Photographer Ken Pak

—Are you photogenic?

—I never thought I was photogenic and never wanted to be photographed, however, I look pretty cute in the photos from my early childhood.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—It was a pretty natural transition for me becoming a wedding photographer as many of my friends were getting married when I started taking photos. Because of this, I never attended my friends' weddings as a groomsman or guest. Rather, I always photographed their weddings.

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—Although most of photographers would talk about light, composition, creative approach, subject, emotional impact & etc. as vital components of a good photo, I think preparation for the day and understanding of the flow , environment and subject would help yielding a good photo. Although there are moments I take photos with anticipation, however, I love when I get good photos without anticipation.

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes, I love traveling for the photo projects including weddings, fun activities, personal inspiration by the life of the other side of the world, and to see the family (I am from South Korea).

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Photography career can be highly rewarding. I feel truly blessed when I receive compliments and appreciation from the happy clients and people.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—Dealing with difficult personalities and awkward characters can be most challenging to me. However, I would rather stay positive and supportive to those nature.

—What will be the future of photography?

—For the next 5 years, another convergence of the medium will be coming like stills will be culled from 8k video footage. After another 5 years, I am pretty sure that there will always be needs for wedding photography regardless of the medium convergence.

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—In technical term, I believe wedding photography can be practised as the collaborative work of wide range of photography types and styles. In human life, it is one of the greatest lifetime celebrations among families and friends, and I am so glad that I can capture many different levels of emotional impacts.

—How do you handle criticism?

—I would rather be modest and listen to the criticism if it is the matter of your growth and development process in your photography career and human relations. If you stay honest, humble and positive, there will be lesser criticism.

—Are there any trends in photography?

—Yes, there are trends in wedding photography just like fashion industry, however, I also see there is a range of diversity in wedding photography trends depending on traditions, lifestyle, regions & etc.

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—As a person photographing someone's lifetime event, trustworthy, fun and flexible nature in my personality come highly valuable and appreciative among my clients and people in the industry.

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—Unprofessional, snobbish & egoistic manner in professional & personal aspects.

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—Artistic & creative approach. Also, freezing the moment, framing & composition.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—Cherishing the memorable moments and people from generation to generation (or among generations). Also, capturing and archiving the history of person's life.

—What person can be the symbol of the 21st century in your opinion?

—Big brothers in media.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—I would like to continue photographing weddings, however, it will be interesting to photograph traditionally unique weddings in remote area not affected by the western culture.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—I would not want to spoil those wedding photographer wannabes. It takes so much of professional practice, thinking, attitude, training, study and experience. Don't believe in yourself as a professional shooter by just buying a good camera and shooting a few of your friends weddings.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—If I get a chance, I would love to shoot with those pulitzer winners who have not shot the weddings before. Also, shooting a wedding by side of any big names in the industry will be my great honor.

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Bridezilla and Groomzilla. Depending on the situations, people with difficult & demanding personalities to accommodate can be a real challenge. Also, theft and robbery (although I have not experienced before) during the sessions in uncontrolled areas. Being sick can be another big worrisome.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Three of my most tearful moments showing my love to my parents. I cried so much at the airport when I saw my dad leaving the state after seeing my college graduation (He supported me for 7 years in US for my high school and college, and returned to Korea permanently). I cried so much when I hugged my parents during my wedding ceremony. I cried so much when my dad was being cremated after the funeral ceremony.

—If you were a cartoon, book or movie character, who would you be and why?

—I would love to be Iron man, just to simply get the aerial shots. Also, seeing myself in the Iron man armor which is retrofitted with multiple super cameras will be amazing!

—Who inspires you in your life and why?

—Jesus Christ who keeps me being a better person.

—How do you define success? How do you measure it?

—In human perspective, if I have six good men who can carry my coffin at my own funeral, I consider that as a successful life. In business perspective, if I have no haters and no debt, that will be a successful life.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—I would rather be liked.

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—Encountering a media failure by using cheap media card.

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—I will take my free & open spirit with me to enjoy the true traveling experience. If it is allowed, then I would love to travel with my wife and son. Of course, a small travel camera will definitely be accompanied with me.

