SINGAPORE: Celebrity photographer Walter Tan has been taking pictures of Mediacorp artist Desmond Tan for quite some time now, and the two have built an indestructible “bromance” with each other. It all started seven years ago when they had a commercial shoot together.
Walter Tan explained the moment they met and how they became buddies: “He [Desmond Tan] was the first celebrity I had ever shot for at the time, so I was excited! After the shoot, I tried my luck and passed him my name card and told him that I would love to work with him if the opportunity ever came up.”
View this post on Instagram
He added: “A year later, he reached out to collaborate on his (Desmond Tan) music video, Merry Summer Christmas, and the rest is history!”
Walter had now traveled with Desmpnd to Paris and Milan for the 2023 Men’s Fashion Week. He was also the photographer at his intimate wedding last year in Singapore.
View this post on Instagram
The photographer admitted that he looks up to Desmond as a big brother.
“He’s always pushing me to scale greater heights. I’m really grateful that he took a leap of faith with me at the start of my career and provided that stepping stone to my first luxury brand – Louis Vuitton. In fact, that was the first fashion job I was ever booked for,” he declared.
Today, he is also working with brands such as L’Oreal and Dior. He is also close friends with Singapore’s top stars, such as Rui En and Jeanette Aw.
Tan considers photos and videos as digital time capsules.
“They transport me to specific moments in my life, allowing me to relive the emotions and experiences. I’ve even dedicated a wall at my work desk to showcase my favorite works, and each time I gaze at them, I’m reminded of how much change has happened since I started,” he said.
Walter added: “I’ve never interned with a photographer or production house, nor do I come from a similar education background because this career wasn’t planned.”
Recently, Walter Tan held a photo exhibition titled Dreamland. He shared in an IG post: “A picturesque photo exhibition for all ages. The little boy in me is screaming when I see so many kids appreciating fashion photography with a childlike twist. Tag me when you visit the dreamland!”
View this post on Instagram