirlpool of family responsibilities, making sure every one is happy, making sure our monthly income is flowing in steadily, chasing after deadlines & deadlines of editing, and endless other things. I forgot about ME. And that affected my creative self, my self esteem, my happy self. I let a certain people bully me & take advantage of me. And that almost killed my passion & my business.

Lucky thing is that I realized about it before it’s too late. I decided to take a real break. I took the courage to have my first solo trip away from home. The wonderful times with my dear friends Laura & Pau Ling are still fresh in my mind. I got to have some time alone & explore Melbourne all by myself. Don’t get me wrong, I love being in a company of people. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a social butterfly. But there’s this special good feeling once a while being alone, especially when traveling in a foreign place. I guess I get the chance to think and not think at the same time. It’s just ME time. And it did wonders. I came back refreshed & strong again.

Laura took time off from work & flew down to Brisbane from Sydney to be with me. She took me around town & even brought me back to her beautiful parent's home. This is her goofing around in the house.

Such fun refreshing time in Melbourne with little Meagan. Mummy Pau Ling is one of my besties. I miss our times chit chatting in bed at night about everything under the stars.

During my exploration of Melbourne city, I visited the beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral where I offered a prayer for my late father. I did some private reflection here to find some peace in my heart & soul. And found them I did.

I made new resolutions that includes more of ME this time. My health is one major issue I need to keep in check. My family is another, especially my relationship with dear hubby who’s been much ‘neglected’ since we both became parents. And I was so caught up in building up this photography business while juggling with motherhood & keeping the household in order that I just didn’t have much time for anything else. But I want to change all that. And change has been happening. Slowly but surely. And so far, I think I’m doing quite okay.

Our own version of Winter Sonata at Nami Island, Korea. Hehehe...

My beautiful Haley... my everything.

All these changes will not have been easy if not for the amazing amount of support I have been getting from my dearest friends & clients. For trying to understand that I need this time to re-prioritize. For understanding that I am a mother, a wife and a daughter as well. Most importantly, I’m a person with feelings & needs too. And for that, I want to thank my current & past clients who have been so supportive to me. Your little words of encouragements, your short sms-es & messages to see how I was doing, your small little gifts of food & little pretty things. All these I treasure close to my heart.

My business have finally grown enough this year to let me afford help & I’m really happy to welcome my dear friend Su as well as a new found friend, Kevin, into ALP’s little family. We aim & hope to make more happy hearts amongst our clients so praying that our team still stay strong & bonded in order to do just that. To make more happy memories & more happy hearts.

This little slideshow is dedicated to our 2011 clients. Thank you for your unconditional supports! Thank you for taking my hands & walk through this beautiful journey of photography with me. Love you!

A remembrance of 2011.

Here’s to a better 2012 for everyone the world around.

xoxo,
Asther

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Here’s a quick flash back of my 2010…

JANUARY:

My photography business had gotten more bookings ever since the launch of this new web-blog. There was a time when I kept praying for the possibility of an enquiry email right before I open my email, and the Lord has answered my prayers ten times over! Thank you, dear Lord! And thank you to YOU whom had taken the time to write in & shown an interest in my photography services.

I had my first ever outstation assignment for portraiture. It was to the beautiful island of Penang to capture Little Ryleigh’s special moments with her family.

My little girl finally got to meet her two cousins from the U.S this year.

Haley with her cousins having some pool fun!

FEBRUARY:

Family photo by my fabulous sister-in-law, the person behind Jennifer Tai Photo Artistry

The Tan’s Family finally got to celebrate the Chinese New Year together as one big family after some 5 long years being apart from each other.

One of my bestest girlfriend finally brought her Greek husband home to Malaysia. They had their marriage blessed in the family church and I got to share those moments with her!

My maternal cousin & an old friend had each found their lifetime partner & tied the knot. Gabriel & Daniel! Hope married life is treating you well.

