dcdk
dennie cody duangkamon khattiya photographers
portfolio therapy
.......helping you become a better photographer
Jan Bystrom

Photography Teacher - Queensland, Australia
One Precious Day in Bangkok

I recently spent three weeks in Bangkok. Not accustomed to this vibrant city, I researched local freelance photographers via the web in the hope of finding someone who would guide me through the maze of local haunts. I also hoped my chosen photographer would dispense some valuable tips on improving my knowledge of portrait photography.It was my privilege to locate DK and Dennie Cody’s web page and the man himself, whose expert skill and knowledge proved invaluable. In addition, his talented wife, DK provided an additional advantage as a double act. She not only spoke the Thai language fluently but is an accomplished photographer. Working together they proved a formable team. I felt there was a real sense of synchronicity between us and this made my day a sheer delight.From the friendly and professional manner in which my first phone call was handled through the photo-shoots, venue selections and final photos, I found the entire process relaxing, enjoyable and most rewarding. After our initial meeting and discussing my areas of interest, I felt reassured that both Dennie and DK would meet my needs and provide premium photography services in a professional, friendly manner. I was excited about the prospects of getting some interesting images. My questions were:

  • How do I capture the true essence of the person with a split second time frame?
  • How do I approach a person with my camera without invading personal space?
  • What camera setting should I use when moving from one lighting condition to another?
 The day finally arrived and with sheer excitement and cameras charged we began our day bright, brisk and bushytailed. DK was our local guide, organizing the river boats, tuk-tuks, taxis, and essential food provisions. She even dialed up a beautiful sunny day for us.We wandered through alleyways where the local people were working. The size and opulence of the golden Buddha’s which were sold in the local shops took my breath away and proved a unique opportunity for some fantastic shots. Next, came a Chinese cemetery and then I was honored to be invited into the home of a friend of DK’s grandmother. This is considered a gesture of respect in Thai culture and I felt humbled to be afforded this opportunity. I captured her warmth rather than a cheesy, pasted on smile one often sees through the camera lens.But the piece de resistance was photographing some candid moments of a Hindu bride on her dream wedding day. Thanks to DK’s persuasive techniques we were invited to be a ‘fly on the wall’ at this most personal occasion. All was needed was a push of the shutter button. Dennie was unobtrusively coaxing me and subtly directing from ‘the back seat’. He kept a sharp eye and checked my camera settings, angles and lighting throughout the wedding ceremony. He stepped back and allowed me to obtain the best angle, certainly a first for me.I was in heaven.This day is what memories are made of. It was precious and I will treasure it forever. Money can’t buy that. A major topic on the street was my status as a photographer in Bangkok. DK with prompting from Dennie had translated in Thai to potential subjects that I was a “famous photographer”. Their tactic proved to be an invaluable catalyst for their trust. As I gingerly approached these wonderful Thai’s I felt humbled by my new found title. It was a “tall order” but one I have set a goal to aspire to.To my delight, the following day, I received a phone call from Dennie offering to view my images and with his professional eye and help select my potential ‘masterpieces’. He also keeps in contact with me via email with links to interesting photographic sites and welcomed advice. That is definitely going the extra service mile and quite frankly distinguishes him from the rest. My contribution of the fee for the day proved truly worth every penny. My three questions were all answered with solid information and tactics I was provided with during our day together.I believe, Dennie and DK’s priority is a professional approach. It was clear their mantra is to provide the finest locations, specialized photography instruction, unquestionable quality experiences, affordable photography service but most importantly, their extended hand of friendship. With my newly found confidence, I have now taken up the challenge to focus on portrait photography with my camera as a third arm.Thank you Dennie and DK most sincerely for making my first visit to Bangkok unforgettable and I look forward to repeating the experience.
Alejandra Lopez-Zaballa ~ Madrid, Spain

