How did you become a wedding photographer?
I started working as a freelance photographer in Thailand, then I met Nuj Navakate, a New York-based Thai designer, who hired me to shoot for her look book. She liked my work and advised me to go abroad to advance my skills. But I didn’t have the money. I started doing all sorts of odd jobs, from graphic design projects to handing out leaflets in public. I managed to save about B1.2 million in a year and a half and packed my bags to study a photography course at the London College of Communication for a year before I landed a job with Julie Kim, a leading wedding photographer in London.

What struggles have you faced?
My first struggle came from my mom, who initially disagreed with my decision. When I arrived in the UK I faced discrimination due to being Asian. One guy even told me that, “Photographer is a job for people from civilized countries.” While hearing this hurt, I must thank him. It spurred me on to be a success. I did almost give up after having no jobs for eight months. I had only £9 left in my account. I cried but my girlfriend told me to fight for at least one more month, and then Julie contacted me. It was the best moment of my life.

How’s your situation now?
Much better. I charge about £1,500 (B70,000) per wedding either in the UK or Thailand. I also have various fashion and commercial projects, such as work for Harrods’ salon brand Touché’s 2012-2013 collection and HUF Magazine which is published in the US, UK and Canada.

What’s your one guiding principle for taking wedding photos?
Imperfect is perfect. The pictures don’t have to be neat to be beautiful. I want my shots to tell a story of their big day. I have grown to love listening to heartfelt speeches about how these people found love. It always makes me cry.

Have you ever encountered any wedding disasters?
Yes, there was one wedding where the bishop kicked me out of the church! It was a tight schedule so I didn’t have the chance to introduce myself to the bishop. At one point, he asked me over the loud speaker to leave. I was shocked and hid behind a bench at the back where I continued to take photos. The bishop later found out that I was the official photographer for the wedding. He thought I was just some tourist.

What are your dreams for the future?
I’ve grown to realize that being regarded as a world-class photographer is not the most important thing any more. I’m happier to keep challenging myself rather than compete with others. I want to branch out further into fashion photography and create more and more fascinating works.