Cultural Photography Paradigm: Lessons Learned and FIRE BOAT Model Development from the Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Festival Photography Contest

Abstract

This research aims to 1) analyze the paradigm and technical components in creating cultural photography of the Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Festival in 2567, including composition, lighting control, and equipment usage; 2) study cultural meaning communication through photographs of the Illuminated Boat Festival by analyzing the relationship between technical components and cultural identity transmission; and 3) extract lessons from award-winning photographers' creative processes and develop knowledge for festival photography that integrates visual arts principles with cultural value communication. A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting data from 16 award-winning photographs, interviews with 8 photographers, 5 judges, 6 experts, and focus groups with 15 participants. Findings revealed that award-winning photographs prioritized cultural communication (4.50 points) over technical aspects (4.20 points). Key symbols included illuminated boats and lights (100%), Mekong River and community (62.5%), and Naga serpent (12.5%). Success factors were cultural understanding, advance preparation, and respectful attitude (100%). From extracted lessons, the FIRE BOAT model was developed, comprising 8 components in 2 phases, receiving excellent performance evaluation (4.58 points). The research demonstrates integration of visual arts with cultural communication, creating new knowledge for developing meaningful and high-quality Thai traditional photography.