los angeles men's fashion and beauty photographer ronald n. tan

By Jacques Alos, Editor-in-Chief

VERTU Magazine (France)

[Translated from French]

The digital age has revolutionized the world of photography and its perception compromising its initial purpose of defending art and expression. While the technical prerequisites has radically modified the profile of the evolving photographer, his young and fresh nature as a tireless tracker of instants and moments remain constant while revealing an infinite passion for the geometric beauty of light. Such is the endeavor undertaken by Ronald N. Tan, who has molded his life to match his dreams, pursing both with an exquisite gentle acuteness.

Born into a bourgeois family in 1981 Burma traditionally officiating in medicine, Ronald discovered the passion for photography late in life when he was predestined to study Applied Physics. No doubt, the courses on optics and light diffusion have titillated the artist lying dormant: he soon aspired to exalt the beauty of reflections and contrasts.

There could be no room for error with the precision of a metronome, he began studying, conducting research, and improving his knowledge all the while combating any nostalgia for comfort. Nothing is easy in the beginning, but his meticulously crafted press-books soon drew attention.

His first wish rapidly came true: to specialize in men’s fashion and beauty. Ronald easily describes his fascination: “Photography is the perfect combination of art and science”, he voices almost timidly, doubtlessly underestimating his own ability to enhance what he sees. Then, with great humility, he adds: “Each of the models that I have photographed during these last three years has helped me to improve myself, to understand myself and, in particular, to discover the full extent of masculine beauty”. It is clear and praiseworthy.

Now sought out by various agencies for the covers of international magazines in Australia, Spain, France and Germany, Ronald is enjoying an astounding ascent, all the while retaining his ability to take a step back, which renders him with a smidgen fragility. He is an artist shaking up a lethargic sector–quite rare for not highlight it.

I met and tested with Alex on the 12th August 2007. We shot on location at UC Davis and Alex drove from Reno, NV. Alex relocated to Las Vegas, then Arizona, and now back to Las Vegas. Alex was done compiling graduate school materials for his MBA degree. I wish him the best of luck on his academic endeavors.

When I met Alex in 2007, I was nearing  a year-and-a-half into my self-taught journey of photography and both Alex and I were proud of the 2007 images. Angela Renee Amante (http://www.angela-renee.com/) was the MUA for the 2007 images.

When I received news that Alex was visiting me in LA now that he’s back in Las Vegas, it was only 4 hours of drive. I did not hesitate and asked Alex to model for me again. We had a quickie test and this photograph is the intermediate to what is to come in the near future. I have plans to shoot a BW fashion editorial with Alex.

MUA: Ms Bebe Booth. http://www.bebe-booth.com/

I was thrilled and excited to see Alex again! He is a great model and I wish him the best!