Fotograf Ken Pak

—Jste fotogeničtí?

—I never thought I was photogenic and never wanted to be photographed, however, I look pretty cute in the photos from my early childhood.

—Jak jste se dostali do fotografického průmyslu?

—It was a pretty natural transition for me becoming a wedding photographer as many of my friends were getting married when I started taking photos. Because of this, I never attended my friends' weddings as a groomsman or guest. Rather, I always photographed their weddings.

—Jaké jsou podle vás nedůležitější součásti dobré fotografie?

—Although most of photographers would talk about light, composition, creative approach, subject, emotional impact & etc. as vital components of a good photo, I think preparation for the day and understanding of the flow , environment and subject would help yielding a good photo. Although there are moments I take photos with anticipation, however, I love when I get good photos without anticipation.

—Cestujete rádi?

—Yes, I love traveling for the photo projects including weddings, fun activities, personal inspiration by the life of the other side of the world, and to see the family (I am from South Korea).

—Co máte nejredši na vaší profesi?

—Photography career can be highly rewarding. I feel truly blessed when I receive compliments and appreciation from the happy clients and people.

—Co se vám líbí nejméně na vaší profesi?

—Dealing with difficult personalities and awkward characters can be most challenging to me. However, I would rather stay positive and supportive to those nature.

—Jaká je budoucnost focení?

—For the next 5 years, another convergence of the medium will be coming like stills will be culled from 8k video footage. After another 5 years, I am pretty sure that there will always be needs for wedding photography regardless of the medium convergence.

—Co je výjimečného na žánru fotografií, na který se specializujete?

—In technical term, I believe wedding photography can be practised as the collaborative work of wide range of photography types and styles. In human life, it is one of the greatest lifetime celebrations among families and friends, and I am so glad that I can capture many different levels of emotional impacts.

—Jak zvládáte kritiku?

—I would rather be modest and listen to the criticism if it is the matter of your growth and development process in your photography career and human relations. If you stay honest, humble and positive, there will be lesser criticism.

—Jsou nějaké trendy v oblasti focení?

—Yes, there are trends in wedding photography just like fashion industry, however, I also see there is a range of diversity in wedding photography trends depending on traditions, lifestyle, regions & etc.

—Jaké by měl mít zákazník kritérium při výběru fotografa?

—As a person photographing someone's lifetime event, trustworthy, fun and flexible nature in my personality come highly valuable and appreciative among my clients and people in the industry.

—Co není dovoleno při focení?

—Unprofessional, snobbish & egoistic manner in professional & personal aspects.

—Jakých detailů, které obvykle projdou bez povšimnutí, si může fotograf všimnout?

—Artistic & creative approach. Also, freezing the moment, framing & composition.

—Co ovlivňuje hodnotu fotografie? Jaké jsou její prvky?

—Cherishing the memorable moments and people from generation to generation (or among generations). Also, capturing and archiving the history of person's life.

—Kdo může být podle vás symbolem 21. století?

—Big brothers in media.

—Co chcete fotit?

—I would like to continue photographing weddings, however, it will be interesting to photograph traditionally unique weddings in remote area not affected by the western culture.

—Máte nějaké profesní tabu?

—I would not want to spoil those wedding photographer wannabes. It takes so much of professional practice, thinking, attitude, training, study and experience. Don't believe in yourself as a professional shooter by just buying a good camera and shooting a few of your friends weddings.

—S kým byste chtěli fotit?

—If I get a chance, I would love to shoot with those pulitzer winners who have not shot the weddings before. Also, shooting a wedding by side of any big names in the industry will be my great honor.

—Čeho se bojíte a proč?

—Bridezilla and Groomzilla. Depending on the situations, people with difficult & demanding personalities to accommodate can be a real challenge. Also, theft and robbery (although I have not experienced before) during the sessions in uncontrolled areas. Being sick can be another big worrisome.

—Jaký byl nejpůsobivější okamžik ve vašem životě?

—Three of my most tearful moments showing my love to my parents. I cried so much at the airport when I saw my dad leaving the state after seeing my college graduation (He supported me for 7 years in US for my high school and college, and returned to Korea permanently). I cried so much when I hugged my parents during my wedding ceremony. I cried so much when my dad was being cremated after the funeral ceremony.

—Pokud byste byli animovaná, literární nebo filmová postava, kdo byste byli a proč?

—I would love to be Iron man, just to simply get the aerial shots. Also, seeing myself in the Iron man armor which is retrofitted with multiple super cameras will be amazing!

—Kdo vás inspiruje ve vašem životě a proč?

—Jesus Christ who keeps me being a better person.

—Jak byste definovali úspěch? Jak ho měříte?

—In human perspective, if I have six good men who can carry my coffin at my own funeral, I consider that as a successful life. In business perspective, if I have no haters and no debt, that will be a successful life.

—Byli byste raději oblíbení nebo respektovaní?

—I would rather be liked.

—Jaká je největší chyba, kterou jste kdy v práci udělali?

—Encountering a media failure by using cheap media card.

—Když cestujete, co si berete s sebou a proč?

—I will take my free & open spirit with me to enjoy the true traveling experience. If it is allowed, then I would love to travel with my wife and son. Of course, a small travel camera will definitely be accompanied with me.

—Existuje něco, co byste si byli raději nekoupili z vašich pomůcek, které vlastníte? A proč?

—Lytro Illum camera. I never use it. Is there anyone who is interested in this camera? ;)

—Jak se vzděláváte, abyste pořidili lepší fotografie?

