Hart Tan
Photographer
Hart Tan is arguably Singapore’s top family photographer. I respect him because his success is rooted in his pursuit of authenticity. He studies the work of master photographers, not just his industry peers. He started off only using natural light but has since learnt how to use studio lighting to enable him to have more creative control. And I think that he is also a good businessperson, something a lot of artists are not.
I know Ngiap Heng from our circle of photography and by living in close proximity.
I have admired his work in dance and portraiture. I love how he conveys his ideas through his images. I love his approach of trying out new things in photography, to broaden his knowledge about photography as an art.
I love his openness in creating images and bringing the best out of the subject.
I think Ngiap Heng’s Drama Mama is one of those projects that is wonderful in portraying people in a somewhat raw and unscripted format. I love its spontaneous yet technical approach.
Having been part of this project, I can see how artists need to continue to pursue personal projects that bring out the inner voice. Balancing art and a commercially successful studio is a delicate process.