A moment with ‘Sherman Tan Studio’
ABIA meets talented Melbourne wedding photographer Sherman Tan
All images Sherman Tan Studio
Popular Melbourne wedding photographer Sherman Tan is understated about his introduction to photography.
“My dad bought a camera with a screen at the back of it. Phones didn’t have cameras back then and curiosity urged me to picked it up, start playing around and experimenting with it,” he explains.
Sherman laughingly suggests that he’s still doing the same thing two decades later, but a portfolio of happy couples and a thriving wedding photography, content creation and videography business suggest that these days his photography is more professional than experimental.
ABIA spent some time with Sherman, who admitted his main focus is capturing his couples’ precious moments, and chatted to us about his wedding packages, personalised service and interest in architecture.
Tell us about your business and wedding photography services.
We want to help our couples enjoy their wedding day and remember all the emotions, effort and expense they put into planning and celebrating it, through our specialist wedding photography, content creation and videography.
How did you get started in the wedding industry?
One day a friend of mine asked me if I was good at taking candid photos. I showed her about 10 photos that I’d taken and she asked me to photograph her wedding. I fell in love with wedding photography that day, and everything that goes with it.
Where are you based and what locations do you service?
We are based in Melbourne, but are always ready to travel.
What got you interested in photography?
My story is rather cliché. When I was in high school my dad bought a camera with a screen at the back of it. Phones didn’t have cameras back then and curiosity urged me to picked it up, start playing around and experimenting with it. More than 20 years later, I'm still exploring and trying new things — just with newer technology and cameras. The same passion I had is still burning strong.
Where do you get your creative inspiration?
I am trained as an architect, which gives me a unique perspective, and I love exploring and trying new things. I also want the best for my couples, so I always try to understand what they appreciate and cater to their unique story.
How do you help your couples to feel comfortable in front of the camera?
Before I take any photos I always get to know my couples and their dynamic. I will also give them gentle directions to guide them.
My wife, and content creator, Jacqui and I have experienced being photographed on an important occasion and we did not like the outcome. That experience fundamentally changed how I approach photography — I want my couples to feel confident and comfortable, and ultimately love the photos I create for them.
What do you want your couples to feel when they look back at their wedding photos?
I want them to be transported right back to that day, reliving all the feelings. If they look through their wedding photos unknowingly smiling the whole time, and breaking out in goosebumps, I’ve done what I intended to.
What are some trends you're seeing in wedding photography and how do you cater to them?
We are always open to trying new things for our couples, but our priority is to help create timeless memories.
One of the latest trends we're seeing is couples embracing authenticity, which can be in the form of candid, imperfect and sometimes even blurry photos, or through content creation. We shoot these in addition to the quality photos that we know Grandma will love.
Direct flash, reminiscent of vintage paparazzi shots, is also making a comeback and we apply this technique where it’s suited.
Aerial photos are also becoming a popular request. We have the gear to cater to this, and are always looking to explore different aspects, so where a location allows it, we love the chance to showcase a couple’s love story from an elevated perspective.
Do you offer wedding photography packages?
Yes, our wedding packages range from four hours for an elopement to all day coverage for a grand wedding day. All packages include wedding timeline planning tips, edited photos and a digital gallery. We also offer videography and content creation as add-ons.
What are some of the craziest wedding photos you’ve ever taken?
I've photographed marquees getting lifted up by crazy wind, drunk groomsmen pulling WWE moves on each other on the dance floor, and kids causing chaos with cuteness-overload.
What are your favourite photographic locations, and what do you do when it rains?
We love the beaches around Mornington Peninsula and Sorrento for the scenery — so much so that we got married there — and the beautiful architecture around the Melbourne CBD.
Contrary to popular belief, when it rains we typically seek cover and continue photographing, as ideally we don't want to ruin our couple's make-up and outfits. When a couple is up for it though, we will create some photographic magic in the rain with them.
What do you suggest couples look for in a photographer, and how far in advance should they book?
Couples should find someone who cares and is passionate about helping them preserve their beautiful memories — that way they know they'll go the extra mile. They should also definitely book us as soon as possible, as we don’t outsource any of our work so can only serve one couple a day.
Do you have a favourite wedding?
I’ve experienced intimate four-person weddings where I, the photographer, was asked to be a witness and 500-guest weddings with a bridal party of 17 — each wedding is uniquely beautiful in its own way. That said, my favourite wedding will always be the one I’m shooting next.
What makes your service unique?
Both my wife and content creator, Jacqui Choo, and I are extensively trained in architecture and passionate about travelling. We love incorporating scenery and buildings into our shots with a designer's eye.
We also offer an end-to-end service. When couples hire us, they know they’ll be getting me as their lead photographer. I’ll be planning the wedding with them, photographing them, editing their photos and designing their wedding album.
Read Sherman Tan Studio ABIA Wedding Reviews
Visit Sherman Tan Studio website
Email Sherman Tan Studio
