Matthew Tan is not just a photographer — he is someone who quietly understands people.
With more than 35 years behind the camera, Matthew has witnessed life through the families and individuals he photographs — celebrations, graduations, reunions, growing families, laughter, and also moments of loss and remembrance. These experiences shaped the way he sees portraits today: not simply as photographs, but as emotional records of relationships, love, and connection.
Coming from a broken family background, Matthew grew up appreciating the importance of belonging, warmth, and human connection. Perhaps because of this, he naturally gravitates towards portraits that portray genuine bonds and meaningful relationships. While many photographers focus mainly on posing or technical perfection, Matthew looks for something deeper — the connection between people, the quiet emotions, the natural expressions, and the feeling behind the image.
Clients often describe Matthew as sincere, warm, humorous, and easy to work with. His ability to read the mood and dynamics during a session allows people to feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. Depending on the situation, he may gently guide, interact playfully, or use humour to help bring out genuine expressions and connection between family members. Rather than creating overly posed photographs, Matthew believes in creating portraits that feel timeless, emotionally honest, and real.
Over the decades, many clients who first came as young couples now return with their grown-up children and families. To Matthew, this trust means more than business — it is a reminder that portraits become more valuable with time, especially when they preserve the people and memories we cherish most.
Today, Matthew continues to personally photograph a selected number of sessions each week through Portrait Gallery, focusing mainly on repeat clients and referrals. His work is known for its refined painterly portrait style and premium wall portraits printed on exclusive US-imported canvas — created not just for display, but to become part of a family’s story for generations.
“To me, a portrait is not about looking perfect. It is about preserving connection, relationships, and the people who matter to us most.”