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—Lytro Illum camera. I never use it. Is there anyone who is interested in this camera? ;)

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—I try to read/watch/visit photography related or partially related magazines, books, movies, videos (I love watching K pop music videos to learn techniques), art galleries/museums & etc. From these experiences, I love incorporating my new ideas and creative thinking in the actual shoots by hopefully getting faster spontaneous responsiveness to the moments. Also, I go to conferences and seminars, and get connected with a wide range of cool photographers from different parts of the world. Also, I shoot together with a few of my local photographers time to time for cross-inspiring and training purposes at the real weddings.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Hmmm... I would say photographers in WPJA Winners Collections, Fearless Photographers Award Collections and ISPWP Award Collections have influenced me the most. I am sorry to tell you that I love all the winners, not the single one, as I admire their work so much! Also, I give a full respect to those photographers who push themselves to the infinity over creative limits.

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—I really wish I knew a real good mentor when I started taking photos. I have had neither a mentor nor had worked for a studio during my photography career. Also, I did not have any good friend photographers until I met most of them during the past 1.5 years.

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—They are fun, animated, compassionate, witty, unique, hardworking, modern, artistic, imaginative, quirky, and yet most importantly, story telling with my true spirit.

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—My family the most. Also, undiscovered world of photography intrigues me to challenge myself in the upcoming future. Accolades can be bonus.

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—Less strict. Matter of fact, my mom bought me my first point-n-shoot camera when I was the fifth grade. They are always supportive and respectful to my decision, but I had to be very responsible to my decision.

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—I would go to a renowned college of art to inspire myself with in-depth fine art. I studied Environmental Science instead. Also, I would continue playing badminton, so I could have competed in Olympics (one of my teammates from the same school team won a gold medal in Atlanta Olympic games).

—What about life on other planets?

—I am going to ask God about it.

—Who are your heroes?

—Whoever influences me to become a better person.

—Who do you have no respect for?

—People who commit sins without repent afterwards.

—What do you do in your spare time?

—Planning something ahead that would or would not happen, but it is always fun to do it. I do normal things that the normal people would do during the spare time.

—What's the side of you that the public never sees?

—When I am doing post production work at home, I am normally in underwears as it happens to be very comfortable and free to myself.

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—When I hear back from my clients with lots of compliments and appreciation after they get the final release. Also, accolades are bonus to my satisfaction, but I consider myself always being in learning curve.

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—Yes, I am in terms of marriage and family, however, roles are always subject to change based on the modern lifestyle. As long as we love each other, traditional roles are not biggie in our lives.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes, however, it can take significant amount of time to become their best friends. I would rather be their best friends than making them my best friends.

—Where would you like to live?

—I would like to live in one Korea upon unification of North & South Korea. Other than US and Korea, I would also consider living any parts around the world needing any of my contribution.

—What's the stupidest thing you've ever agreed to do?

—Sharing a studio space with a wedding dress/floral shop. I would never do a business with anyone in the same space.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Sure thing! Your lifetime companion and kids are enough to make a dramatic change in your life after marriage.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—My wife and my son give me all kinds of silly talk, and I always return with a joke. Too many to list.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—We used to have a jack russell terrier and a mix dog for over 12 years. They both passed aways a few years ago, but they always stay remained in our hearts. We are planning to have one soon.

—Who or what do you hate?

—Business partners with betrayal, lies and unacceptable manner. I can't tolerate those people, and can't deal with them anymore as it happens to be the worst time in my life.

—The best thing in life is:

—When my son was born.

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—Dealing with business partners and friends who betrayed me.

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—I would like to redesign my website, restart blogging, and keep up everything in timely manner.

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I need to put something on when I am working at home.
Seriously, I need to reshape my body.

—What would you like to change in the world?

—Get rid of terrorists and dictators, and provide aids to those who are in desperate life situation.

—Can you give a few tips for photographers who are just starting out?

—Learn, practise and gain lots of experience to become a true artist, not a person with a good show-off camera. Most importantly, try to understand what this day means to the wedded couple and people at the wedding, and your role there.

—If aliens come to the Earth and you are the first person they meet, what will you tell them?

—"Do you need a photographer to document your landing and presence? The session will be free, however, you need to sign a media release form." LOL

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—I would like to photograph an epic love story, war and drama.

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—Tomorrow, I will go to a wedding and photograph the most amazing day of someone's life.