MARCH:

I finally had my eye-sight corrected with an epi-lasik surgery. I have an almost 20-20 vision now. I still have a small degree of astigmatism on my left eyes. Ah well… At least I don’t need glasses anymore!

Haley & I celebrated our birthdays together with the family at the fabulous Pangkor Laut Resort. We had a blast, thanks to the outstanding services by the resort as well as the friendship extended to us by some of the staffs there.

My baby girl is now a toddler!

APRIL:

The craziness of shooting & editing amidst mommy duties continued. But I am blessed to have made great friends out of my clients. Thank you so much for your friendship, dearest Daphine & Foong Yee!

Three ladies met-up with a mind boggling goal to achieve. Gina & Mei Yoong! Remember our first meet-up for G.O.L?

MAY:

I had my first & ONLY scuba diving trip this year. It was wonderful to be back in the deep blue at Layang-Layang Island! I’m blessed to be able to meet & spend time with my old comrades there. I love you all! Oh! Not forgetting the absolutely gorgeous sunset! I kept counting my lucky stars to be able to document some beautiful moments there. Our Little Haley had a blast exploring the little island & get to know where her mummy used to live & work.

I had my long overdue dentist check-up in Muar this year. It was years since my last check-up and I’m lucky to have a dear friend who owns his own dentistry practice there. It was an adventure for mom, Haley & I, driving down to Muar & back. Thank you for the check-up & lunch, Rick! We did some shopping along our way back to KL. Fresh mussels & la-la! Must make a trip down to Muar again soon.

We finally had our own family moments captured this year. Thank you Zach!

JUNE:

I got to see my little clients from last year & document their little moments again. Little Sophia & Shuen-Shuen have both grown beautifully! It’s always so heart-warming to be able to meet & spend more time with my little clients again.

Justin + Joo Lee = Gabriel & Charmaine

Ras + Carol = Twins Asyraff and Aimar & BabyRose!

God decided it’s time for me to meet with my old old old friends and their families. Justin + Joo Lee and Carol, thank you so much for sharing your precious family moments with me. I’m so sorry we didn’t get to meet up again since your session but I’ll try to have a get-together with you & family again next year.

JULY:

I made a trip back to my hometown Kuching & attended my high-school reunion dinner which turned out to be… well… let’s just say I’m sad cos most of my classmates whom were close to me were not in town, but at the same time I’m really happy to be seeing some of my teachers again. Thank you Eileen & Joanne, for making the night much more interesting & meaningful for me.

I met another childhood friend, Mommy J with her little family during my stay in Kuching. So happy we took the effort to finally meet-up after more than 10 yrs!

It was a crazy month with continuous shooting, traveling, editing & meetings for the Gift of Love Charity Bazaar!

The mommies behind G.O.L

AUGUST:

I made a few more beautiful mommy-friends this month. My job is definitely a blessings! Thank you Iris and Helen, for taking the extra effort to know me as a person and as a friend to you.

I attended the first ever photography conference in Malaysia. Had some good fun with the industry peers and made some good friends along the way too. Thanks WPPM!

SEPTEMBER:

I’d dare say this month had been a month full of newborns!

We had a very short break to Singapore during the Hari Raya Holidays. Met some friends & brought our girl, Haley to the Singapore Zoo for the first time.

Little Haley & Daddy in the Zoo's Tram

Haley's so happy when she saw the flamingoes!

Gift of Love had our first interview with Sin Chew and we enjoyed the session very much. We also had other major newspapers covering our event namely TheStar, China Press & Parenthood Magazine. Our event kicked-off with an unexpected high response, especially at the photo-booth section.

Tropicana City Mall in Malaysia by Kay Bin Kow

We managed to collect more than RM8k from this charity drive. Very very thankful to have a strong support team. Especially when everyone involved was doing it on a volunteer basis. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

OCTOBER:

Another outstation portraiture assignment and this time it’s to Seremban. Thank you Cheryl, for your friendship & the opportunities to document your special moments. I still owe you the photos and will try to get them done for you ASAP.