Emerging photographer - currently living in Bangkok
Dear DK and Dennie,

Yes, it was a very good day. Definitely there are many things in my head now that I want to practice! Thanks a lot for your time, experience and professionalism.It was a very useful and fun experience. The great benefit of having a 1 on 1 (in this case 2 on 1!) is that all the things you do in your day are based on your real needs. DK and Dennie were very flexible and were willing to adapt 100% to all of my wishes for learning. I had a great photography day with them. It was a very well balanced. I not only learned more about the technique and how to make a better use of my camera, but also got the basics of Photoshop. And while we did some good shopping for photographic tools, I was also able to take some unique shots in the amazing and always surprising Bangkok. On top of that Dennie and DK are great photographers who help you sharpen your aspirations in the open ended photography world with just the right amount of motivation to achieve your dreams. I enjoyed so much the inspiring conversations with them. Photography is as much about brains as it is about hearts. Thanks Dennie and DK, You made my day!
Andrew Birne

British photographer stationed in Moscow

As an enthusiastic but thoroughly inexperienced photographer, I knew that I would need an experienced photographer to help me if I were to make the most of my time in Bangkok, where I hoped to get off the beaten track. I could not have asked for a better introduction to 'real' Bangkok than Dennie and DK provided as they worked seamlessly as a team. 

Dennie took the role of my teacher. He was warm and encouraging but also diligent. I think of myself as a relatively competent photographer and this was not my first photo tour. Yet through careful questioning Dennie was able to ascertain my level of knowledge very quickly and to my surprise, advise on how I could alter my technique and so improve my photos within minutes of our meeting. During the two days Dennie was always by my side, offering little nuggets of information to help me get the shot. 

As a native Thai, DK provides a window into the local culture. She would step in to explain whenever I had a question about Bangkok, Thailand, the food or the people. With her charm and persuasiveness, she easily convinced passers-by, street stall owners and others to pose for my camera. Crucially, too, she got on so well with Elaine, my wife, who – though not a photographer - joined us for the first day of the tour. Elaine said afterwards that she had a fantastic time and regretted not joining us for the second day! 

Dennie and DK's complementary skills proved to be perhaps the most unexpected benefit of spending time with a husband and wife team rather than a single photographer. I could ask questions on any aspect of photography and they not only responded expertly but could also offer different perspectives. Fascinating. (As an aside, you may note from the website that they teach everything from making the most of your point and shoot camera through professional lighting set-ups – you request it, they can do it). 

So how do you spend two days off the beaten track in Bangkok with Dennie and DK?

Day one focused on Bangkok by night. We visited some fascinating local sites then headed to the river for sunset. We spent a snap-happy couple of hours making the best of a wonderful evening, before moving on to shoot some of Bangkok's sights by night. 

Day two started at a floating market – just 15 minutes from where we were staying and not a single tourist! Sorry, you'll have to enlist Dennie and DK if you want to know where it is, as I couldn't find it again. Other sites included a Buddhist temple where people prayed for good luck to a two headed baby, the main railway station where we saw the Royal Train, an open air Chinese weight-lifting park where a tattoo covered, muscle bound film extra posed for us, and a Hindu temple where the friendly locals served us chai! What a day. And yes, some great photos to remember it by! 

Overall, I cannot recommend Dennie and DK highly enough. Next time I am in Bangkok I plan to look them up again.
Anthony V Loh

Emerging photograhper - currently living in Bangkok
"I want to share something with you: Your workshop is an eye-opener. Of the dozens of workshops I have taken in New York, none were 'therapy' workshops. We would either just shoot and shoot, or we would just look at the photos of the instructors. Most of the lessons in New York were mainly on the technical accuracy - rule of thirds, lead-in line, vanishing point, etc. In your workshop, I got to see how you evaluated my work and works of other people as we all interacted. After your workshop, I revisited my photo collection and to be honest, a majority of them are mediocre at best. I will toss out most of them when I redo my 'portfolio'. My wife didn't have the heart to tell me, but when I told her what you had told me, she agreed. You have inspired me to start two projects - 'Book of Reflections' and 'Book of Shades' - concurrently. Thank you once again, and I definitely look forward to your future workshops ." With best regards, Anthony

" Over the years, I have traveled with Dennie and Dk, sharing a love of what we do. Their vision has two separate perspectives that come together in their imagery and has greatly influenced mine.

