So Long and So Many Tanks For All The Fish

So Long and So Many Tanks For All The Fish

Photographer Visarute Angkatavanich's stunning images are being admired around the world.

SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE

Visarute Angkatavanich became an instant sensation when the iPhone 6s was launched last month. He played no part in creating the phone’s 3D touchscreen technology or upgrading the fingerprint scanner, but after one look at Apple’s newest creation attention turned to him. The wallpaper features bright, colourful Siamese fighting fish that bear a striking similarity to the 45-year-old photographer’s signature images.

Speculation that Visarute was the creator of the iPhone wallpapers went viral after Apple chief executive Tim Cook’s presentation. Facebook and Twitter were soon full of posts lining Visarute’s images up with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus screens.

Talk only intensified after Sorayuth Suthassanachinda, Channel 3’s most watched news broadcaster, spent several minutes comparing the images of Visarute’s fighting fish photos and the iPhone wallpapers. “The styles are similar,” Sorayuth said. “And I think Apple may get inspiration from our Thai photographer. This is something that we should be proud of.”

Sorayuth asked his audience to judge, as the photographer himself had declined to comment on the matter.

In an interview with Brunch, the man behind the controversy still refused to spill the beans about his involvement with Apple. “All I can say that Thais would not be disappointed,” a soft-spoken Visarute said.

Despite his silence on the images that have been seen worldwide and turned him into something of a celebrity, Visarute has much to say about his dedication to photographing Siamese fighting fish. In person, he appears shy and humble, but he quickly becomes animated when describing his passion.

Visarute’s fascination with the fancier breeds of fish began in childhood, as the family’s shophouse home was not large enough for cats and dogs. He learned how to take photographs as a teenager, but did not pursue it seriously for college studies. Instead, he majored in advertising at Chulalongkorn University’s Communication Arts Faculty, and after graduation worked as a graphic designer for an ad agency. Before long his skills with a camera were useful, and he found himself shooting photos for his commercials.

“There were times that I could not find the right photographers for my work. So, I thought, why not do it myself.”

Working for Shutterstock and as an independent professional photographer requires Visarute to seek out interesting subjects. The decision to attend an ornamental fish contest proved a turning point in his career — on seeing the fish he was amazed.

“When I was young, I saw fish in only three or four colours. Fighting fish were only black and white. But the contest was like a revelation. There are new species of fish, in a variety of shapes and colours. I didn’t expect to see that. It’s like a monster to me,” he said excitedly. “Before that, the image of fish was still and flat, totally unlike what I had just seen.

“I like watching fish, regardless of whether they are fighting fish, goldfish or guppies. When I go to markets, I often stop at the fish vendors.

“Fish are spellbinding, especially when they move. I want to capture the moment.”

Visarute began with goldfish and later captured Siamese fighting fish, with their light floating tails >>
>> standing out boldly against dark or white backgrounds. The fish’s exotic looks and vibrant colours make the images hyperreal.

“My work is unique. Before that, I never saw fighting fish photographed that way.”

Visarute uploaded his work on Facebook and international photography websites, and his signature photography gradually started to draw international attention. His photographs have been featured in online and print media in many countries, including Japan, South Korea, China, Russia, Italy and the United Kingdom.

But it is not only Visarute who is making a living from the fish. Those who sell them, either online or for export, have learned the value of a striking photograph. While they cost between 50 and 100 baht each in Thailand, their popularity means they can be exported for 10 times that price. Visarute has played a role in this, having been a guest speaker at a photography workshop organised by the Fisheries Department. “And I think that my work has contributed to that image of Siamese fighting fish circulating on the internet,” he said proudly.

JUST KEEP SWIMMING

Taking photos of animals is tricky because the model rarely follows instructions perfectly. Dogs and monkeys may be easier to train than cats, for example, but fish are especially slippery.

The first task is to pick a photogenic fish. “Photogenic fish, for me, do not have to be extremely expensive,” he explained. “I have to look at the big picture, at their colours and for movements that draw my interest. I also examine their tails — the size and other features such as the markings on them.”

Visarute visits the Chatuchak Market every weekend to look for fish.

“When I see a fish, I have to figure out to the end how to present its image,” he said.

“Each fish has its own character. It does not follow our instructions but we can see its unique character, such as how it reacts to certain situations like when it threatens the other fish.”

To get one good shot can take up to three hours of shooting. The tripod and tank are in position, but there is no chance the fish will stay still while waiting for the camera to focus.

“I have to change the focus constantly because it is a small animal moving near the camera. This is quite difficult,” he said.

“Coincidentally, my work involves commercial and studio photography. I can apply this knowledge and bring out more emotion when taking photos of fish than photographers who specialise in other fields.”

Every detail counts when setting up the fish tank, water and lighting. Dust or silt in the water, particles which are barely visible to the human eye, can ruin the picture as minor defects will be magnified in the final photograph. The tank itself has to be flawless, without any scratches, and the water has to be crystal clear.

“When taking pictures of goldfish, there tends to be splashes and bubbles inside the fish tank,” he said. “I have to change the water many times to make it clear.”

After he is satisfied with his photos, he will work on the post-production process. “I may have to remove some dust particles and adjust the brightness and contrast,” he said.

Visarute tries to keep any adjustments to a minimum. “I see my work as representing the fish as they are. It takes significant time to capture certain colours and movements. It’s not easy. I don’t want to damage the pictures by retouching and altering them.

“Taking photos, in an artist’s view, is to convey one’s identity and thoughts. We have a clear identity when we clearly know the things we like and dislike. Our work will stand out. Those who imitate others, they won’t go far. But if they are inspired or have a passion for something, their inner selves will drive them forward.”

SPLASH OUT

A collection of Visarute’s work will be shown at BIG+BIH October 2015: the Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair 2015 at Bitec Bang Na, Bangkok, from Oct 19-23. Visarute’s work will be displayed along with five other Asian artists in different fields.

Visarute wants to continue working with Siamese fighting fish. “There are other moves that I haven’t been able to capture,” he said.

Now his work is more famous and prominent than ever, Visarute is philosophical when asked if he is worried about imitators.

“I am the pioneer who surveyed this path,” he said. “I have tried; things have gone right and wrong. But now I have built the road, I am not surprised that people want to share this road. The challenge for me is how I proceed from what I’ve done.”

The advice he has for aspiring photographers should come as no surprise since he spends hours on end looking at fish through a lens to capture just the right moment: patience.

“When we start doing something new, there will be mistakes. If we are not patient, we might quit halfway through.

“If we walk in the wrong direction, we have to go back and find a new direction. Today, I still make mistakes in my work. But I have to be patient and endure to overcome them.”


Visit www.bangkokpost.com for more.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT