dealers in photographic equipment frequently consulted him. With his participation, photographic events would surely run more smoothly.
Tam Kwok-kwan took up photography in 1949 and turned professional in 1953 when he formed a film developing company. With Frank C.F. Hsu, Lai Shiu-fong and Ho Chung-hei he co-founded the Chinese Photographic Association of Hong Kong in 1958, and served as president for many years. He was also vice-president of the Photographic Society of Hong Kong.
As photography tutor at the Adult Education and Recreation Centre, Tam Kwok-kwan hoped to train young talents. The same goal led to the founding of the Hong Kong School of Photography in 1964, and many pupils did in time become famous photographers.
From the 1950s to the 80s, Tam Kwok-kwan was manager of the periodical Photoart. He published many articles on photography in newspapers and magazines. He is the holder of many titles, and was ranked among the world's top ten photographers on more than
one occasion.
Tam Kwok-kwan is credited with an encyclopaedic knowledge of photography.
With extraordinary perseverance, he kept a systematically ordered archive of clippings and other data to do with photography which could be referred to at any time. Tam Kwok-kwan moved to Canada in his old age.