Photography – The most important thing with Muay Thai photography is the shutter speed. I don’t want to see any blur from punches, kicks, etc. I make sure the exposure is right and I usually have to use a fast ISO. I don’t like to use a flash, because I don’t want it to effect the fighters in anyway & I usually take about 50 shots per round. I’m always looking for that perfect kick, punch, elbow. Blood makes the photos so much better, but the main thing I’m after is KO shots. I found that any kicks where the fighter jumps in the air to do them, always turns out to be a cool photo.
Bangla- I love taking photos at Bangla. The way the stadium is set up, there are so many perfect angles to get great shots from. My favourite position is on the top level, front row, looking down at the ring. You’re so close to the action, no ropes in the way & the lighting there is awesome.
Patong – I don’t usually bother taking my DSLR to Patong stadium. Its very dark, hard to get close to the action & to find any decent angles to shoot from & they have big advertising on the corner posts, which get in the way.
Videos – With the videos, one of the main things I always look to do, is to have good music that I edit the footage to. Coming from a music producing background, it very easy for me to edit to the beat…and I can always choose the most appropriate sounds to be used. Most of the videos I do for clients, they choose their own song, so in those cases, I just make sure, that I get footage that will suit the song they want, and edit accordingly. I like to get a mix of interesting, creative angles, as well as standard action shots, so I don’t miss anything important, but at the same time, so the video doesn’t come off looking boring. I always aim to make the subject, even if they’re a beginner, seem as if they are really fit, fast, hard striking professional. With the happy environment around Phromthep & the fun, but serious trainers, it is easy for me to make the clips have a bit of humour to them also, if desired by the customer. Quality is the most important thing to me & so I always use top of the range, latest release video cameras & DSLR’s. The video’s are always burnt to DVD’s at the highest possible format, ensuring that Phromthep’s video packages are the highest quality videos in all of Phuket.
