Ten Pannatat

“The most important thing for me, and what I like best about my work, is creating something contemporary”

Intercru: Where are you from? Where do you live and work now?

Ten: Originally, I am a Thai of Chinese descent. Now I mainly live and work in Bangkok.

How did you get started as a photographer?

It all started with an opportunity from my friend. My friends always saw that I was a photographer. So one day, he offered me a job to do. And when I started doing it, I grew to have an even more passionate feeling about photography. Since then, I have been a photographer.

What’s the hardest part of photography?

In my photography, I have always used an analog film camera. For me, the functionality between an analog film camera and a digital camera was different. I had to shoot a film with a purpose in order to not to miss a picture. I had to think carefully and thoroughly before I pressed the shutter on each shot. That is the hardest thing for me.

What do you do to find creative inspiration?

I am interested in Japanese painting and photography, as well as the art of Chinese painting.

Also, I was influenced by the iconic Eastern Chinese culture of the 1980s and ’90s, mostly by the work of Japanese icons like Shoji Ueda and Ichiro Tsuruta, which is a mix of Antique Japanese paintings with European Art Deco style come together. These artists have all made me discover a lot of inspiration and the process of creating my work.

What’s your favorite part about photography?

In each work that I do, I think it’s always new to me. Each image has a different mood and meaning. A team that works together makes things happen. Everyone I work is a very talented team member.

I believe there is a “cosmopolitan beauty” and a beautiful image often conveys that. The most important thing for me, and what I like best about my work, is creating something contemporary. I like to just let my photos come out beautiful.

With the photos you make, what’s the main feeling or emotion you try to convey?

Being contemporary is important and meaningful in my work. Emotions differ according to the feelings that are conveyed. I think that applied art is part of the very essence of photography. It is truly the source of those profound ideas. When I am trying to create fashion photography work I’m not just focused on American or European ideals, but something that is more universal.

In your opinion, what makes the perfect photo?

I define my work as “nostalgic portraits.” For me, perfect photographs are how I understand what I want to convey, not just superficially. My photography process is driven by the things that I have the most intimate emotional connection with. This will allow me to express it perfectly in the way I am the most.