SWPP Gold Awards!

We're thrilled to bits on having attained 2 SWPP (Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers, UK) GOLD Awards under separate categories! Gold Awards qualify for the annual judging and are deemed to be images of the highest standard. Crossing our fingers for the annual award!

SWPP GOLD Award (July 09) - Category: Wedding Traditional

SWPP GOLD Award (July 09) - Category: Portraiture Contemporary
Check out SWPP:-
http://www.swpp.co.uk/image_competition_july_09/winnerspg07.htm

Aleen & Wan

We were privilieged to capture the wedding of Aleen & Wan from Nikah right up to their 2nd grand reception at Concorde. Shots here are from the reception at their lovely home in Shah Alam last weekend graciously hosted by Tuan Haji Mustafa & Datin Paduka Hajjah Shahaneem.

Aleen waiting for dear hubby, Wan.

...and the nieces love to tease her.

Lovely couple with family members.

Playing with petals.

With their best friends.

Modeling Portfolio

Latest addition to our string of modelling portfolios-in-progress...

Very talented (we shall keep her name under wraps first!) - will be doing more shoot for her in the near future as she joins our pool of talents. Way to go, gal!

Meanwhile, to aspiring models out there who wish to be included in our talent pool for future photography shoots/assignments, drop us a line at info@nurulsuhaimi.com with your latest image!

MATERNITY PORTRAITS

It's been great concentrating on portraits these past few months - personal portraits, portfolios and also pregnancy shoots. Yes - we're inviting all expectant Mums (and Dads, too) to document this milestone in their lives. Come for our maternity portrait session - it's a new experience. when words are not enough to express your joys... CELEBRATE NEW LIFE!

RM450 for 5 images / RM750 - for up to 25 priceless images!
(Digital package with option for prints)

Modeling Portfolio

In the midst of compiling images for a portfolio. Hope to complete it next week! Posting some images here strictly for self gratification purposes...

Celebrate INDIVIDUALITY! PERSONALITY PORTRAITS @ TOPCAT Studio

Grab this opportunity for a professional studio shoot - get a personality portrait with us!
For students, and the rest of us who want to get the "pro-shot" without the hassle of a beauty makeover - you can have a portrait for only RM90*! Come as you are - please call to book your slot with us first! All done in the privacy of our studio.

(*RM90 - 1 retouched image on CD, medium resolution)

For RM450, you will have 8 retouched images on CD. Prints available, price according to print size, and album size.

Call today for studio appointment. We love to have you over, we're passionate about creating portraits! For studio location, please click under TOPCAT.

+6 012-2079916 (Nurul) / +6 012-3829916 (Suhaimi)
http://www.nurulsuhaimi.com/
Connect with us in FACEBOOK - "nurulsuhaimi"

Sofea @ Topcat Studio

A marathon shoot today with Sofea at our studio. Here's Sofea etched in gothic.

Will post some more in time to come.Gypsy queen.

CELEBRATING 70 Marvellous Years

Pn Sri Zaleha Arshad celebrated her 70th birthday in style at Sheraton Subang recently. Looking sweet and gorgeous, with Tan Sri Arshad Ayub and rest of the family. Surrounded by all the granchildren!

Having fun on stage!
Gorgeous at 70!

"Save the last dance for me..."

And a perfect way to end the evening...

CONGRATULATIONS Pn Sri - many more happy returns of the day!

Inspired by HCB

"To take a photograph is to hold one’s breath when all faculties converge in a face of fleeing reality. It is at that moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy.

...means to recognize – simultaneously and within a fraction of a second– both the fact itself and the rigorous organisation of visually perceived forms that give it meaning. It is putting one’s head, one’s eye, and one’s heart on the same axis.

...In order to “give a meaning” to the world, one has to feel involved in what one frames through the viewfinder. This attitude requires concentration, discipline of mind, sensitivity, and a sense of geometry. It is by economy of means that one arrives at simplicity of expression. "
- Henri Cartier-Bresson.

As I was going through a collection of HCB's images, was reminded of his famous quote above. An inspiration.

PREGNANCY Portraits - FAQs

WE'VE COME ACROSS nervous mums-to-be about having their very own INTIMATE pregnancy portraiture taken and have been asked a variety of questions that we’ve decided to compile them. Read on, they might sound familiar to you! (Images here were recently shot at our studio Topcat - privacy of client maintained)

1. HELP - I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE SHOWING OFF MY BELLY BUT I DO WANT THOSE INTIMATE SHOTS I ALWAYS SEE!
Dear Mums – Nurul is the principal photographer for pregnancy portraits. There will only be the 2 of us (Nurul & Suhaimi) in the studio together with your partner. Portraits are professionally taken in our very own comfortable and private space so there’s no need to worry about sudden intrusion from outsiders because the whole place is secured and not shared with anyone else. If you prefer only female presence, then Nurul will personally handle the shots.

