Profiles in Pride

Mikey Asanin Captures the Essence of the Escape

This June, Profiles in Pride honors the icons, originals and trailblazers who shape queer culture—and move it forward.

There's a certain breed of creative who doesn't just capture a place—they capture a feeling. They understand that the best photography isn't about perfect lighting or flawless composition; it's about bottling that ineffable thing that makes you want to be there, right now, living that life.

We caught up with Mikey Asanin fresh off his collaboration with The Standard, Hua Hin, where they turned a simple hotel shoot into something more honest, more human. Their approach? Forget the rulebook. Think like a first-time guest. Let the place reveal itself.

It's this kind of intuitive understanding that separates the Instagram photographers from the real storytellers. From Thailand to New York and back again, they've learned that the most powerful images happen when you stop trying so hard to create them. When you trust the process, embrace the chaos, and remember that at the end of the day, hospitality is about people, not places.

We asked Mikey about creative evolution, about finding your voice in a world of endless noise and why sometimes the most radical thing you can do is just keep it real.

What was the creative vision behind your recent lifestyle photo shoot for The Standard, Hua Hin?

To me, The Standard, Hua Hin, feels like a cool little escape—not far from Bangkok, but totally different in vibe. It’s laid-back, stylish, and just a nice place to slow down.

For the shoot, I wanted it to feel fun and easy, like a weekend getaway with close friends. Just being present, enjoying the place, and letting things happen naturally.

How did you approach capturing the essence of Hua Hin in your photos?

Hua Hin has this calm, relaxing energy. It brings people together in a really simple way—friends, family, even pets. I wanted the photos to reflect that.

We kept the lighting natural, only adding a bit of strobe when needed. The beach is my favorite spot—open, peaceful, but still close to the city. That mix really makes it special.

How would you describe your photography style, and how has it evolved over the years?

My style is all about focusing on the subject—how they move, the space around them, the feeling they bring. I started out mainly doing fashion, but now I’m drawn more to simplicity and something meaningful to me at the moment. I still care about style, but I want my work to explore in other fields.

Who or what are your biggest inspirations as a photographer?

My inspiration changes all the time. It could be something I experience, something random I see on the street, or a moment that catches me off guard.

I also really admire photographers like Tina Barney and Wolfgang Tillmans. Their work feels simple but powerful, and I love how they tell stories through their images.

How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while meeting client expectations?

It’s about finding the middle ground. Every project has goals, but I try to bring my own point of view into it.

For The Standard, Hua Hin, I imagined seeing the hotel through fresh eyes—what would it feel like to stay there for the first time? Excitement. That helped me make something that felt personal but still met what the client needed.

What’s your favorite type of project to work on, and why?

Personal projects, definitely. They let me play around with ideas, explore new emotions, and learn more about myself. That creative freedom often shapes how I approach future editorial work too.

What inspired you to become a photographer, and how did you get started in the industry?

At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be an advertising art director or a photographer. But over time, I realized photography gave me a way to express how I see the world—whether I’m capturing real moments or staging the moment from scratch.

I started in Thailand, but moving to New York helped me grow. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me shape my voice when working in diverse cultures.

How has being based in New York influenced your work and career?

New York is intense but full of energy. It challenges me constantly, which helps myself grow—not just as a photographer, but as a person.

I meet so many creative people and work with many kinds of talents. That mix of perspectives has helped shape my work and pushed me to think in new ways every time I work with new people especially from different circles.

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers who want to break into the industry?

I don’t know if I’m the right person to give advice LOL, but I believing in trusting your instincts. Your point of view matters.

There’s no shortcut—just keep trying things, making mistakes, and learning. The best work comes from being honest and staying open to growth.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

Always keep learning and trust the process. People may expect different things from you, but your eye and your vision are what matter when you find the right balance.

And it’s a team effort, The best work happens when you open, stay flexible, and let other people’s ideas shape the outcome too.

What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is about celebrating who we are—fully and unapologetically, in any form or identity. It’s about showing up as your true self, finding joy in that and knowing you belong. Most of all, it’s about standing together and lifting each other up.

What are the biggest misconceptions about the LGBTQ community? What needs to change?
People often think the LGBTQ community is all the same—we’re not. Every story is different. What needs to change is the idea that Pride excludes anyone. Pride is for everyone, even if you’re straight. It’s about inclusion, understanding and celebrating our shared humanity.

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