Tis another month filled with photo sessions, play classes for Haley and final planning for my beloved cousin’s wedding.

One of my best friend from high school came back to Malaysia, bringing her new British husband along to meet her relatives & friends. Wish we could spend more quality time together but it was beautiful to share her happy moments back in Kuching! Congrats Rachel!

NOVEMBER:

This is a bitter sweet month for me!

My closest cousin sister (she’s the sister I never had) finally got married to her beloved. It was an emotional week for all of us.

Another one of my best-ies girlfriend got hitched this month. Congrats Lynette and here’s wishing you a happy life with Leo in the U.S!

I was suffering from knee pain for several months, making it hard for me to walk up & down steps as well as crouch or kneel comfortably. Finally went for an MRI and doctor told me it’ll require an arthroschopy and about 2-3 months to heal. Am still healing after the surgery and I’m praying hard that I’ll be A-Okay before Chinese New Year 2011!

A week before my knee surgery, I lost my footing on my way back to my car after a baby session. My small toe bone was fractured towards the end where it’s attached to the tendon near my ankle. I was on crutches for about 2 weeks. I had to postpone/reschedule my photo sessions but am really lucky to have some very understanding clients. Am currently still limping from both the leg & knee injuries.

My left leg was swollen for weeks!

Despite my injuries, I continued with the Christmas Mini-Session at my home studio and we had some happy fun.

DECEMBER:

The Family & I finally had a chance to spend some quality time together at Pangkor Laut Resort again. It was a trip full of dramas but we’re happy nevertheless.

I decided to take this month a little slower mainly for a few important things.

1. To prepare for Christmas. Shopping for groceries, food preparation, shopping for gifts, cleaning the house, etc.
2. Spend more quality time with my little Haley. She was showing signs of cling-iness and I believe she misses me as I’ve spent so little time since a few months back, burying myself in work mainly.
3. Take some time off for “Me” time. I was at the verge of “burning out” and thanks to my dear friends and family, I was reminded on what are my priorities once again. I was sick a lot this year due to lack of sleep & rest. So, I’m pretty adamant at keeping my stress level down this month and just CHILL. Heck, my body, my soul, my creative mind, ALL needs a rest & positive boost before it all breaks down.
4. My doctors’ appointments for my leg and thyroid. Everything is going on the positive side!

So there… my 2010 filled with so many happenings & dramas and such! I would like to express my deepest gratitude & love to my family, friends and clients for filling up my life this year. I will cherish all the laughters & tears, the knowledge gained & shared, and most importantly the relationships gained & shared together with each & everyone of you. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

As for what will be waiting for me & you in 2011, well… let’s just prepare ourselves with all things good and the not so good. Plan your year and try your best to fulfill your dreams. Most importantly, cherish everything around you, cos without them, there is no you.

What will be brewing in ALP’s world? Let’s just say there’s lots in the “I wish” and “I need” lists. And we’re going to try our very best to tick-off each & everything in the lists in 2011. Come and walk along with us in our adventures and dreams.

Here’s wishing you a 2011 filled with more happiness, good health and love!

KISSES & HUGS from me to you. xoxo

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Entry #2 = Jozuana A.D

Entry #5 = Jinelle Chay

Entry #10 = Adeline Low

Entry #12 = Sharon Leng

Entry #13 = Low Hsiao-Ju

Congratulations to the winners. And a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who contributed & shared their thoughts on breastfeeding. Very encouraging indeed!

We will be sending the winners an email soon on how to claim your FREE Canon print from our Gift of Love Charity Bazaar’s Photobooth.

Our event is just around the corner. 24-26 September 2010 (Friday to Sunday). You’re all invited to come & join us in the fun of shopping, having your portaits taken and joining our various stage activities & contests.

ALP together with a few other volunteering photographers will be at the photobooth, ready to help capture your beautiful portraits. You will be able to purchase a 4R print or A4 print of your portraits taken from our booth.

