ONES TO WATCH: Dialogue with Melbourne-based fashion photographer Jiajia Tan

By Jessica Ye (Jessica Yap)

Sometimes, the most significant discoveries are made by chance. Such was the case with Jiajia Tan, a 24-year-old rising Singaporean fashion photographer currently based in Melbourne. While I held a faint recollection of her from our time in the same design course at Temasek Polytechnic years ago, I had yet to fully engage with the depth of her portfolio.

That changed during the Harper’s BAZAAR Photography Awards in Singapore, where Tan received a Honourable Mention. I was immediately struck by the bold composition of her work, particularly her mastery of light painting. The way light glides over the contours of a silhouette, enhancing the architectural lines of a garment while creating a sense of motion within a static frame, is remarkably distinctive.

Tan’s creative approach feels inherently reflective of our technologically advanced landscape. At first glance, her aesthetic offers a glimpse into a digital future, evocative of the neon-soaked worlds found in sci-fi cinema, yet grounded in the tactile reality of garment construction. This curiosity led me to explore her more recent collaborations, specifically her sculptural series with designer Vanessa Xie. The work is organic, visceral, and serves as a testament to her evolving craft. We spoke with the RMIT graduate about her creative journey and her camera, which she aptly describes as her “passport of wonderment.”

When Fashion meets Art by Jiajia Tan Photographer Exclusive Interview with Jessica Ye Jessica Yap of Couture Troopers Magazine Feature

Above: ‘When Fashion meets Art’

JY: You were formally trained in fashion design before transitioning into photography. What prompted this shift in medium?

JJ: My interest in photography began quite early, but I only started pursuing it with serious intent over the last three years. During my design diploma, I began collaborating with peers on shoots and realised that photography was the ideal intersection for my interests. It allowed me to blend my foundational knowledge of fashion with a visual narrative.

JY: What serves as your primary source of inspiration?

JJ: My family, friends, and loved ones are my greatest inspirations.

JY: Your recent series with Vanessa Xie highlights a very specific, sculptural aesthetic. How did this collaboration differ from your previous work, and what challenges did you encounter during the process?

JJ: I have collaborated with Vanessa on several occasions. For this specific series, the focus was on articulating the unique textures and forms of her designs. The challenge lay in modulating the light to complement the distinct personality of each individual garment.

Dreams Embodied by Jiajia Tan Photographer Exclusive Interview with Jessica Ye Jessica Yap of Couture Troopers Magazine Feature

Above: ‘Dreams Embodied’

JY: How has the creative culture in Melbourne influenced your subject matter?

JJ: Melbourne possesses a profound sense of community within the creative sector. There is a general openness to new ideas and a willingness to collaborate, which facilitates a very productive environment for photoshoots to occur.

JY: If you were to define your work within the context of art, how would you describe it?

JJ: I would define them simply as “works in progress.”

Cast on, Cast off by Jiajia Tan Photographer Exclusive Interview with Jessica Ye Jessica Yap of Couture Troopers Magazine Feature

JY: What is your ultimate objective for your photography?

JJ: I find great satisfaction in bringing a specific vision to life. I hope to continue experimenting and pushing the boundaries of my craft. The most rewarding aspect is seeing every element—the lighting, the garment, and the model—converge into a single, cohesive image.

JY: What do you hope the viewer experiences when engaging with your visuals?

JJ: I hope my work inspires a sense of appreciation for both the photography and the design. It is important to me that people recognise the beauty and the immense effort that goes into every design. In the long term, I aspire to tell more complex stories through my imagery.

Above: ‘Cast on, cast off’

JY: Are there any experimental projects currently on your horizon?

JJ: I am currently exploring Ambrotypes, which involve creating positive images on glass. It is a fascinating, more traditional process.

JY: Who would be your ideal collaborators in the industry?

JJ: Working with figures like Coco Rocha, Enikő Mihalik, Iris Van Herpen, or Gareth Pugh would be a dream. That said, it has been equally rewarding to work with emerging talents such as Joseph Jang and Vanessa Xie.

Check out Jiajia Tan’s website for more of her stunning photography works!