James Tan’s journey into photography began long before he ever held a professional camera.
“I’ve always had the urge to capture precious moments with family and friends,” he recalls.
Starting out in 2002 with a simple mobile phone camera, James spent years honing his skills, documenting the moments that mattered most.
However, it wasn’t until 2013, during his university years, that James took the next step in his photography journey. “I purchased my first interchangeable lens camera, the Sony NEX-6,” he says.
This marked a turning point for him, as he not only expanded his technical abilities but also launched his personal website, James Tan Photography. His platform became a space to share his experiences and insights, while also reviewing the equipment he used along the way.
Despite holding down a full-time IT consultancy job, James continued to nurture his love for photography, often volunteering as an event photographer. From corporate workshops to year-end parties, his experiences helped refine his skills.
By 2021, he made a bold move. “I quit my full-time job and took the leap of faith to start my own photography career in Singapore,” he says
Today, James specialises in a range of photography services, from capturing family portraits and weddings to shooting corporate events and casual gatherings. His commitment to telling stories through his lens remains at the heart of his work.
James Tan’s Approach to Photography
James Tan’s photographic style continues to evolve, with a focus on creating images that are bright and natural.
“I’m working towards a bright and natural vibe for portrait works,” he explains.
One of the techniques that sets James apart is his ability to blend different perspectives within a single photoshoot.
“I use both telephoto and ultra-wide-angle lenses on two cameras in the same session,” he shares.
This approach gives him the flexibility to capture varied shots, allowing him to tell a more complete story through his images. His attention to detail doesn’t stop at equipment; he’s constantly changing shooting positions and angles to keep his work fresh and dynamic.
While his professional work often focuses on events, portraits, and weddings, James enjoys experimenting with different genres during his personal time.
Whether it’s street photography, landscapes, or architecture, these explorations help fuel his creativity.
“When I’m taking photos of architecture, I often think about how I could apply that same setup to portrait shots,” he says.
By experimenting across different styles, James not only expands his creative horizons but also finds ways to apply new techniques in unexpected ways. His willingness to explore ensures that his work continues to grow in both depth and variety.
The Tamron Experience: A Key Partner in James Tan’s Growth
For James Tan, the choice of lenses has played a significant role in shaping his photography journey, particularly his relationship with Tamron lenses, (A056) 70-180mm F2.8, (A062) 20-40mm F2.8, (A036) 28-75mm F2.8.
He first started using Tamron lenses for their unique balance of performance, compact size, and affordability.
“The lightweight and compact size of an F2.8 zoom lens, combined with competitive autofocus and optical performance, drew me to them initially,” he explains.
Crafting the Perfect Shot: James Tan’s Creative Process
When it comes to creating captivating photographs, James Tan follows a structured yet adaptable approach, ensuring that each project is tailored to his clients’ needs.
“I always start by talking to my clients about the location and the shots they’re looking for,” he explains.
Once he has a clear brief, James dives into research. “I look online for typical shots of the location, and then I use Google Maps to plan the routes,” he says.
James also visits the location ahead of time with a compact camera to explore the lighting and uncover hidden spots that might add something extra to the shoot.
During the photoshoot itself, James focuses on delivering a blend of expected and creative shots.
“I make sure to capture the ‘typical’ shots that clients expect, but I also aim for more ‘creative’ shots that add a unique perspective,” he notes.
James’ technical skills also play a significant role in the quality of his work. His dedication to mastering composition, lighting, and exposure comes from a continuous cycle of learning and self-critique.
“After each photoshoot, I review all the photos and criticise them in various technical aspects,” he says. This constant evaluation allows him to refine his craft and avoid repeating mistakes.
“I love to visit parks and nature reserves,” he says.
The natural colour palettes found in these environments influence both his photoshoots and post-processing work, helping him create a sense of harmony and balance in his images.
Inspirations and Influences: Shaping James Tan’s Photography
While James Tan is an evolving photographer with his own unique style, his work has been shaped by a variety of influences both inside and outside the photography world. When it comes to inspiration, Instagram plays a huge role for him.
“Instagram automatically recommends different photographers’ works in similar styles, which helps me discover new techniques and trends,” he shares.
By continuously exploring other photographers’ portfolios, James is able to gain fresh insights and ideas.
Interestingly, James doesn’t cite any specific photographers as primary influences on his work. Instead, he draws inspiration from broader cultural contexts.
“I prefer Japanese, Taiwanese, and Korean photographers’ portrait works,” he says, noting their “refreshing and elegant vibe.”
Inspiration doesn’t stop with photography for James. Nature, music, and even time spent editing help to shape his creative vision.
“Besides visiting parks and nature reserves, I like to listen to music while editing photos,” he explains.
James’ ability to draw inspiration from diverse sources reflects the evolving nature of his photography.
Whether he’s scrolling through Instagram or walking through a nature reserve, James continuously integrates new ideas and approaches, keeping his work fresh and engaging.
Memorable Moments in Photography: Capturing Unique Stories
Throughout his career, James Tan has experienced many unforgettable moments behind the camera. One particularly meaningful experience was when he had the opportunity to photograph a newborn session, and not just any session—this one involved twin babies.
“It was my first newborn photoshoot, and most importantly, it was for twin babies!” he recalls with excitement.