1 x 4R = RM10                    1 x A4 = RM30                            1 x 4R + 1 x A4 + Contest Entry = RM50

There will be three categories for you to enter:

1. Child Portraiture (age 3 and below)

2. Group Portraiture

3. Pregnancy Portraiture

Amazing prizes awaits, including a FREE photo session with ALP among them. Contest entry closes at 3pm on Sunday, 26th September 2010.

So looking forward to seeing you there! More info at: Gift of Love Charity Bazaar 2010’s Facebook Page

Till then, have a great week ahead!

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2. Maybe I should…
… stop worrying. Que sera sera?

3. I love…
… scuba diving and definitely photography! Books, movies & music too. Not forgetting good & considerate people.

4. People would say that I am…
… bubbly & helpful but can be a control freak at times.

5. I don’t understand…
… why people like to demand inconsiderately.

6. When I wake up in the morning…
… I look for my Little Haley.

7. I trust…
… but carefully.

8. Life is…
… full of cross-roads and we must choose always to go forward & face what’s beyond.

9. My past has taught me…
… to be a better person.

10. I get annoyed when…
… I’m being pushed even though I’m trying my very best.

11. Parties are…
… for kids, young people and those young at-hearts.

12. I wish…
… miracles happen to us everyday!

13. Dogs…
… are fun & bouncy.

14. Cats…
… are soft and cuddly.

15. Tomorrow is…
… another day and praying it’s gona be a beautiful one!

16. If I had a million dollars…
… I will buy a bigger house & have another baby. Build a home studio & maybe then darling Francis can work for me!

17. I’m totally terrified of…
… failure but I’m learning to embrace it & learn from it. See it as an opportunity.

18. When I look at the night sky, I think…
… there is too much light pollution here in Petaling Jaya. I wish I’m back on an island where I can see the stars vivid & clear!

That’s all for now… Have a good week ahead, everyone!

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I’ve come up with a New Year Specials for YOU this 2010! Check it out!

Having a baby this 2010? These are for YOU!

♥

The First Year
[Portraiture Package for Infants below 1-yr old] = RM800

• Capturing baby’s growing moments from birth to first birthday
• FOUR (4) x 2-hrs portraiture sessions in an interval of 3 months each
• 1 location (within Klang Valley) for each session

♣

Bump to Pop!
[Portraiture Package for Pregnant Family] = RM888

• Capturing your beautiful glowing moments and your newborn’s new moments*
• 1 x 2-hr portraiture session for pregnancy moments and 1 x 2-hr portraiture session for newborn moments
• 1 location (within Klang Valley) for each session

* Newborn has to be within 2-week old from birth date.

Looking for something different or getting married this 2010?

♦

Underwater Dream
[Portraiture Package for Casual/Engagement/Pre-Wedding] = RM2010

• Capturing your underwater portraits the ALP style!
• 3-hr session
• Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor or recommended island retreat *
• Make-up service inclusive
• Support divers inclusive (for safety purposes)

* island retreat logistic cost is not inclusive

STANDARD DELIVERABLES = High resolution digital files [post-processed with a mixture of special treatments (whenever I see fit) on DVD] at least 1 month after shoot date.

So what are you waiting for?!?!?! Go ahead and Contact Me NOW!

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… 2009…

This is the year I became a mother. And my life started to change beyond what I could have imagined or anticipated. It was God’s grace for giving us our little girl. She’s such a joy to me when I’m down, albeit sometimes a little annoying when she throws her tantrum. Our Little Haley has been a handful and I’m really thankful that my own mother is still young & capable enough to help care for my little girl when I had to return to work. Darling Francis has been a wonderful daddy and husband, ever supportive & patience when it comes to dealing with the various situations in our little chaotic life. I am ever so thankful cos I just wouldn’t know how I’d manage without him!

These are just a few of the changes (ones I’ve felt the impact most) since Haley’s arrival into our life.

