Through the Lens: Nat Prakobsantisuk
Fashion photography as cultural storytelling in Bangkok
Nat Prakobsantisuk is a Bangkok-based fashion photographer whose work for Vogue Thailand and international campaigns has established him as one of Thailand's most distinctive visual voices. Following a career in styling in the early 1990s to study photography at the London College of Printing, now the London College of Communication, Prakobsantisuk developed a practice that draws from his deep connection to Bangkok's historic districts.
Nat Prakobsantisuk.
Beyond fashion, he has channelled his passion for cross-cultural exchange into World at the Corner, a bookshop he opened in 2019 with his sister Sivika Prakobsantisuk in a century-old wooden house. In this interview, Prakobsantisuk reflects on his creative evolution and his vision for presenting Thai identity.
Published in Vogue Thailand. Photo by Nat Prakobsantisuk. Image courtesy of the photographer.
Could you talk more about the journey from fashion styling to photography? What drew you to leave the styling business in the early 1990s to pursue photographic studies?
After eight years of being a stylist, I was not thinking about photography. I needed to get away somewhere, as I ran out of ideas and felt stagnant. At that time, photography was the only course that seemed interesting. And after a few months at the London College of Printing, I found that photography was how I could express myself the most.
Cover of Vogue Thailand, February 2016 Issue. Photo by Nat Prakobsantisuk. Image courtesy of the photographer.
You have been working with Vogue Thailand recently and previously on shoots for global brands like Fendi and Givenchy. What were the primary influences informing your approach to fashion photography then, and how has it evolved now?
Fashion is inspirational. It reflects culture, attitude, life and social movement, more than any other art.
Only a few people dress to serve their needs, and they are very distinctive once they do. To shoot fashion is to capture dreams, which is sometimes fantastical and other times hyper-realistic.
Published in Vogue Thailand. Photo by Nat Prakobsantisuk. Image courtesy of the photographer.
You served as visual director for the Bangkok Fashion Now & Tomorrow book series. What was your vision for these publications, and how did you approach presenting Thai fashion alongside the nation's culture and heritage?
I love culture and heritage art as I grew up in an old town in Bangkok, surrounded by ancient temples and palaces. My intention was to show Thai-ness to the world, and Thai-ness in both specific periods of time, then and now.
Thai art is a conglomerated art, and Thai fashion is the same. We blend in and create our style. That was the main message I put in the book.
Published in Vogue Thailand. Photo by Nat Prakobsantisuk. Image courtesy of the photographer.
As a veteran fashion photographer working in Bangkok, what unique challenges do you encounter, and how have you developed strategies to overcome them?
I am the one who has challenged myself since I started working in this business. My strategy is simple: I learn.
Published in Vogue Thailand. Photo by Nat Prakobsantisuk. Image courtesy of the photographer.
Could you walk us through some of your favourite projects to date?
I just finished shooting for a prominent Asian Thai movie star. After a six-day workshop, we had a three-day shoot capturing five characters, which was a challenge for us both. The exhibition will be displayed at EmSphere from 3 December, and we look forward to sharing it with everyone.
Published in Vogue Thailand. Photo by Nat Prakobsantisuk. Image courtesy of the photographer.
Fashion photography requires extensive collaboration, from stylists to production teams and models. How do you cultivate these creative partnerships, and what does your collaborative process look like when bringing these campaigns together?
We talk first, and share ideas. Though, in the end, the photographer is the last person to decide, so they will have a clear view of how the job will be done. That way, the whole team is clear about what needs to be done.
Lastly, where do you envision taking your practice in the coming years? Are there unexplored themes or visual territories you’re thinking of exploring?
I have no idea. I am waiting for life to surprise me.
Six years ago, I opened a bookshop called World At the Corner, and next year I intend to spend most of my time running it well.
The interview has been edited.
Explore more of Nat’s work via his website here or his Instagram @natprakobsantisuk.