2. I AM EMBARASSED BY MY STRETCH MARKS AND CERTAINLY CAN'T DO ANY PREGNANCY PORTRAITS WITH THEM!
YES, YOU CAN! With creative lighting arrangements, shooting angles or use of props, you won't notice too much of those stretch marks. So, not to worry!

3. I’M NOT GOOD AT POSING AT ALL - WHAT MORE NOW THAT I'M PREGNANT!
You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll enjoy the session! This is a moment of bonding between you two (or 3!). There will be no “stiff acrobatic poses”! Just take on our directions as we use body language between couples, to effectively capture the quiet and intimate moments. Our focus is to achieve portraits that strongly depict the love between you, your partner and your baby.

4. MY PARTNER IS NOT COMFORTABLE WITH ME BARING MY BELLY.
You can have equally meaningful and intimate shots without having to bare your belly. It is just an option for couples. So don’t worry – you too will have memorable shots.

5. WHAT DO I WEAR FOR THE SHOOT? I DON'T HAVE THAT MANY MATERNITY CLOTHES.
Keep your portraits timeless and simple - there’s no need to bring colourful clothes or use accessories. Just simple black and white blouse/long skirts will do. We do not want distracting colours to steal the limelight from those emotional moments. Lightings will be used effectively to create shadows, accentuate features and produce moody, artistic and powerful images. Additional materials will be provided for you to wear or drape around during the shoot.

6. I HAVE 2 OTHER CHILDREN. CAN THEY COME, TOO?
Of course! This is a family affair. Involving your children in the portrait is a great way to prepare them in welcoming the new addition to the family. You will also be more comfortable with them around. Hug them, kiss them, or let them touch your belly – we’ll do the rest!

7. OKAY - COUNT ME IN! SO WHAT ARE THE DO's & DON'Ts I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE THE SHOOT?

• In preparation for the shoot, apply light makeup and DO have your hair done to counter bad hair days and fly-aways during the shoot! You CAN be glamorous and pregnant at the same time! When you look good, you'll feel good. And when you feel good, you'll enjoy being photographed!
• Wear lose clothings the day before and even on the day itself. This is to avoid those wrinkly marks on your skin caused by your clothings/undergarments.
• If you are bringing along smaller children, it would be good to have someone close who can attend to them while you and your partner are involved in the shoot;
• Let us know beforehand the type of photography/poses you are both comfortable with. This will enable us to do our homework and be prepared to direct the shoot within the confines of your preferences.
• Have a good rest the night before so you can totally enjoy the shoot and savour every moment of being a glamorous Mum!
• Do allow at least 2 hours - this includes small breaks in between so that you can have a relaxing and well-paced session. The best is not to time your other appointments too closely on this day to avoid all incoming phone calls and stress. This is your time together - a new kind of experience - we want you to enjoy it!
• Images taken will be posted to a private site where only you will have access to view them and then make your selections;
• Images given are in medium resolution - rights reserved, but will not be used for commercial purposes.

We’ll add on to the list as we go on. If you have any queries, please do email us at info@nurulsuhaimi.com

SARAKids Mini OPEN Day & Bday Celebration

Sunday, 28th June 09 - this was one photo shoot we all look forward to. For one thing, it was just 3 minutes from home! and it involved children - I love taking pictures of families and children. This was Sara Kids' Mini Open Day plus a grand birthday celebration for Puteri Sara Azalea, Farah (owner)'s daughter. It turned out to be more than that - was like a carnival with a lot of stalls set up by online business owners mainly bringing with them baby clothes and accesories for mums and dads.

Pn Farah & Sara

The birthday girl all dressed up for the occasion.

Pn Farah addressing her guests with much enthusiasm.

Cake cutting time - notice the number of birthday cake little Sara has! Seen here is the proud father, Saiful and baby Syasya with Farah. Grandparents taking care of the rest of the children eager to have their cake.

The happy 2-year old with family members.

Saiful presenting a special (humorous) tribute to all fathers.

One proud father (guest) caught playing with his daughter.

Everyone who came and supported the event.

Check out http://www.sarakids.com/ to see what they have in store for babies and parents, too!

INTIMATE Moments

A month to remember. For us. Loss of a loved one. We took a month long break from photography. I've reserved that last day of June to make this entry.

We're back at the studio and will start updating images, from time to time. We're more determined than ever to focus our photography on RELATIONSHIPS and CELEBRATING Life. We get a lot of personal satisfaction from capturing images of people, FAMILIES, children and LIFE itself. To our fans, clients and friends, THANK YOU for your great support.

Here is our latest studio promo - an intimate photography session for couples eagerly expecting their bundle of JOY. A tribute to MUMs and DADs to be.


RM450 - 5 images / RM750 - up to 25 priceless images.
(This is a digital package, with an option for prints)