Today we’d like to introduce you to Chesoen Tan.

Hi Chesoen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Growing up, I spent most of my time outside the house. I was always involved in school activities—sports, music, anything that kept me busy. Looking back, I realize that I was escaping from the reality at home. My father suffered a severe stroke when I was just 7 or 8 years old, and for over a decade, his condition became a defining part of our lives. My mother became our family’s only provider, taking on the roles of both parents. Home was filled with uncertainty, and I unconsciously sought refuge in the outside world, creating a life that felt different—perhaps even one I wished I had.

Everything changed when I graduated high school and discovered photography. Near my house, there was a photography expo where camera stores were selling gear, and I remember being fascinated by it all. I begged my mother to buy me a DSLR camera and a lens. I originally wanted a Canon 7D, but my mother, believing in me more than I believed in myself, bought me a Canon 5D Mark II instead. I also chose a Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens, knowing I wanted to take portraits.

Little did I know, that lens was a telephoto lens—not the easiest choice for capturing multiple people or certain compositions. But before we even made the purchase, I told my mother: “With this camera and lens, I will make money.” And that was the moment my photography career began.

Photography gave me something I never had before—a sense of purpose and empowerment. Through my lens, I was able to meet new people, hear their stories, and learn from their experiences. More than just capturing images, I was capturing emotions, personalities, and moments that meant something to them. And in return, their happiness became my happiness.

For the first time in my life, I felt needed. I felt like I mattered.

As I grew in my career, I struggled with self-doubt. I constantly felt that my photos weren’t good enough. I admired photographers who had a strong journalistic and documentary style—the kind of work that felt raw and real. I spent years trying to refine my approach, studying their techniques, pushing myself to capture images with the same authenticity.

But no matter how hard I tried, I always felt that my work lacked something.

Then, I looked back to the very beginning—to the moment I chose my first camera and lens. I wanted to take portraits. That was my first instinct, my first love in photography. And when I embraced that truth, my career truly started to grow.

I found success when I accepted both my strengths and my weaknesses. Photography, for me, was never about following trends—it was about capturing people in a way that felt true to them and true to me. That’s when I found my style, my identity, and most importantly, my happiness.

Today, I run Namasa Weddings, a fine art wedding photography brand that specializes in elegant, timeless imagery. We are expanding into the international market, bringing Bali’s unique charm to the world. At the same time, I continue to develop my personal portrait work, always refining my craft and deepening my connection with my subjects.

Through it all, I carry the lessons my parents unintentionally taught me. Health is everything. Take care of your body and mind, because with good health, anything is possible. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but we can always adapt, grow, and move forward. And most importantly, happiness is found in the smallest moments—a smile, a connection, the light in someone’s eyes when they see themselves beautifully captured in a photograph.

That is why I do what I do.

For more about my work, visit:
📷 www.chesoentan.com | www.namasa.net

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

My journey in photography wasn’t one of instant success or privilege. Coming from a middle-class family, I didn’t have the same access to opportunities, resources, or connections that many high-end photographers seemed to have. There were moments when I felt like I was at a disadvantage—like I was constantly chasing something that others had been given more easily.

But over time, I realized that my background wasn’t a limitation—it was my fuel. Instead of seeing my lack of privilege as a setback, I used it to push myself harder. I learned to be resourceful, to seek knowledge wherever I could, and to work relentlessly to prove that talent and perseverance matter more than status.

When I first started, I struggled with self-doubt. I looked up to established photographers with incredible journalistic and documentary styles, and I wanted to be like them. I spent years trying to refine my skills, feeling like my work never quite measured up. I questioned my ability, my style, and whether I was truly meant to be in this industry.

But my biggest breakthrough came when I stopped trying to fit into someone else’s mold and embraced my own artistic vision. I remembered why I started photography in the first place—to capture portraits, to highlight the beauty of human emotions, and to tell personal stories through my lens. That realization changed everything.

