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Spotlight Snap decisionsBy Suwitcha Chaiyong, Photos courtesy of Thanavich Kumsopa Young photographer takes winning shots
Digital gadgetry can be attractive to amateur photographers in search artistic expression. To make sure he never misses a shot, 14-year-old photographer Thanavich Kumsopa (Sea) carries a small digital camera around wherever he goes. That way, he can capture the action even when he doesn�t have his fancy, professional camera with him. �I always carry a compact camera,� he said. �My favourite subjects are natural scenes because I don�t have to hurry.� he said. Sea is the first teen ever to win a prize in the national Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology photo competition. His picture Jad Riang (Organise) took third-place honours in the contest�s Science and Technology for a Sufficient Life category. �I saw pottery being made in Sukhothai,� Sea said. �I shot this picture to emphasise the vital elements of the pottery-making process.� IN THE FIELDSea�s father is an amateur photographer and a member of the Bangkok Photographic Society. At the tender age of 7, Sea also joined the BPS and started taking pictures himself. By the time he was 12, Sea was taking photography more seriously. His skills were enhanced by going on a field trip arranged by the BPS. �A day trip is arranged every two months,� Sea said. �It gives you the opportunity to take pictures and listen to advice from professional photographers.� PRIZE PICTURESTo get more experience, Sea started entering photo contests. The young photographer was keen to learn from professionals � and maybe win a prize or two along the way. �I love to see the wining pictures at every contest,� he said. �They always give me a new perspective and encourage me to improve my skills.� In just a couple of years, Sea has won more than 10 awards from various organisations. His proudest moment was winning an award in the contest at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek show in 2006. �I took that picture at a winter garden exhibition early in the morning,� he said. �You can see water droplets on the petals and feel that the flowers are fresh.� Even though Sea didn�t win first prize, he was pleased to have his work recognised. �The picture was only awarded the complimentary prize, but I was proud because the contest had so many contestants,� Sea said. TOP HONOUR
To earn that honour, photographers have to take 12 artistic pictures addressing six subjects � landscapes, portraits, objects in motion, ways of life, micro shots and night shots. Sea gives much of the credit for his achievement to high-profile photographer Waranun Chutchawantipakorn, a BPS member who is considered by the Photographic Society of America to be one of the world�s top 10 photographers. �I felt honoured,� Sea said. �Fortunately, I had Khun Waranun to help me pick the pictures, so I felt confident that I would pass the test.� ON THE MOVESea likes taking on new challenges to enhance his abilities. For his next project, he plans to photograph sporting events.
Sea loves photography as a hobby, but he doesn�t plan to turn pro. His dad is studying law, and Sea hopes to follow in his father�s footsteps and become a judge some day. As far as aspiring amateur photographers go, Sea thinks that joining the BPS is a great idea. �There�s lots of professionals and instructors at the BPS to advise and train you,� he said. �It�s a great way to develop your skills.� Captions: BPS title-winning photo Sea�s Royal Flora Ratchaphruek award winner
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After
all his hard work and success, last year Sea became the youngest photographer
to be named an Honorary Associate of the Bangkok Photographic Society.
�I
want to take great shots like the photos I see in the sports news,� he said.
�It�s difficult because everything�s moving, so I can�t be as relaxed as I am
taking landscape photos.� 
