www.phanumasphotography.com

Please allow me to introduce myself; I am Phanumas Sriprasom, or more commonly known as Mas, and certainly easier to pronounce for the western tongue! I am a professional freelance photographer and cameraman with over 16 year’s experience. Originally based in Bangkok, I have now moved away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a more relaxed way of life in Krabi, Southern Thailand.

I was born in September 1970 in Chantaburi, close to the Cambodian border in the south-east of Thailand, South-East Asia.

At the age of twelve, with my parents unable to afford my education, I left my home town to move to Bangkok for my schooling and earned myself a home at Wat (Temple) Tattong, East of Bangkok. It was here that Pra (monk) Suwich took me under his wing for the next nine years and provided the guidance on the values of Buddhism, humanity and the financial support to afford me an education and the opportunity to live my ultimate dream, to study photography and cinematography at Technic Krung Theep College (Bangkok Technical College), where I graduated in 1991. I was fortunate enough to study under the tutelage of the late Professor Pun Ketjamlat, King Bhumibol’s (the current King of Thailand) personal and official photographic advisor

Without the support of Pra Suwich, none of this would have been possible, and I will always be indebted for his help.

I went on to become a cameraman for Kantana studios in Bangkok for seven years before going on to work on a freelance basis for a further seven to eight years working as lead cameraman on commercial and television projects throughout Thailand for JWT Advertising, Toyota, Ford; MTV Asia and the list goes on, as well as the position of Director of Photography for “Dua Jing”, a reality TV show on Channel Three.

I enjoyed my career as a television, corporate video and advertising cameraman for well over a decade until I encountered a spate of bad luck, involving a near fatal car accident with a four year recovery program. This was shortly followed by the death of Panida, my wife of ten years, who tragically lost her battle to cancer. I then decided to turn my attention to photography, which has been my primary focus since. Naturally, I still enjoy getting involved in film and video projects when the opportunity arises, which they frequently do.

I have now moved from the frenetic pace of Bangkok for a calmer way of life and now live in Krabi, with its breathtaking scenery, in the south of Thailand. Krabi is also only one hour away from some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao and Koh Jum and is just a stone’s throw away from Phuket, Trang, Khao Lak and Phang Nga.

It is here in Krabi and the surrounding areas where I carry out most of my work, whether it’s photography for a wedding, property or something which catches my eye to add to my fine art or image rental collection. I have the luxury of enjoying the best of both worlds; a job that I am passionate about and a lifestyle and location which allows me to relax and enjoy each and every day.

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I am fanatical about my work. My inspiration comes from countless things; for example, an unusual angle or interesting shadow and like to make the best from the natural light available. They say a picture can speak a thousand words, and that’s exactly what I focus on when I compose a shot. By observing every little detail, I can capture the real essence and spontaneity of beautiful, magical and awe-inspiring moments behind the shutter.

An all too common mistake is believing that owning an expensive or professional camera will deliver beautiful photographs.

A camera is merely a tool as a brush, paint and a palette is to an artist. I see photography as any other art form – reliant on the talent and eye of the artist. My canvas is anything that catches my eye. I love the rawness of capturing an actual moment in time.

Photography can demand an enormous amount of patience, and Thai’s are generally very calm and tolerant people, which I believe is a valuable asset to any photographer, especially when trying to capture a specific shot.

Contact: mas@phanumasphotography.com

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