—I try to read/watch/visit photography related or partially related magazines, books, movies, videos (I love watching K pop music videos to learn techniques), art galleries/museums & etc. From these experiences, I love incorporating my new ideas and creative thinking in the actual shoots by hopefully getting faster spontaneous responsiveness to the moments. Also, I go to conferences and seminars, and get connected with a wide range of cool photographers from different parts of the world. Also, I shoot together with a few of my local photographers time to time for cross-inspiring and training purposes at the real weddings.

—Čí práce vás ovlivnila nejvíce jako fotografa?

—Hmmm... I would say photographers in WPJA Winners Collections, Fearless Photographers Award Collections and ISPWP Award Collections have influenced me the most. I am sorry to tell you that I love all the winners, not the single one, as I admire their work so much! Also, I give a full respect to those photographers who push themselves to the infinity over creative limits.

—Jedna věc, kterou byste si přáli vědět, když jste začínali s focením?

—I really wish I knew a real good mentor when I started taking photos. I have had neither a mentor nor had worked for a studio during my photography career. Also, I did not have any good friend photographers until I met most of them during the past 1.5 years.

—Co byste rádi řekli skrze vaše fotografie?

—They are fun, animated, compassionate, witty, unique, hardworking, modern, artistic, imaginative, quirky, and yet most importantly, story telling with my true spirit.

—Co vás motivuje v dalším focení?

—My family the most. Also, undiscovered world of photography intrigues me to challenge myself in the upcoming future. Accolades can be bonus.

—Měli vaši rodiče být méně nebo více přísní?

—Less strict. Matter of fact, my mom bought me my first point-n-shoot camera when I was the fifth grade. They are always supportive and respectful to my decision, but I had to be very responsible to my decision.

—Pokud byste se mohli vrátit v čase, co byste udělali jinak?

—I would go to a renowned college of art to inspire myself with in-depth fine art. I studied Environmental Science instead. Also, I would continue playing badminton, so I could have competed in Olympics (one of my teammates from the same school team won a gold medal in Atlanta Olympic games).

—Co o životě na ostatních planetách?

—I am going to ask God about it.

—Kdo jsou vaši hrdinové?

—Whoever influences me to become a better person.

—Pro koho nemáte žádný respekt?

—People who commit sins without repent afterwards.

—Co děláte ve svém volném čase?

—Planning something ahead that would or would not happen, but it is always fun to do it. I do normal things that the normal people would do during the spare time.

—Jakou vaši tvář nikdy neuvidí veřejnost?

—When I am doing post production work at home, I am normally in underwears as it happens to be very comfortable and free to myself.

—Kdy jste zcela spokojeni s vaší prací?

—When I hear back from my clients with lots of compliments and appreciation after they get the final release. Also, accolades are bonus to my satisfaction, but I consider myself always being in learning curve.

—Věříte v tradiční role mužů a žen?

—Yes, I am in terms of marriage and family, however, roles are always subject to change based on the modern lifestyle. As long as we love each other, traditional roles are not biggie in our lives.

—Získáváte snadno nové přátele?

—Yes, however, it can take significant amount of time to become their best friends. I would rather be their best friends than making them my best friends.

—Kde byste rádi žili?

—I would like to live in one Korea upon unification of North & South Korea. Other than US and Korea, I would also consider living any parts around the world needing any of my contribution.

—Co je ta nejhloupější věc, na kterou jste kdy přistoupili?

—Sharing a studio space with a wedding dress/floral shop. I would never do a business with anyone in the same space.

—Existuje život po svatbě?

—Sure thing! Your lifetime companion and kids are enough to make a dramatic change in your life after marriage.

—Máte oblíbený vtip? Povězte nám ho.

—My wife and my son give me all kinds of silly talk, and I always return with a joke. Too many to list.

—Máte rádi psy a kočky?

—We used to have a jack russell terrier and a mix dog for over 12 years. They both passed aways a few years ago, but they always stay remained in our hearts. We are planning to have one soon.

—Koho nebo co nenávidíte?

—Business partners with betrayal, lies and unacceptable manner. I can't tolerate those people, and can't deal with them anymore as it happens to be the worst time in my life.

—Nejlepší věc v životě je:

—When my son was born.

—Nejotravnější věc v životě je:

—Dealing with business partners and friends who betrayed me.

—Existuje něco, co byste chtěli změnit?

—I would like to redesign my website, restart blogging, and keep up everything in timely manner.

—Co byste chtěli změnit na sobě?

—I need to put something on when I am working at home.
Seriously, I need to reshape my body.

—Co byste chtěli změnit ve světě?

—Get rid of terrorists and dictators, and provide aids to those who are in desperate life situation.

—Máte nějaké tipy pro začínající fotografy?

—Learn, practise and gain lots of experience to become a true artist, not a person with a good show-off camera. Most importantly, try to understand what this day means to the wedded couple and people at the wedding, and your role there.

—Kdyby přišli na naši planetu mimozemšťané a vy byste byli první osobou, se kterou se potkají, co byste jim řekli?

—"Do you need a photographer to document your landing and presence? The session will be free, however, you need to sign a media release form." LOL

—Pokud byste měli natočit film, jakého žánru by byl?

—I would like to photograph an epic love story, war and drama.

—Zítra půjdu a udělám...

—Tomorrow, I will go to a wedding and photograph the most amazing day of someone's life.