OHLALA TALKS TO RONALD N. TAN

We have first featured photographer Ronald N. Tan on OhLaLa this past July. Today we have more photos to share with you and we took the opportunity to ask Ronald a few questions.

What made you become a photographer?
Ronald N. Tan: I picked photography to be my artistic outlet because it is a great combination between science and art. I was born into a family of physicians and scientists so even though I have turned my back to academia, science will always be an integral part of me even when I grow and mature as an artist.

Why do you like being on ohlala (and what did it change for you)?
For starters, it was my first feature that you boys ran that got an attention of one of the agents from a reputable and highly respected modeling agency in Los Angeles. He shot me an email and invited me to test and guess who I picked as one of the models? =)

Who is your favorite model ?
Honestly, I really don't have any favourite models because I **am** because of my models. It isn't fair to pick favourites because each model I've photographed have taught me something about myself and helped me learn and grow in creating that "vision" a reality.

Besides, without my models, I would have to practice my lights onto myself and that can be a pain in the ass--having to make sure I have stopped my lense down enough to remain in focus. Oh yeah...composition can be pain as well! Hehehe. I appreciate all my models and I always have and will respect them.

And who is your photography inspiration ?
Currently, I am deeply inspired by Mr. Jerry Avenaim and Mr. Sean Armenta, and Mr. Richard Reinsdorf. As far as the "visual style" I am influenced by Jill Greenberg.

I admire the masculinity through the lenses of Francois Rosseau, Fred Goudon, Bruce Weber, Dylan Rosser, Gaz, Karl Simone, Mark Segal, and Bell Soto.

I am also inspired by retoucher Amy Dresser whom I have had the rare privilege to exchange correspondences.

+ More Ronald N Tan on OhLaLa
+ Ronald Tan Photography Official Site