Shutterbug to the stars

Nothing brings back happy memories like old photos, especially those that capture such defining life events as a wedding. It’s one of the few occasions in today’s digital world where selfies just won’t do and many couples are more than happy to splash out for a specialised photographer who can capture those special moments and immortalise them in stills and moving shots. It might take a good wedding planner to pull off a dream wedding, but to make the moment last forever, you need a great photographer.
One of Thailand’s most in demand shutterbugs these days is Jakawin Phoosawad, the renowned photographer from Box Wedding. His style, which he refers to as “emotional photography”, has earned him a reputation for photos that focus on natural emotions and the vibe of the event and his videos are so artfully crafted as to be cinematic features rather than yawn-provoking documentaries.
“A wedding is one of the most important events in a person’s life,” Jakawin says. “Though divorce continues to rise, for many people it is still a once-in-a-life time event. Everything has to be perfect because there’s no replay. It follows then that everything must be recorded properly and thoroughly so the couple can look back on and reminisce about this life-changing moment. These records will become part of the family history, so they have to be able to tell stories and relay emotions from the wedding no matter how long ago it took place. That, to me, is successful wedding photography.”
Jakawin started Box Wedding, a high-end company specialised in wedding photography and videography, in 2008, designing it to cater to couples seeking quality work and unique style.
“We hire only the best and experienced videographers and photographers for our team, so top quality is guaranteed. We focus on the mood and emotion of the event, not just candid shots of the bride and groom and the guests,” he explains. “I’m sure every couple plans their receptions well and they turn out to be emotional and joyful, but you also want to remember what it felt like 10 or 20 years on. It’s our job to bring back the sentiments of the day through photographs and video.”
Such a service doesn’t come cheap but then cost is not a consideration to those who choose Box Wedding’s services. They can choose between videography or photography or opt for both and also request that Jakawin is behind the lens, though that will naturally push the price up.
His clients are mostly well-to-do couples and celebrity lovebirds and include actress Pattaratida “Taeng Mo” Patcharaweerapong and singer Pakin “Tono” Kamwilaisak, Saowakon “Kra Tae” Pladpoonpol and Tawan “Tern” Jarujinda and Taksaorn “Aff” Paksukcharoen and Songkran Techanarong. Last month, Jakawin took the shots at the nuptials of Myria “Nat” Benedetti and actor Atichart “Um” Chumnanont.
Box Wedding also offers pre-wedding photo shoots and video presentations as well as honeymoon and anniversary packages, both in Thailand and overseas. In case of fire or flood damage, clients can ask for new copies of their files as Box Wedding backs up all the materials and promises to keep them forever.
“The most challenging part of wedding photography is timing, because anything can happen and when it does, it only happens once,” Jakawin says.
“That’s why we have as many photographers as budget and space allow to cover everything – from the candid shots of arriving guests, the banquet scene, parents, kids, friends and the various emotions of the bride and groom moments. Our photographers will not be running amok snapping away pictures and disturb the guests; they blend in and do their jobs discreetly.”
The 37-year-old photographer hails from Pichit province and moved to Bangkok to work as a graphic designer for Channel 5. His hobby of taking short films and recording music videos turned into a sideline job at weddings. One thing led to another and Jakawin expanded from video to photography and quickly became one of Thailand’s most sought-after wedding photographers.
Economic woes have deterred many from taking overseas vacations but the wedding reception has largely been spared, with couples and families splurging their savings on that very special day. And now that their celebrity love shoots have sent Box Wedding into the top tier, the slots are filling up fast. If you want Jakawin to shoot your wedding, the next available date is November – next year.
“Apart from my unique style, it’s the attention to detail that makes us successful.” Jakawin says.
“I am an artist, but when it comes to weddings, I put my ego aside and try to accommodate the clients’ wishes and make them happy. I think this is very important in this business because it deals with personal moments. Technical perfection is important too of course but to be successful in this business, you have to please the client.

Memories are made of this

>> Find out more at www.Jakawin.com and Facebook.com/BoxWedding.