• The house is a lot merrier (and did I mention chaotic too? ) with her coos & aahs, her laughter & screams, and very recently her endless baby chatters.
• In contrast, our social life has gotten a lot quieter. Darling & I are very sociable people, especially amongst our scuba diving society. Not that we do not like to socialize anymore. It’s just that our priorities have changed. We used to host various get-together with our friends and family but not anymore. We also seem to turn down friends’ invitations to hang-out pretty often nowadays.
  • First is SLEEP. As most parents will agree with me, having a new baby in the house means less sleep for everyone else. So, we find ourselves pretty tired by midnight and the bed seems all too inviting all the time!
  • Second is WORK. Family time is really rare considering that darling leaves the house early in the morning & only comes back after 8pm generally 5 days a week, where as my working schedule often falls on weekends and public holidays.
  • Third is FAMILY. We try to spend as much time together as a family when we’re not working. Which means, the whole evening will be spent in the bedroom with Haley for her bedtime. We also try to have at least 3 to 4 times family holiday a year, away from home.
• Darling & I go on a date (mostly on movie dates) a lot more often nowadays. Once again, we’re lucky to have my mum around to babysit at nites when we are going on a date. Initially, it was hard for me to concentrate during our dates as my mind & heart will be back at home with Haley, but eventually I got used to it. I now look forward to our future dates all the time!
• We’ve been getting home-cooked meals almost everyday. Bless my mother for that! She’s been staying with us more often nowadays (due to me having more photography bookings lately) to help out with Haley, hence, she also does the cooking and laundry for us! Yes! I am indeed lucky!

I started losing weight immediately after delivery and an annual full-body check-up revealed a hyperthyroidism in me. I find myself having  rapid heart palpitation constantly, resulting in insomnia & a constant rise in body temperature. I also had a massive increase of appetite  altho I kept losing weight. Due to the possible unwanted effect on my heart, I was put on a series of medications which resulted in a sudden (unwanted) weight gain! Oh those terrible fats!!! It is sooo demoralizing so I gotta do something bout that soon!

This is also the year when I decided to re-brand my photography business. I would like to thank my friend & mentor, Jenny Sun, for opening my mind & heart when it comes to building my new photography business. I was struggling really hard to find my own identity and to gain clientele but she was always there (albeit her super busy schedule), always willing to share her thoughts and advice, always lending an ear to my never ending rantings. Thank you, girl, for your friendship & trust in me! I owe you one! And I’m looking forward to more shooting & sharing moments with you.

Here are some of the photos I shot when I was assisting Jenny during her wedding assignments. Thank you for the opportunities, Jen!

Ju Liang & Mui Kit's Wedding Day

Ju Liang & his mother

The pretty Mui Kit

Ju Liang & Mui Kit

Tjin & Christine's Wedding Day

Tjin & buddies with their cars

Christine's wedding dress

Tjin & Christine, the happy newlyweds

Hanther & Christine Wedding Day

Hanther & Christine - Blissfully married

… 2010…

So another new year is coming! Only God knows what is planned out for me and all I can do is plan, execute, hope and pray for a smooth sailing journey throughout this new year.

Here’s a list of my new year resolution:

1. Lose 8kg by May 2010 by eating healthier (less carbo, less ice cream, less cakes), plan & follow an exercise regime and drink more water daily!
2. Be a better mother, wife & daughter. Being more patience with Haley & teach her new things as day passes by, spend more time listening & doing things for darling, and give my mother more time of her own.
3. Be a better photographer. Continue learning to improve my skills, as well as increase my editing capabilities in order to deliver my clients’ photos as early possible!
4. Keep in touch more with our dearest friends whom we’ve somehow been neglecting lately.
5. Go to church more often with Haley & mum (and hopefully darling will join us one day ). I’m not too sure how I can do this as most of my weekends have been booked up by clients unless I make it a point to not accept too many bookings on Sundays. God will somehow show me the way soon.
6. Travel and/or dive more. Well… if $ and time permits, of course!
7. Attend a photography workshop or two locally. Definitely looking forward to ShootFest (if any for 2010).
8. Contribute more towards environment conservation. Plant more greens, promote underwater awareness through my underwater photos, etc.

