Hello Alisa is a pleasure to have such a beautiful and talented photographer like you guest today in the pages of metropolitano.it. Tell us about yourself so that readers of the metropolitan consocere you can better?
A – I was born in Korat, otherwise known as Nakornratchasima, the beginning of “Esarn” the North East of Thailand. My interest has always been arts, not academic subjects like mathematics or science. I’ve always been good at creative arts. From the request of my mother, I studied computer progamming. Being against my will, I failed. I then moved to Ramkanhaeng University in Bangkok in Humanities Studies. After class I would always attend extra courses in painting, photography, etc. It really satisfied me. While I was still taking programming in Korat, my friend would cut out a photo of an “Esarn” model who was internationally renowned, and she gave it to me. She would tell me I looked exactly like this model! Rotjana Petchkamha. She modeled for Coco Chanel. We share the same background, and she made it to the global stage. So I thought, I can do it too! Now I live in Bangkok Thailand. I’ve lived in Shanghai when I modeled there for one year, Istanbul for two years and Paris for two years. Then I moved to Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as Milan. Being a model helps you today in your work as a photographer? Know the world of fashion, to feel the models at ease while shooting, capture the essence of the picture and the one that wants to transmit
A – Based on my experience of being a model for more than 10 years, I have been surrounded by all different kinds of models from different backgrounds, as well as make up artists, and photographers. I learnt so much during my years experience. Most models I work with today are fresh-faced. I want to promote and help them grow. So I teach them my techniques and tips, acting as a coach. I know photography deep down to the angles and perspectives that I can best capture the essence. I can say that I contribute my knowledge to the world of photography. I love to encourage people that they can model. Everyone can model. No matter the heights, shapes and sizes, everyone has their own beautiful angle.
What is or what are your favorite photographic subjects and why?
A – I actually like Black and White works. I like subjects that present life, not just beauty, but also transcending emotions. It’s more genuine. You cannot lie or pretend. You are buried behind colors.
For color photography, I try to promote make up work because unlike knowledge in lighting and photography, but make up is something that I taught myself, so I promote creative make up works. Behind that reason, it’s really hard to find a make up artist that is as creative and bold here in Thailand. Everyone here works the same kind of work. I like to do my own creative make up. And unlike other makeup artists which spend a few hours, I spend only half an hour to create my work.
How important are image editing programs and how important the talent and taste for photographers of today? You what is your relationship with this technology?
A – Editing programs are certainly important. Nowadays everybody uses editing programs. To make the work flawless, you HAVE to use editing programs.
Please remember that anyone can use editing programs, but I actually do the lighting, make up and arranging the set myself. Using programs to edit the make up work, it looks obvious. It does not look natural. So I think that answers the question about how important having talent and taste are.
Taking a ranking within your full portfolio, what do you think was the most difficult job, and what the one in which you enjoyed the most?
A – Group shots are the most difficult. One model is hard enough, but two models are harder and three models are even harder. It’s so difficult to align everyone in the set to work in the same direction and express the desired feelings required for the shot.
The job I really like is a mixed racial shot. The models are from completely opposite racial profile. They create raw emotions. It’s also challenging in terms of setting the light. I also love other challenging works. My preference is actually a little complex and more distinct than the market. I love to be wild, bold and crazy.
An important person that you would like to photograph?
A – Angelina Jolie, of course.
Everybody keeps telling me that I am an Asian version of her. So I would like to work with her in person. I don’t fancy her only because she is beautiful and famous. She’s also genuinely a good person. She involves herself in a lot of charity work. She has always been my role model. She just does not care about what others say. She does her own thing. I love that.
Are you working on any other projects lately? You might be interested in coming to work in Europe?
A – Right now I’m working on weekly workshops where I act as a photographer, a make up artist as well as a stylist. I style and arrange the wardrobe myself.
I don’t want to limit myself. If there are interesting opportunities, I would love to further broaden my horizons. Never say never. You never know!
Thank you for the time you have spent, we wish you good work and hope to see you soon in Italy
A – Thank you for the opportunity for me to represent my town, my background and my country. I may not be from a fancy background, but I have come a long way. I want to be a voice to say to women all around the world that, if you can dream it, you can do it.
Grazie mille, ciao amici!
