Frequently Asked Question for Chesoen Tan

A few thoughts from the heart, not just about photography, but about why I do what I do.

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Since when did you start shooting film?

Around 2013 or 2014. I started as a curiosity… but it quickly became a way of seeing the world.

The first wedding I shoot on Film was my best friend's wedding from High School in 2014.

Portrait of me, Namasa Studio - Surabaya, 2018.

Why do you shoot film?

I’m a millennial—I grew up being photographed on film. And those childhood photos? They still mean something to me. They’ve lasted.

My family also took digital photos of me, but somehow… they don’t feel the same. I can’t even remember where those files are now.

With film, I want my clients to have something they can feel—not just see. Something real. Tangible. Something they can even hold. Because yes, you can keep the negatives. It’s yours. Forever.

Portrait of me and my little sister.

Portrait of approx. 2 y.o and 5 y.o me.

Tell us about your photography process.

Right now, I use a mix of different mediums—both digital and film. I shoot with full-frame and medium format digital cameras, because I believe different moments call for different tools.

For film, I work across 35mm, 120, and large format. Each format gives me a different feeling—a different way of telling the story.

For black-and-white film, I often develop and scan the rolls myself. It helps me slow down and appreciate each frame. It’s a way to stay connected to the process. To not rush. To remember that photography is not just work—it’s something I truly care about.

No matter what medium I use, my intention is always the same: I want my clients to have timeless images. Something as timeless as love, and as vast and enduring as the universe.

Some of my camera collections.

What makes film photography different from digital or AI-enhanced images?

Film is alive. It’s a chemical reaction. Every frame is one of a kind.

Digital and AI-enhanced images may look flawless—but sometimes, perfection is overrated. As humans, we don’t just want perfect. We want connection.

It’s like music. Some of the most meaningful songs were recorded decades ago, in all their imperfections. And they still move us.

Film has texture. It has soul. It’s a process—and I believe anything slow and handcrafted is becoming the new luxury.

Portrait of me, 2017.

What makes you different from other photographers?

Honestly? I’m not sure.

I just do what feels right to me. I follow what moves my heart.

I’m not trying to stand out or prove anything. I believe there are people out there who feel the same—and if we connect, that’s enough.

I don’t force the process. I don’t force my vision. After all, photography is a human thing. And humans… just want to connect.

I think different people connect to different things—and that’s okay. We don’t need to all be the same, or prove we’re different. What matters is that we create something that feels honest. Something that feels real.

Portrait of me, 2025.