Alrite… that’s all that I can think of at the moment. Let’s see how much of my new year resolution comes true but I hope majority will. Here’s wishing you, my clients, my friends and family a promising New Year 2010! My heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful journey we’ve done together this 2009!

Little Aidan & Family

Little Tiffany & Family

Little Kiera & Family

Little Ethan & Family

Little Aden & Family

Little Gabrielle & Family

Little Shuen & Family

Little Mikhail & Family

Little Hayden & Family

Little Tanveer & Family

Little Venus & Family

Little Sophia & Family

Sherlyn Koh & her dance academy

Jeremy & Jane

Albert & Faye

Amin & Shareen + Family

Pauline & Furry Friends

Mark + Azween

The Nichols

Little Azura & Family

“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.”  ~ Hal Borland

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]]> http://astherlau.com/2009/12/31/one-for-the-road-before-2010/feed/ 0 http://astherlau.com/2009/10/09/behind-the-scene-underwater-pre-wedding-with-albert-faye/ http://astherlau.com/2009/10/09/behind-the-scene-underwater-pre-wedding-with-albert-faye/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:15:15 +0000 Asther http://astherlau.com/?p=1412 I’ve been meaning to share with you my “behind-the-scene” photos and videos but did not do it until today. This is because I was waiting for the new blog to be launched which will enable my posting videos and slideshows without anymore restrictions. So the wonderful day finally came! Hahaha…

Let me share with you a video which was done by a fellow friend, Joey, during my shoot for Albert & Faye’s underwater pre-wedding portraits. The first 2 1/2 mins of the video were in fast-forward mode, so please bear with me and continue watching till the end, ya!

Since this shoot involves the element of water and requiring my couple to swim & hold their breaths underwater, I have to keep in mind the aspect of safety for everyone. I’ve gotten two safety support divers to assist us throughout the shoot. Everything was done in 3 hours, initially we had cloudy sky, then it rained for a while. We had bright sunny sky at the final hour of the shoot. We had so much fun that day!

I would like to thank Joey and Nick for helping us out that day. Without you guys, it wouldn’t be as easy and as fun as it did that dat. CHEERS!

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Today’s post is going to be a little different. Once a while, I get the chance to capture some romantic portraits for those love-birds out there. The typical go-to-the-park or romantic settings of a restaurant, etc.

I’ve been searching inside & outside for a new approach for engagement and wedding portraits, praying constantly for guidance from HIM. Finally! This couple was brought to me with an interesting & amazing idea. An underwater pre-wedding style portrait session! I mean… WOW! Alas this has got to do with an element which I am oh so familiar with for sooo many years!

Due to budget and time constraint, we decided to have this session done in a swimming pool. Preparation was done with a check-list, having in mind both technical and safety issues during the photo session. I had some friends over to help me during the session and it all went soooo well! I’m stoked!

Meet Albert and Faye from Hong Kong!

Lucky guy caught a mermaid!

Initially, Faye was all jittery and nervous about holding her breath and being underwater. I took my time, re-assuring her that she’ll do very fine. Half and hour later, she forgot all her nervousness and all smiles throughout the day!

Dream Love

Sensous

It drizzled for the first hour but hey… we’re wet already anyway! Hahaha…

Fly with Me

Then the sun re-appeared! Below is a little different kind of feel.

Ivory

The wrap-up shot.

Embrace

We also had the typical garden session few days later. The sun was soooo yummy-licious!

I so love these happy faces!

Albert adores Faye like candy sweetness!

My ALL time Favorite!

Albert and Faye. Words cannot describe how much I appreciate your willingness to be infront of my lenses. You have become friends to me which I’ll treasure forever in my heart. Thank you! And YES we will discover Malaysia again when you next come visit!

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