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Photographer AYA DELA CRUZ focuses on candid lifestyle family photography and everyday moments – a child running ahead, a hand on a shoulder, a quick laugh between parents. Here, she tells us about her family, maternity and newborn photoshoot sessions, and what she hopes people will remember when they look back at their images.

Inside Aya dela Cruz’s candid lifestyle family photography

Let’s start with your story – where are you originally from, and how long have you been in Singapore?

I’m from Thailand. I moved to the US in my 20s, which opened up my world in so many ways. After getting married, my life became an international adventure – we lived in Bahrain, Korea, Japan, Italy and now Singapore. I’ve been here about nine months.

Living in so many cultures has shaped the way I see people and relationships, with curiosity, sensitivity and a respect for the small details that make each story unique.

How did you first get into photography?

I started taking photos when I was very young. I was always trying to capture things I didn’t want to forget, and when I got my first paycheque, the first thing I bought was a camera.

Years later, that camera became even more meaningful when my youngest son was born. I posted those photos on Facebook without thinking much of it, and suddenly friends began asking me to photograph their families – then their friends, and their friends’ friends.

That was six years ago in Japan. It was then that I realised photography wasn’t just something I enjoyed – it was something I was meant to do.

What drew you specifically to family, maternity and newborn photoshoots?

I’ve always been drawn to the intimacy of family life – the way parents look at their children, the way kids hold hands, the gentle chaos of real moments. Being able to create memories for families – and seeing how special children feel when they look at their photos – truly makes my day.

How would you describe your photographic style?

My style is lifestyle-focused, intimate and refined. Families who choose me aren’t looking for stiff, posed portraits – they value authenticity and connection, and they want photos that reflect their story.

My work blends softness, movement, texture and genuine emotion. I love natural interactions: a mum brushing her child’s hair away, a dad lifting his baby, siblings running hand in hand. These are the moments families come back to years later.

What do you love most about capturing these moments?

I love when families feel free to be themselves – when kids run around and parents don’t stress, when a toddler cries and no one gets frustrated. Life is chaotic, and when families embrace that, the photos become so much richer.

I always say imperfection is the magic. When families let me capture things as they are, the images feel honest.

What are some of your favourite indoor or outdoor locations to shoot in Singapore?

Singapore has many beautiful spots, but my favourite outdoor location is Gardens by the Bay. It’s spacious, the kids can roam, the greenery is vibrant, and the Marina Bay Sands and Supertree Grove backdrop feels both iconic and modern.

For indoor sessions – especially on rainy days – I love the Cloud Forest. The mist, the light and the layers of plants create a dreamlike atmosphere. Newborn and maternity photoshoot sessions can be very intimate.

How do you help parents relax?

As a mum, I understand the mix of excitement and exhaustion – and the hope that the baby will “cooperate”.

I send a what-to-wear guide, offer tips on preparing the baby, and always remind parents not to worry about tidying the house. Lived-in spaces photograph beautifully – they tell the truth of those early days.

I want parents to feel like we’re creating the images together rather than performing for the camera. It’s the same with maternity sessions – I show up like a supportive sister.

Any advice on what to wear – or avoid – for family or maternity photoshoots?

Outfits matter when it comes to lifestyle family photography, but not in a stressful way. Clothing helps the photos feel cohesive and keeps the focus on the people. I usually suggest choosing a shared colour palette instead of matching outfits, wearing comfortable clothes, and leaning toward timeless, neutral tones because they photograph well. Layering adds texture.

But honestly, the most important thing is wearing what feels like you. Confidence looks best on camera.

What’s the most memorable newborn, maternity or family photoshoot session you’ve photographed in Singapore?

One memorable session was with a mother and her four kids. Even though she was navigating a new chapter on her own, she was doing everything she could for her children. The kids were humble, joyful and so caring – you could feel the love in that family.

She also brought her helper and included her in the photos, giving her full credit for the role she plays in their life. Moments like that are why I run my “Because It Takes a Village” campaign, which recognises helpers who support families behind the scenes. Seeing both mother and helper honoured was very meaningful. Parents often worry their kids won’t cooperate.

What’s your best advice for happy little ones?

I always ask about nap times and when the child is happiest. I prioritise their schedule and make sure there are snacks and water – happy tummies matter. I encourage parents to let kids be kids: run, play, explore. Don’t force smiles; I have my own ways of bringing out genuine joy.

It’s also fine if a child is shy or not smiling. Some just need more time. Real life includes all emotions, and those honest expressions often become the most meaningful images.

How do you prepare for a newborn photoshoot session, and what can parents expect?

For newborn photoshoot sessions, the baby leads. We follow their rhythm – feeding when they need to, pausing when necessary. They grow so quickly, and I want to capture those tiny details that change almost overnight.

What do you hope families feel when they look back on their photos years from now?

I hope they feel the warmth, the connection and the small moments that defined that stage of their lives. When photos go beyond being pictures, they become memories. My goal is for their gallery to feel personal – a time capsule of who they were at that moment, from a newborn photoshoot to a maternity photography session.

hello@ayadelacruz.com | ayadelacruz.com

This article on Aya dela Cruz first appeared in the January 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription, or read the digital version free now.

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