We first interviewed Peerapat "Add" Wimolrungkarat because of his unique job as personal photographer for Abhisit Vejjajiva while he was the 27th prime minister of Thailand many moons ago. Since then Add has gone on to become the photo editor of The Momentum and The Standard news websites and since 2017, has worked as the photographer for Isra Sunthornvut, secretary-general of Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly. Recently he was chosen as a finalist in StreetFoto San Francisco 2019 Contest and his works, along with four Bangkok-based photographers, will be exhibited from June 3-9. Also a Leica ambassador since 2016, he is holding the “Sense Of Place” exhibition, which runs until Jun 16 at Leica Gallery Bangkok.
You graduated with an architect degree, how did your passion for photography come about?
At home. I first picked up my father's cameras when I was in Prathom 3 or 4. I borrowed his to practise. However, I haven't been trained professionally in photography. I mostly self-taught. I just go out and take pictures. I don't concern myself with theories much. I got a lot of practice, taking photos of school activities and trips I took with friends. When I graduated, I set my mind on becoming a photographer but somehow relates to my degree [Add has worked for several architect and design magazines].
How did you become personal photographer to Abhisit for seven years?
While I was working for a magazine, we profiled a Democrat candidate who told me about an opportunity to work for Abhisit. To cut a long story short, I submitted my portfolio and seven months later I got the job. I went to Government House to be interviewed three times. I was excited the day they told me to be in the field and take photos of Abhisit along with tonnes of photographers at Government House. I assumed other candidates were asked to do the same, as well. It was challenging because we all shared the same subject, Abhisit, so I had to make my photos stand out in my style.
What's challenging about being a personal photographer for a public figure?
It's like getting to know someone through photos. There's definitely a gap between you and your subject because they have rank and prestige. So we need to break the ice quickly. You need to get over your anxiety for working with someone while allowing them to be comfortable in front of your lens. While working for Abhisit, they told me to take photos in my own style and show him in a more candid and approachable light. I now accompany Khun Isra on important trips or meetings to take photos.
What are some of your favourite photographic subjects?
I like them all -- people and places. I like photographing architecture and I also like doing portraits. I like meeting new people and listening to their stories.
How did your current exhibition come about?
I've always been interested in taking pictures of architecture and people. I believe that everyone has moments when they want to take pictures of a place they visit but the light may be bad and they're not happy with pictures they take. It takes luck, timing and other factors coming together to produce a photo that you want and are happy with. Photos can also be viewed as a relationship between you and the places you visit. Things come together serendipitously in a single moment for you to capture it so you sense the senses of place. You sense the story that a place wants to tell you and then you retell it to another person through pictures.
What would you say to those who may be interested in checking it out?
I would like if the people who come to my show look around and observe their surroundings when they travel in the country or abroad. Things that you're interested in can be your photographic diary and you can share stories you come across along the way to others. I hope that my show can inspire people to take photos. Your subject can be things in your everyday life.
Do you need a top-tiered camera to be a kick-ass photographer?
No, but it certainly helps. The equipment amplifies your ability and improves the quality of your work. It's a mixture of your camera and you bringing your own perspective when you press that shutter button. Expensive cameras may be useless if you don't have a perspective or the ability to tell a story through your pictures.
Any advice for aspiring photographers?
Do what you like. Capture subjects that you like but don't forget to learn about things that you 'think' you don't like, too. Try new things and experiment. You don't know what you like and don't like until you try it.
'Sense Of Place' runs until Jun 16 at Leica Gallery Bangkok (http://fb.com/leicagallerybangkok, 02-656-1102) in Gaysorn Village. An exhibition walk-through will be held on Jun 2 and Jun 16 during which Add will be talking about the photos on display. Only 10 seats available on each day.
