Australian photographer Kristian Dowling is best known for his work on red carpets and stages with big name celebrities like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Hugh Hefner. Lately he’s been coming to Bangkok to share his photography knowledge at local workshops. Coconuts Bangkok’s Yvonne Liang sat down with Kristian for a chat about his craft.
How did you become a professional photographer?
I started photography when I was 15, but never pursued a career because my parents wanted me to be lawyer or doctor. Considering I wasn’t interested in either, I ended up settling for a Business Marketing Degree. After working for several years in that field, at the age of 25, I decided to become a photographer. This was no easy process but one I dove into 100%. It’s the only way to do it if you really are passionate about it. I sold what I could to buy new digital cameras and got my first professional job freelancing for a small local newspaper.
How would you describe your style?
This is a question I’m asked a lot. I don’t have a distinctive style by which I am known by, and because I shoot such a large variety of work from street photography or documentary to major events and concerts and celebrity portraits, it’s very difficult to define any kind of style. People who know my work best know what to expect, but I just can’t define a certain style that I can put into words.
What was your big break into the industry?
I’ve been lucky enough to have two big breaks in my career. The first was when I was contacted to shoot kid’s football by a photographer that worked for Getty Images who had a side business. After shooting two games, he asked to sit down with me to talk and see my portfolio. I barely had enough pictures because I had just started shooting professionally so I was nervous. Luckily he was impressed enough to give me a chance at freelancing for Getty Images. Within the next 6-12 months I became one of Getty’s most demanded entertainment photographers internationally, so my persistence luckily paid off.
When did you first come to Thailand and how did you feel about the country?
I first came to Thailand in 2007 to shoot the Bangkok International Film Festival as the official photographer. I covered all the major events and parties, as well as taking portraits of the local Thai and international actors. Since then I have been addicted to Thailand, and I guess specifically Bangkok. I am most attracted to places with the best food and the best people. I think the type of food best describes the people: inviting, friendly and a little spicy.
Why did you decide to hold photo workshops here?
I decided to start my workshops in Bangkok because of the huge population of photography enthusiasts in Thailand. I also have many friends here, and many of them have been asking if I could teach them. So my decision was obvious to me, and it was also a great excuse to work in one of the world’s best cities, yet another time again.
And what can we expect from your workshops?
At my workshops, I focus mostly on lighting and shadows. This includes natural lighting and adding and subtracting lighting. I teach students how to see, read and measure light as a form of communicating meaning and feeling to their photography. This is the most difficult part of photography to master technically, and this is also the area where I feel most comfortable. Personally, I am not much of a creative photographer, but I use lighting to express what creativity I desire. There are many creative-minded photographers out there that lack the understanding of light and shadow and I aim to strengthen that area so that they can reach their full potential as a photographer. My workshops are designed to really push their thinking and make them work hard at improving their pictures straight from the camera, just like it was done in the “old days.” New-age photography that relies on Photoshop can make photographer’s lazy and short-sighted.