They have an ability to see and translate a subject and make you question if you were there and that is a great learning experience that helps open your inner eye.

I never hesitate to travel with them on photo trips and would recommend those who can to do so."
matthew pace www.matthewpace.com
"I've known Dennie for over twenty years since we were both on the National Board of Directors for the American Society of Media Photographers. During his time on the board, Dennie was committed to helping young photographers improve their business skills. He implemented many programs, both as a chapter president in South Miami and as a national board member, which focused on these goals. The addition of DK, who has an incredible sense of creativity and design, makes this pair a complete package.

Dennie and DK are the ideal team to help you achieve your photographic goals."
www.streano-havens.com/
"I have known Dennie Cody for over 20 years and his wife, DK Khattiya, for almost 20 years. I gained valuable experience in my early years as a photographer, assisting Dennie on shoots and in his office when he was President of the South Florida Chapter of ASMP. I also worked with him on his ASMP 10,000 Eyes book project. Over the years, he and DK have mentored and advised me in my photography career. They introduced me to and taught me how to use many of the technical and business tools that I now use in my work. They are both excellent artistic photographers with a great eye for the subject, and a vast knowledge of the creative, technological and business aspects of photography. Beyond that, we have a lasting friendship that transcends space and time."
Gaelle Haugen www.gaellesimage.com

“The first thing you will note about Dennie and DK is their unpretentiousness and likeability. They will put you at ease. The second thing you will note is that they are talented individuals in their own right and have a keen sense for the aesthetics of photography.

However photography, for those interested in it as a career, is more than art it is also a business. Dennie and DK will expertly guide you towards that end by helping you see and organize the commercial aspect of your work and more importantly find the underlying theme and passion that will bring you success.

The end product is a well organized portfolio that shows potential clients where your talent and passion lies and where you can be most beneficial to them. I highly recommend this low key duo for both putting you at ease and for making you feel good about your work. This will translate into a successful career.”

 

“Dennie and I met through Model Mayhem in July, 2011. I had been thinking about trying model and nude photography for a while but wasn't sure how to get started. I also wanted it to be more that just GWC (Guy with Camera). Dennie laid the process out for me and also suggested a couple of local models to consider. We finally arranged a one-on-one with a local model. Dennie walked me through making the arrangements and understanding the equipment needs ahead of time. On the day of the shoot, both he and DK were great in setting up for the shoot: lights, accessories, lenses, having a computer ready to review shots and progress, etc., and the model, of course. During the shoot, both coached me in shooting, use of the lighting and flash, and directing the model. I learned so much, usually by making a mistake that Dennie would quickly correct. There was a moment during the shoot when I stopped and said, "Wow, this is really happening!" That was a defining moment for me and I know I was in the right place with the right people.

Following the shoot, Dennie was equally helpful in providing great advice and direction for how to deal with saving and storing the new images. He helped me establish workflow habits that have become routine for me.

In addition, Dennie and DK conduct various modeling and lighting workshops that I've attended also. They were immensely helpful in developing the self confidence and skill necessary for studio photography. These inclused two nude photography workshops and one trip to Hua Hin for a bikini shoot on the beach. OMG, i am a GWC!

But wait, there's more. Dennie & DK frequently host photo walks, in Bangkok and beyond. These are always great for getting out and experiencing Bangkok and Thailand to make new friends, and to practice your old skills and gain new ones.

Beyond all of this is that when you meet and work with Dennie and DK, you make great friends, too!

Tony Arruza www.arruza.com

 

 

 

 

John Klein