Wedding photographers in Thailand

—The secret we all want to reveal – who is the best wedding photographer in Chiang Mai?

—I'm shy ;)

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a wedding photographer capture?

—Yes, tiny details. Flowers, name cards, decorations. Unexpected details. Keep your eyes open!

—How did you start working in the wedding photography field?

—Well, when I relocated to Chiang Mai i thought I would specialize in property photography as that was what I had been doing for the past 20 years, however, in Chiang Mai that is something that wasn't so advanced.
I was contacted by a Chinese couple asking if I could do a pre-wedding shoot for them and that is where the ball started rolling and I realized that there was a market for this type of photography and now it is very much my specialization

—Do you look good in pictures?

—Haha, that's funny! Well, I am a bit of a poser but I am also 55 years old now – I guess my face shows my experience to a degree.
I was recently mistaken for my 23 year old son's older brother so that was funny :) I think it is because I take care of myself and believe in a strict exercise regime

—What would you alter in yourself if possible?

—I would like to learn to trust my sixth sense more. When I look back on bad things that have happened to me or bad people that I have met, when I look back there has always been an uncomfortable inner feeling that I have chosen to ignore. Now I am trying to be more aware of this.

—What is absolutely unacceptable when taking photos?

—Massive ego. Being horribly intrusive. Over use of effects and Photoshop.
I can return a complete set of wedding photos within 2 weeks because I shoot as I want the images. That saves so much time.

—Can you specify whom would you love to shoot?

—Donald Trump. Oh, you mean with a camera?! Haha, my next client will be fine although I wouldn't mind taking a portrait of an icon like Al Pacino I guess.

—Do you hate anyone or anything? Who or what?

—I don't think so. A few people have come close but I don't think keeping bad feelings in you is a good thing. Best to learn, let go and move on.

—Are there tendencies in wedding photography?

—In Asia it seems there is a tendency to have a huge team of assistants and hangers on. I think this is to impress the client but for me I like to work with one or two photographers dependent upon the size of the wedding. That way we are not all tripping over each other or getting in the shots.
If you know what you are doing big teams are not necessary unless for the largest of weddings

—How do you deal with criticism?

—Haha, fortunately I don't get too much but if I receive any I like to consider it before responding as sometimes it can be very useful

—Can you imagine what wedding photography will be like in future?

—From my personal point of view it will be pretty much the same. I would describe my style as modern classic. I try to give my clients images that won't date

—What would you prefer to change around you?

—I would like people to realize that possessions don't bring happiness. Governments included. The World would be a peaceful place then.

—Is there anything in your work that you don't like or even hate?

—In my work, no, not really but I do really dislike overly Photoshopped images that I see too many of on Instagram and other forums

—What cartoon, film or book character would you become if you had a chance?

—Anyone that has wisdom and inner strength and a strong sense of what is right as well as a great sense of humour.

—What makes a photo valuable? What are the key features of a great photo?

—Emotion and light.
There are too many technically good photographers who have no idea how to capture emotion.

—How do you improve your photography skills?

—Always be your own critic. Stick to your path.
Dedication, focus and presentation are my watch words.

—Is there life in the Universe?

—Without consciousness there is nothing. We have consciousness, therefore I believe there can be life.

—Do you like travelling?

—If it is for work, yes. If not, I really love Chiang Mai and it can be hard to get me to leave haha.

—Do you believe in the traditional gender roles?

—I believe that we may be going a little too far the other way. There has to be a point of balance.

—What is there in your work that brings you joy?

—Everything. I abandoned my previous career in high end real estate sales to turn professional.

—What's better – when you are liked or are respected?

—It is important to be liked but you should behave in a way that draws respect also.

—Do you shoot wedding photos only?

—No, I shoot boudoir, product, property, portraits and some landscapes and fashion.

—What makes wedding photography different from other photography genres?

—You have to be fit, you have to be quick, you have to be a great people person

—Do you believe in the superstition that a photo replicates the soul of the pictured person?

—No. But I do believe you can totally capture the emotion of a split second.

—Imagine that you can travel back in time. What would you do differently?

—I would have asked to study photography when I was kicked out of art class.

—In your opinion, should your parents have been more or less strict to you as a child?

—They were fine. I very much regret loosing my father when I was just 17.

—Give some advice to a wedding photographer who is a beginner.

—Focus, dedication and presentation. Follow your own style. Keep going.

—Do you make friends with ease?

—Yes but there are very few true friends in anyone person's life.

—What should future newlyweds pay attention to when looking for a wedding photographer?

—Quality, timeless style that will not date. Professionalism.

—Cats or dogs?

—They are both lovely but I wouldn't want to have either.

—What mistake in your professional experience you treat as the biggest one?

—Not becoming a professional photographer 20 years ago.

—If you have a chance to shoot a movie, what genre will you choose?

—Some sort of film noir. This is a very sexy gendre.

—What is success to you? How can one measure it?

—Knowing inner happiness on a daily basis. Simple.

—Is there anything in your work that you treat as prohibited "tricks"?

—We are back to over use of Photoshop again.

—Whose works made an impact on you as a wedding photographer?

—A British photographer called Katy Lunsford

—When travelling, what do you usually take with you & why?

—Toothbrush, razor. Maybe a camera, haha.

—The most troubling thing in life is:

—Our dependency on having to earn money.

—How do you spend your leisure time?

—With my girlfriend or at the gym.

—What person in your life is your muse & source of inspiration?

—My girlfriend. She's amazing.

—What are the key elements that make a photo attractive?

—Light, emotion, composition.

—What are your plans for tomorrow?

—I have a wedding to shoot :)

—Whom can you name as people you respect and admire most?

—The last King of Thailand.

—What moment in your life you treat as the most significant one?

—Discovering the real Me

—What devices that you own you regret you bought and why?

—I can't think of any.

—What key message are you trying to convey with your pictures?

—Love, light, emotion.

—What thing is the silliest one you've ever agreed to do?

—Marry my first wife.

—What makes you continue shooting?

—Love of what I do.

—What side of you do you never show to the public?

—I am an open book.

—Who would you choose to try taking photos with?

—Cartier-Bresson

—What would you have preferred to learn before becoming a photographer?

—Cinamatography

—Life is great thanks to:

—Being alive!

—Where would you prefer to live?

—Chiang Mai.

—Do you believe in life after wedding?

—Certainly.

—Imagine aliens come to our planet. You are the first human they meet. What would you tell them?

—Run! Haha.

—Who is the 21st century symbol to your mind?

—Elon Musk

—Whom can you name as a person/people not deserving respect?

—Trump.

—When are you totally satisfied with the results of your work?

—Never.

—What would you prefer to change in the world?

—Greed.

—Is there anything that worries you? What & why?

—No