The unpredictability of working with newborns brought its own set of challenges, but James found beauty in the candid moments that unfolded.
“Babies are the kings in the photoshoot session. We have to accommodate their unpredictable moods and poses, but their candid moments are unique and cute too,” he says.
Another unexpected highlight in his photography journey came from his volunteer work with the Singapore Red Cross. While he initially expected to photograph casual community events, he soon found himself taking photos at prestigious occasions involving VVIPs.
“I was honoured to be engaged in taking photos at events with the President, Ministers, and ambassadors-in-residence,” James shares.
These moments offered him invaluable experiences and brought him closer to people he never imagined he would photograph.
James’ ability to capture the unique energy of each event, whether it’s a grand gathering or an intimate family moment, is what makes his work stand out.
He understands that every event tells its own story and that each session holds a new set of surprises.
“As an event and family portrait photographer, I use a series of photos to describe the story of the session. Every event has its unique happy and touching moments that are different from others,” he notes.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
Like any artist, James Tan has faced his share of challenges on his photography journey. One of the biggest hurdles he encountered was perfecting skin tones in his images.
“Getting the skin tones right was the biggest challenge I struggled with for years,” he admits. To overcome this, James not only learned from other photographers but also focused on the technical details. “
I worked on monitor calibration, adjusted room lighting, and cross-referenced photos across multiple devices to ensure the final output matched my desired editing,” he explains.
James views failure and setbacks as opportunities for growth. He has developed a habit of regularly reviewing his past work, analysing what could have been done differently, and testing out new ideas.
“I repeatedly review my past year’s work and ask myself, ‘What if I did this instead of that?’” he says. This reflective practice has helped him build a mental checklist of successes and areas for improvement, which he applies to future shoots.
James actively seeks out opportunities to push his photography further. One way he does this is by volunteering to photograph events, such as corporate gatherings and charity events with the Singapore Red Cross.
“Volunteering offers a more casual setting with room to practise new ideas,” he says.
These opportunities allow James to experiment with different techniques and styles, providing him with valuable experience and feedback.
James’ dedication to continuous learning and his willingness to embrace challenges are what drive him forward. His approach to growth is not just about technical skills, but about constantly evolving as a creative artist.
Building Connections: Engaging with the Photography Community
James Tan understands the value of community in the world of photography. Engaging with fellow photographers has been an important part of his growth and learning process.
“I’ve joined a few photography groups on Facebook. It’s a good place to learn from others by reading question threads,” he explains.
These groups have not only provided him with a platform to seek advice but also an opportunity to share his own insights with others.
Whenever possible, James contributes by answering questions from fellow photographers, creating a collaborative environment where everyone benefits.
Workshops and hands-on learning also play a crucial role in his development.
“I recently attended a portrait workshop by Wesley, who shared many ingenious tips,” James recalls. The experience was both fun and educational, giving him practical advice that he could immediately apply to his own work.
For James, collaboration is key to growth. “A community with people of similar interests helps expedite the brainstorming of creative processes,” he shares.
He believes that working alongside others fosters faster development and creates an environment where photographers can inspire and challenge one another.
Whether it’s through online groups or in-person workshops, engaging with the photography community is a fundamental part of James’ approach to continuous learning.
Follow James Tan on IG: @james_tan_photography & @james_tan_james
To Aspiring Photographers: Learning and Experimenting
James Tan has plenty of advice for those just starting out on their photography journey, and much of it comes from his own experience of trial and error. One of his biggest tips is not to be afraid of experimenting with different focal lengths and genres.
“Feel free to try different focal lengths in any genre, and don’t be restricted by the ‘commonly used’ ideas,” he advises.
He also encourages beginners not to fear making mistakes.
“Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Just learn from them and move on to the next milestones,” James says.
When it comes to resources, James has found great value in the wealth of free materials available online. But there’s one resource that he continues to return to: the photography book series by Scott Kelby.
“Even after years of learning, I still find Scott Kelby’s books particularly useful,” he notes.
He especially enjoys having physical books, as they allow him to reread and reinforce his knowledge.
Looking back on his own early experiences, there’s one thing James wishes he had known sooner—colour theory.
“I wish I had learned colour theory earlier,” he reflects.
Understanding how colours influence image editing has become a critical aspect of his work, and it’s something he believes would have helped shape his creative style from the start.
For those just beginning, James’ advice is simple but profound: be open to experimentation, embrace mistakes, and keep learning from every experience.
Future Aspirations
James Tan’s photography journey is one of constant growth, and his eyes are set on even greater goals in the future. In the short term, James aims to master the art of portrait posing.
“I want to ensure that everyone looks natural and elegant in my photos, whether they are professional models or just casual people,” he explains.
This goal reflects his commitment to making every subject feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
Looking further ahead, James aspires to develop a signature style—something that makes his work instantly recognisable.
“In the long term, I hope to create a signature style that people can recognise at first glance,” he says.
Aside from his work with portraits and events, James is also keen to explore new areas of photography.
“I’d like to dive deeper into product photography,” he shares.
As his photography evolves, James finds himself drawn to more timeless and classic looks.
“I used to like vivid and bold colour editing when I started, but now I pay more attention to colour harmony and natural tones,” he explains.
With a mix of short- and long-term goals, James’ photography career is one that’s constantly evolving, grounded in both technical mastery and creative exploration.