MAESTRO OF IMAGES

Violinist WILLIAM TAN, who is also an acclaimed underwater photographer with an international fanbase, tells Mavis Teo more about the allure of wildlife photography and why protecting the welfare of his subjects is so important.

- Mavis Teo

To many in the audience at one of Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO)’s performances, first violinist William Tan may just be another key member of our nation’s flagship orchestra. However, to the scuba diving community – locally and internationally, and particularly, the underwater photography scene – William is an esteemed wildlife lensman.

When William is not playing his prized violin, which was made by master Italian luthier Camillo Camilli in 1737, he puts his finger dexterity to good use as an underwater photographer. Perpetually zipping around the world, the 58-year-old keeps a fine juggling act between his musical career and his other lifelong passion, deftly switching between violin strings and camera settings, tails and wetsuit.

Not only has William published two award-winning underwater photography books together with other contributors – Silent Symphony and Gorontalo: Hidden Paradise, he judges at photography competitions, and speaks at diving and photography expositions alongside other internationally renowned peers like David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes.

A highly sought-after instructor for photography expeditions globally, he sells out workshop spots on cruises and dive resorts alike – even in the most far-flung places. For a few years running, William has also served as the ambassador for macro (extreme close-up) photography at ADEX (Asia Dive Expo), which is the biggest and longest-running diving showcase in the region that spans several countries, including Singapore and China.