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Tips for capturing a publishable royal photograph

Bumrung Phankaek, a photographer based at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Personal Affairs Division, gives advice on how to capture a photo during regal ceremonies which might be publishable in the press.

Try to capture a moment in the photo while the Royal Family member is showing an interest or focusing on something: a note-taking moment, cooking, having a conversation or walking followed by a row of participants.

Avoid a photo that might be lower the family member's dignity. For instance, if the royal person is very short compared to someone nearby, take a photograph with both sitting on a sofa.

A photo of the royal person eating or drinking is prohibited.

Shoot a photo only at an eye-level angle. It's not possible to publish a royal photograph shot from a high angle because this is considered as defamation of royal honour.

It is prohibited to take royal photograph during movement from lower and higher ground, such as taking a stair step.

If you know beforehand the royal schedule and place of visit, it's a better idea to set up your camera at a prepared spot and wait until the family member's arrival rather keep following their progress.

For a close-up photo of a royal smiling face, always leave some blank space over the top of the photo while taking a shot. This is to avoid missing of some part of the head, in which case you cannot use it.

You will have to stay at least five metres away while taking a photo.

Only an SLR or film slide camera is allowed. Compact or digital cameras are prohibited for taking a royal photo due to their ease to edit for improper use.

Before publishing any royal photograph, it is strongly recommended to ask permission from the royal office.

All the information here came from a recent seminar "How to Capture a Photo to Make News", organised by Mahidol University International College.

Watchara Saengsrisin

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Tips for capturing a publishable royal photograph

Bumrung Phankaek, a photographer based at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Personal Affairs Division, gives advice on how to capture a photo during regal ceremonies which might be publishable in the press.

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