It takes technique and pure patience to shoot uncontrollable Betta splendens, otherwise known as the Siamese fighting fish.
The time and effort has paid off for Visarute Angkatavanich, whose breathtaking photos have been curated for an exhibition titled, "The Beauty Of Siam: Anantara Siamese Fighting Fish".
Organised by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, the exhibition runs until May 31 at the lobby and Parichart Court of Anantara Siam Bangkok on Ratchadamri Road.
Over 40 photos of the beautiful betta are on display, to build an appreciation of the country's national aquatic animal, which has become increasingly rare in the wild amid calls for conservation. The species is native to the Mekong basin and mostly found in Thailand's Chao Phraya River.
The portraits depict the graceful creatures magically floating as if in mid-air, rather than being confined in a water tank. Some of the fish are looking right at you, some the other way, while their flowing fins evoke an elegant aquatic dance.
Different varieties in black, white, gold and multicolours have been captured by Visarute, who has been passionate about photography and ornamental fish since he was young.
His stunning shots have been featured in the internationally recognised photo book, Betta Paradiso: The Art Of Siamese Fighting Fish, as well as in overseas exhibitions in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and New York.
The Bangkok exhibition will move to the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort on Charoen Nakhon Road, from June 5 until July 31.
Anantara guests in properties across Thailand can also request the Siamese fighting fish as in-room companion to appreciate its grace and beauty.
