Interview with Fine Art Photographer Charit Pusiri

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

Photography is the ability to tell a story with a single photograph. Sometimes it is possible to tell too many stories in a photograph that cannot be explained in a book. At this point, the photographer's point of view comes into play and they decide what they want to tell us and makes it visible without using any pen by only pressing the shutter button. For this reason, Charit Pusiri chose Fine Art Photography and he started to reflect his ideas into the photos. I talked with Fine Art Photographer Charit Pusiri about his career and the details of Fine Art Photography.

Charit, before talking about photography, could you tell us about yourself? Who is Charit Pusiri?

I’m from Bangkok, Thailand. I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design, Atlanta. Growing up, I loved watching movies, it made me interested in art and photography later on. When I was young I got bullied a lot. These bad experiences are reflected in some of my personal works which tend to talk about what should be right and what should be wrong in society. I also love comedy so some of my works contain some sense of humour.

Blind Eyes No.1 - Photo by Charit Pusiri

When did you get your first camera? Do you remember the first photo that you shoot with it?

I don’t quite remember when but I remembered that at a very young age I like to play with my father’s cameras, the one that I remembered most is a Polaroid Spectra instant camera. When I was about fifteen I got more serious with photography and got my first camera, a Nikon FM2.

How did you decide to pursue a career in photography? What inspired you?

When I was in high school I got into the school’s photography club where I took photography more seriously. By the end of high school, I knew I wanted to be a photographer.

Devastated - Photo by Charit Pusiri

What kind of services do you offer to your clients?

For fine art photography services, I offered both fine art portrait and fine art photography service based on the client’s needs.

How did your interest in fine art photography has begun? What is the most special aspect of fine art photography for you?

At first, I was interested in creating only “beautiful” images without any meaning or depth. But after I got my Master degree in photography I got to study fine art photography and it changed my view on photography completely. Now I don’t view photography as a tool to capture moments or to create “beautiful” images but more of a storytelling media, a medium to express my ideas, my imagination, and my believes.

Candlelight Blues No.2 Photo by Charit Pusiri

What define your style of fine art photography?

Most of my personal fine art works have the same characteristics in terms of having a sense of storytelling, cinematic mood lightning, hidden meaningful little details, and humour in some images.

How would you describe your photographic approach?

First I would come up with an idea. I would sketch each image and list all the locations, props, sets, talents, special techniques needed. Then I’ll do location scouting and find all the props until everything on my list is checked. After everything comes together it’s time for the actual shoot and then finishes off in post production.

Besides fine art, what kind of projects do you prefer to work on?

I also like to do advertising and some still life product shots.

What are the key points that you pay attention to most before accepting a new project?

Does the client understand my style?

Deer - Photo by Charit Pusiri

In your projects, do you work in a previously defined concept or do you prefer to create your own concept?

In every project I tried to create a new concept but still contain my style.

What do you think about the effect of a good photograph in the buyer's decision?

For me, a “good photograph” should be well executed, have some depth to it and also portrays the essence of the product or what the client wants but in the meantime still easy enough for people to understand.

Is it possible for abroad clients to work with you for their photo shots?

Sure with today’s connectivity, anything is possible.

Which factors determine the project budget?

The main factors include the difficulty of the project, the props and sets or location needed, and the scale of the production.

Flora No.5 - Photo by Charit Pusiri

Could your clients use the photographs in any publication, catalog, packagings, website, billboards or other platforms where they want?

Normally, if its a commissioned fine art project then the clients are free to use the image as they wish. Otherwise, it depends on the agreement.

What advice would you give to photographers who want to pursue a career in fine art photography?

Fine art photography could be a bit harder to find clients than other genres of photography as it requires a strong and unique personal style to distinguish yourself and to attract particular clients.

What is your favorite photograph that you have ever taken?

My current favourite image is this one called “Lady”.

Lady - Photo by Charit Pusiri

At first glance, you might look at it and see it as kind of a portrait or even a fashion shot. But you need to understand Thai culture to fully understand this image such as in Thai society female students should be polite, they should sit properly on a chair, not on a table which is a place where you place your books (a symbol of knowledge that shouldn’t sit on or stepped on.) Female students should wear their uniform properly (i.e. the skirt should cover their knees). Students shouldn’t concern too much about being pretty or attracting the opposite sex (make up on the table, alcohol, condom, and men magazine in the open drawer). Combined, this image although looks simple but contain a lot of social norms and cultural issues in it.

What do you think about social media? How can our readers follow you?

Social media is a great way for my work to be seen by other people across the world. I love when people discuss my works.

You can see my images via:

website: www.charitpusiri.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CharitArt

Thank you Charit for your time.

For more information, please click here to visit the website of Charit Pusiri

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Tuesday, February 5, 2019. All photos are the property of their respective owners.