MR. JERRY AVENAIM SAID TO HIM: “STAY
TRUE TO YOURSELF, AND YOU WILL NEVER FAIL. WITH THAT, I WILL SAY THIS…
IF YOUR SHIP DOESN’T COME IN, START ROWING! THAT’S WHAT SEPARATES THE
EN FROM THE BOYS.” RONALD N. TAN CAME A LONG WAY TO GET WHERE HE IS NOW. AND IT WAS ALL WORTH IT.
Ronald N. Tan
strongly believes that dreams do come true and is living proof of that.
He also knows that it doesn’t just happen by itself. If you want your
dreams to come true, you have to make it happen. Born in 1981 in the
former Burmese capital of Rangoon, in an academic family, he moved to
the United States where he broke free in order to follow his passion.
Now, Ronald N. tan is a respected photographer, with a unique and
ownable style, and well known in the universe of fashion and art. We
discovered Ronald N. Tan for the first time last year, and now, after
several earlier publications, we had a little chat with this talented
artist.
Ronald
tell us, how did an academic microbiology student end up to be one of
the most recognized up and coming fashion and art photographers of this
time?
Ronald: Self-discovery. I had creative inclinations and
endeavors, but because of my upbringing, such pursuits were
discouraged. The real truth came when I realized on the 30th of January
2006 that I was gay at age 25 to the song “Just Be Me” by Kirsty
Hawkshaw.
I felt the magnanimous stress lifted from my
shoulders and for the first time in my life, I was free to express
myself. With euphoria and heightened confidence at my side, I decided
to nurture my artistic abilities and simultaneously challenge my
upbringing. I was also encouraged from my friend Jonathan Waiter’s
“Just Do It!” attitude towards chasing after my dreams. What better
example of symbiotic co-existence between science and art than in
photography?
There is a certain nostalgic, melancholic beauty in your work. Can you tell us a about your style and technique?
Ronald:
I consider myself a “photo-painter”. I use dodging and burning
techniques in post process to achieve the “illustrated” mood to my
photographs. My style was my own variant derived from the style of
retoucher Amy Dresser.
Ronald, you were born in Rangoon, Burma. How does this heritage influence your work as photographer?
Ronald:
I had a stoic upbringing and taking up photography breaks the mold and
reconditioned my mindset to look at things in a different light. My
Burmese/Chinese culture is opposite from the open Western culture.
Embracing the beauty that is the human body in an open medium is
considered taboo. Photography taught me to let go and embrace the
masculine beauty—I find men beautiful. When I photograph my male
models, I always present them in the fashion-inspired light and never
cheapen their handsomeness and masculinity.
Being raised in a family of scientists, was it difficult to break free and get recognition from your peers?
Ronald:
It was difficult to deviate from my family’s “occupational tradition,”
but I’ve successfully challenged my upbringing and have earned my
parents’ blessings to pursue my newfound career with full momentum.
What inspires you and what drives you?
Ronald: Ambition
drives me. I am overly ambitious, goal-oriented, and self-motivated. I
am inspired by many great photographers—as of current, I am deeply
affected by the technical mastery of photographer Mr. Jerry Avenaim and
the visual style of retoucher Ms. Amy Dresser.
After working in this field since 2006 – so really not that long – how do you see your evolution?
Ronald:
I see my evolution as a work-in-progress. I’ve come a long way since
2006. I have a distinct and highly recognizable visual style. I’ve
already found my “photographic voice” which has been constantly refined
to be fluid and organic.
What is next for Ronald N. Tan? What is your goal?
Ronald:
More publications and shooting covers for reputable gay magazines and
gradually migrate to men’s fashion magazines. Please keep an eye out
for me. ☺ -B-
Models: Zach N. | Justin | Sean Harley
We thank Ronald N. Tan for his enthusiastic cooperation and the exclusive premier of his photo's of fitness model Sean Harley.
Ronald N. Tan on BeautifulMag: Please Welcome Ronald N. Tan | Ryan Diesel: Family Man with Ambition | Ronald N.Tan Miraculous Mirages.
RONALD N. TAN | BEAUTIFUL
Wow, such beautifuly photographed beautiful men! Great job.
Eric
Posted by: Ericcord | March 26, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Very nice photography Ronald. I love your interview answers :)
Posted by: Patric | March 26, 2008 at 03:11 AM
WoW ... Essas fot0s sã0 PERFEITAS
CES PHOTOS SONT PARFAITES !!!
Posted by: Renan | June 15, 2008 at 05:22 AM
All these men are gorgeous. The photography is fantastic.
Posted by: JJ | July 23, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Wow, these me are out of this word and so cute.Great models.Wish i had one of my own for my boy friend.Eat you heart out guys these men are Hot.Keep up the great work.I love it.Thanks for the look.Randy
Posted by: randy wilson | August 05, 2008 at 06:34 PM
it is really awesome
Posted by: amine issam | August 24, 2008 at 06:02 PM
tres joli les mecs
Posted by: amine issam | August 24, 2008 at 06:05 PM
sooooooo hot!!! OMG!!!
Posted by: sugar | November 13, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Well, thats a perfect picture. I wish i could touch him. Hehehee
Posted by: Devid | January 17, 2009 at 12:49 PM
So gorgeous!
Posted by: LIPE | March 15, 2009 at 06:49 AM
beautifull creature man sexeist alive i ever seen
Posted by: bill | March 29, 2009 at 04:11 PM
my soul is wind, i love ur heart.
Posted by: mss | May 31, 2009 at 07:37 AM
nice~~
Posted by: jj | January 19, 2010 at 03:36 PM
,.excellent!!,.gorgeous models,.nice portfolio
Posted by: cosimo09 | February 03, 2010 at 09:17 PM
these pictures are So gorgeous omg!
I have to subscribe to this site man just awesome.
all these pictures and story will motivate me.
Posted by: bodybuilding supplements | March 23, 2010 at 03:06 PM
awesome pics, no nudes, but all very erotically and sexy and all of beautiful muscular men!
Posted by: robin | October 05, 2011 at 02:30 AM
Exceptional photography....exceptional models....just "wunderbar" !!
Posted by: Dieter / Toronto (Canada) December 14, 2011 at 9:00am | December 17, 2011 at 11:02 AM
your blog delights me thank you
Posted by: beau brummell | March 02, 2012 at 02:22 PM