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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18.02.2010

Wet is Hot!

Location: Kuala Lumpur

When: During Yiannis & Alison portrait session

Note: This couple just rocked my day by playing along with this concept!

19.02.2010

Sun-Shiny Couple!

Location: Lake Gardens

When: During Darragh & Kim portrait session

Note: We had such a beautiful sun-shiny morning that day! I was like “woo hoo!” all the way!

20.02.2010

Por-Por and Grand Kids!

Location: Bukit Jelutong

When: During the Sheh’s family portrait session

Note: This photo makes me all warm & fuzzy inside!

21.02.2010

Little Ryleigh

Location: Penang Island

When: Little Ryleigh just woke up & was waiting for my arrival from Kuala Lumpur.

Note: Her baby cot was next to a huge window that lets in such beautiful morning sunray!

22.02.2010

Chris!

Location: Layang-Layang Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

When: During a honeymoon dive trip.

Note: This is Chris Tan, a dear friend who’s working for ScubaZoo.

23.02.2010

Bubbles Time!

Location: Kota Damansara, Selangor

When: During Little Alexis’ portrait session

Note: Little Alexis & Mommy J enjoying some bubble time!

24.02.2010

Floria

Location: At home

When: Just another day.

Note: Bought a new bunch of flowers for the house.

25.02.2010

Hand Bouquet & Bridal Shoes

Location: Thien Hou Temple

When: During Jordan & Sharon’s registration of marriage (R.O.M) ceremony day.

Note: I love detail shots during R.O.M or weddings.

Wokay! Come tomorrow, I’ll be announcing a birthday specials for you, dearest friends, fans of ALP and readers of this blog. So do come back sometime after dinner time for the special news. (Cos I’ve got shoots both in the morning & late afternoon, hence, will only be posting the announcement after am home.)

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"Spiky!"

Location: Home

When: After her dinner.

Note: My Little Mouse sweats so much these days, especially during meal times. This was taken after I tried to wipe off the sweat from her head and the result was too cute not to be captured by my camera! She showed me her cheeky face while I was photographing her.

14.02.2010

"Look!"

Location: Home

When: During a chill time at home.

Note: Little Mouse loves to play with my laptop and here’s her announcing to us she found a “mouse”! Hahaha…

15.02.2010

"Rings"

Location: Thien Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur

When: During Sharon & Jordan’s registration of marriage (ROM) ceremony.

Note: I unofficially started work today by starting on my editing frenzy again since my mum’s back in KL with us to help with Haley. Edited this ring shot and I think it’s my best ring shot to date! Starting work tomorrow with a newborn photo session!

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She has always been a good listener to my various rantings & what-nots. I’ve shared with her intimately on my dreams and my worries, my crazy ideas and my daily goings. Needless to say, she’s always there, accepting me for who I am and never even once judge me for my foolishness & silliness on certain events in my life.

The best memory I had was during our photography rendezvous around Kuala Lumpur; Putrajaya, The Butterfly Park, etc. I just picked up land-photography (previously I was only into underwater photography) and I always admire Alison’s arty-fartsy work on her paintings and photographs taken from her P&S. She’s been such an inspiration to me! Hahaha… Check out her work here:

Pics @ Deviant Art

Paintings @ Deviant Art

Blog @ Blogspot

She finally got swept off her feet by a Greek guy & moved to Greece few years back. I miss her a lot since she left. Where else can I find a crazy female buddy like her who is always open for crazy ideas & impromptu decisions to go for something on that very second?! Sigh…

This Chinese New Year holiday, Al finally found a chance to return to Malaysia and along with her is Yiannis, her long time sweetheart. They had their marriage solemnized in church, infront of God & her beloved family members on a ridiculously hot & humid evening. Her poor beau was literally melting while waiting for his bride to arrive! Hehehe… But he told us this,

“… if this is what I gotta do, I WILL do it for her!”

and he said it with a big warm smile.

I attended the wedding as a guest and my heart was filled with such warmth & happiness for my best pal. I managed to snap a few during the ceremony, followed by the dinner reception at the church’s common hall. Albeit simple & small, her wedding was planned out with such warmth & love from her family members and the little details made the wedding  just as beautiful as a big wedding would!

Here’s a few I managed to capture that evening.

The beautiful church of St. Francis Xavier.

A Chinese (Lunar) New Year decor in the church.

Beautiful flower arrangement decorating the aisle.

Yiannis trying to act cool although he's literally melting under the tropical heat!

And here comes the bride!

Look how beautiful the church altar!

Being blessed by the priest.

Al putting on the wedding band for hubby.

Mr & Mrs Hadjirallis!

Here's the wedding car. Love those flowers!

Bridal bouquet. *heart*

Beautiful tropical orchids decorating the tables at dinner reception

Cutting the cake

Sparkly sprinklers!

And this one will a part of my Project 365 photo of the day.

The First Dance. Awww...

Here’s wishing you two a blessed & endless love for each other, a life filled with continuous happiness and may you travel this journey hand-in-hand till eternity!

With lots of love, Asther. xoxo

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It’s been a CRAZYYYYY week for me, trying to rush a deadline, editing & shooting amidst taking care of my Little Mouse. Hence, I didn’t get the chance to post up my Project 365 pics past few days. So here they are:

31.01.2010

"New Floatie"

Location: Condo’s swimming pool

When: During a Sunday swim.

Note: We bought Little Mouse her first floatie in the form of a colorful airplane. LOL!

01.02.2010

"Green Theme"

Location: Home

When: Just another day

Note: Bought this bunch after a meeting with a potential client at Bangsar Shopping Complex. Decided to go for a green theme.

02.02.2010

"Nen-Nen"

Location: Home

When: Little Mouse’s “nen-nen” time

Note: Trying to teach her to hold her own bottle while feeding.

03.02.2010

"Valentine's Near"

Location: The Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur

When: During a wedding shoot for Mark & Azwin

Note: While I was in an editing frenzy for this series, this photo reminds me that Valentine’s Day is very near, and coincidentally, Chinese New Year Celebration also falls on the same date this year! Haiks… How to celebrate, ar? I’m sooo confused! (and thinking of it makes me tired, so what I really need is a quiet holiday.)

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"Ang-Pow Time"

Location: Kuala Lumpur

When: During Mark & Azwin’s wedding day

Note: This photo reminds me that Chinese New Year is just round the corner and it’s a Chinese tradition for married couples to give out “ang-pows” to children & those young singles. Hmmm… need to sort out budget for this year!

Now talking about budget, here’s another funny comic strip from What The Duck.

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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'm Cool!"

Location: Kuala Lumpur

When: Mark & Azwin’s wedding day

Note: This is Azwin’s family pet. Beautiful, isn’t he?

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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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