Shutterbug

Click, click, click, click, click...

The camera's shutter clicks rapidly as the photographer focuses on Jirasak Thongyuak of Room magazine. Jirasak, a 36-year-old photo editor, is asked to smile and repeatedly walk up and down a set of steps for the photo shoot. But he doesn't seem bothered.

"I understand," he says with a smile.

"Photographers usually take lots of shots to get the very best photo." Jirasak is easy to talk with and smiles a lot. He says photographers must be able to get along with others.

"Photographers must work with people to complete each assignment. They can't let an individual's ego overpower the concept and style of the magazine," he says.

"But they must be willing to compromise, keep their heart open, accept others-and be willing to learn. When they're confident and think their work is the best, then their career over."

Jirasak has been a photographer for 12 years. After graduating with a degree in photography from Rangsit University, he started working at Sudsapda (Weekend), then moved to Life & Decor, then Baan Lae Suan (House & Garden) before landing at Room. All are part of Amarin Printing and Publishing.

"The degree in photography helps, but isn't necessary. However, understanding artistic composition is obligatory," he says.

"Photographic skills and techniques can be learned, but a sense of art can't be taught."

When recruiting new photographers, Jirasak looks for potential that can be developed rather than educational background.

"No one is born an expert. You have to admit your weaknesses and find ways to improve them. If you don't have a background in art, read books on art. If you are bad at lighting, practise it."

Jirasak returned to school to get a master's degree in modern art from Srinakharinwirot University. He currently is a special lecturer in Srinakharinwirot's Department of Communication Design.

For novice photographers, Jirasak suggests contacting magazines and publishing houses and requesting an internship.

"If you wait for an opportunity, it'll be slow. So you'd better take the initiative and present yourself," he says.

"When you work as an intern, you'll have real experiences and face different challenges. You'll discover if you truly like it. And if your performance is good, your opportunity to land a job improves."

Beginning photographers earn around Bt10,000 a month, Jirasak says.

"Some photographers make more money from freelance work than from their full-time job. It depends on each individual's performance and experience," he notes.

"Veteran photographers can earn as much as Bt10,000 to Bt20,000 a day."

Photographers can travel places most people only dream, but they must work odd hours and sometimes in stressful circumstances.

"You'll get to travel a lot, both in the country and overseas," he says. "But you have to be flexible because you'll meet lots of different people and go to many different, new locations."

By Rojana Manowalailao

The Nation