Beyond the creative struggles, there were financial challenges too. I promised my mother that I would earn money with my first camera, but photography isn’t an easy field to break into. I had to work hard to gain trust, build my brand, and prove that I could offer something valuable. I learned how to hustle, stay humble, and constantly evolve.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of these struggles. They shaped me into the photographer I am today—one who never stops learning, who understands the value of hard work, and who appreciates every step of the journey.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Your background doesn’t define your success—your mindset does. Stay committed, keep improving, and success will follow.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am a portrait and wedding photographer based in Bali, specializing in fine art wedding photography, timeless portraiture, and film photography. My goal is to capture emotions, elegance, and authenticity in a way that feels both natural and refined. I believe photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about preserving emotions, telling stories, and creating images that will be cherished for a lifetime.

At Namasa Weddings, the wedding photography brand I founded in 2017, we focus on delivering a luxurious yet heartfelt experience. Our approach blends fine art aesthetics with a documentary feel, ensuring every moment we capture looks and feels authentic while maintaining an elevated, editorial quality.

Beyond weddings, I am deeply passionate about film photography and large-format photography. In a fast-moving digital world where trends change rapidly, I want to create images that stand the test of time. That’s why I offer film photography and large-format photography services, allowing my clients to have their memories preserved in a way that is classic, elegant, and truly timeless—not just something that follows the latest trends. Film photography has a unique depth and texture that digital cannot replicate, making it perfect for capturing emotions and moments in their purest form.

I am most proud of how my journey has shaped me—not just as a photographer, but as a person. Every challenge I faced helped me refine my craft and build genuine relationships with my clients. Today, I get to capture love stories, emotions, and milestones for people all over the world, and that is something I deeply cherish.

What Sets Me Apart

A Deep Understanding of Storytelling – I don’t just take pictures; I tell stories. Whether it’s a wedding, an engagement session, or a personal portrait, I focus on bringing out the emotions and essence of the moment.

A Personal Connection with Clients – My approach is not just about aesthetics but also about connection. I take the time to understand my clients—their personalities, their stories, and what they value. This allows me to create images that truly resonate with them.

Elegance with a Timeless Touch – My photography style is refined, timeless, and emotive. I blend fine art techniques with natural storytelling to create images that feel both luxurious and deeply personal. With my film and large-format photography services, I offer a unique way for my clients to own portraits and wedding photographs that are not just trendy but truly classic and enduring.

Passion for Growth & Innovation – I never stop learning. From film photography to digital techniques, I constantly evolve my skills to ensure my work stays relevant while maintaining its authenticity.

At the end of the day, my greatest reward is knowing that my work allows people to relive their most cherished moments over and over again. That’s why I do what I do.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?

I truly believe in luck—because when I reflect on my journey, I see how fortunate I’ve been. There are so many moments in my life and career that I wouldn’t have been able to navigate without a stroke of luck.

From discovering photography at the right time to meeting the right people who helped shape my path, I can’t deny that luck has played a role. But I also believe that luck alone is never enough. You have to be prepared for the opportunities that come your way. Luck may open a door, but it’s hard work, resilience, and constant growth that allow you to walk through it and make the most of it.

I’ve had moments where I felt unlucky too—challenges, failures, and times when things didn’t go as planned. But I’ve learned that what may seem like bad luck at the time often leads to something better in the long run. Every setback has taught me something valuable, shaping me into the photographer and person I am today.

So yes, I believe in luck. But I also believe that we create our own luck by staying open, working hard, and never giving up. Luck favors those who are ready. And the more prepared you are, the more opportunities you’ll recognize when they appear.

Pricing:

• Intimate Wedding starts from $1290
• Half Day Wedding starts from $2490
• Full Day Wedding starts from $2990
• Personal Portrait starts from $649

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.namasa.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namasaweddings/
• Other: https://www.chesoentan.com

Image Credits

All wedding photos are credited to Namasa Weddings