Money is becoming a concern as I will be down to about $600 (for 11 days) after I pay the duty for the camera. I have to make a visa run to the border and pay a for a $40 Cambodian visa as well. I need to eat a bit cheaper and maybe take more buses and less taxis.
I was able to repair my broken tripod myself, not sure how strong it is thou. I will probably have to buy a new better quality Gitzo carbon fiber tripod, a new battery (stolen when my Banarama was stolen), and pay for the Banarame 2, when I get back to Canada. I will also have to buy more 4x5 and 35mm Tri-x. I have a debt that I have built up over the years, mostly to pay for photography related expenses, that needs to be paid off as well.
It looks like I will need to work harder making money, I might possibly need to get a second job when I return to Canada. I do not mind working harder but the thing I do hate is that the time I will be doing this money chasing work will take me away from the time I have to work in the darkroom and create new photographs. I am 47 and running out of days to tell the stories of my subjects I need to tell. I am running out of time to create the body of work I need to create.
Tick Tock, Tick Tock, the time is passing me by.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Banarama 2 At The Post Office
My Banarama 2 is at a Bangkok post office, I got a notice today that I owe duty of 1853 baht ($61 CAD).
I will gladly pay the duty if I can safely get the camera into my sweaty palms. I have about 300 sheets of b/w Tri-x remaining and 60 sheets of Porta. If I get the camera tomorrow and start shooting I will have about 11 days to shoot that film. I also have about 35 rolls of Tri-x 35mm left.
My first concern will be to do boxing portraits with flash at the gym, then I want to wander the slum making portraits in homes and in shaded areas of the narrow cramped sois. If I have time I also want to shoot Khun Nid a 50 year old sex worker I photograph every time I come to Thailand. Hopefully I can also have time to shoot the camera in either Cambodia or Laos (when I do my Visa run) and with some lady boy workers like Mat who I have photographed 5 or 6 times through the years.
Today I am taking it easy as I cannot pick up the camera until the post office opens tomorrow morning at 8am. Might just do a bit of reading (Michelangelo and the Popes Ceiling) and possibly catch a movie today.
I will gladly pay the duty if I can safely get the camera into my sweaty palms. I have about 300 sheets of b/w Tri-x remaining and 60 sheets of Porta. If I get the camera tomorrow and start shooting I will have about 11 days to shoot that film. I also have about 35 rolls of Tri-x 35mm left.
My first concern will be to do boxing portraits with flash at the gym, then I want to wander the slum making portraits in homes and in shaded areas of the narrow cramped sois. If I have time I also want to shoot Khun Nid a 50 year old sex worker I photograph every time I come to Thailand. Hopefully I can also have time to shoot the camera in either Cambodia or Laos (when I do my Visa run) and with some lady boy workers like Mat who I have photographed 5 or 6 times through the years.
Today I am taking it easy as I cannot pick up the camera until the post office opens tomorrow morning at 8am. Might just do a bit of reading (Michelangelo and the Popes Ceiling) and possibly catch a movie today.
Waun Poh
Today is the King of Thailand birthday, the 5th of December is a national holiday, fathers day.
I was watching the King on TV today when I woke up, the deep love that Thais feel for him is very obvious. As he passed on the street and later was taken to his room at a hospital where he lives Thais chanted and waved flags passionately, people cried in the streets as he passed by.
With most of the worlds royalty I am rather indifferent, most of the worlds royalty seem to be living off their birthright. In Thailand thou the King had done many great things to promote peace, and prosperity for the Thai people, he has worked tirelessly to help the Thai people and is very deserving of the love and passion the people feel for their king. I am only a visiting farang but I also respect and admire this great man.
His Royal Majesty the King of Thailand is more than a symbol, more than a person born into privilege, he is the heart of the country, the heart of the people of Thailand.
I was watching the King on TV today when I woke up, the deep love that Thais feel for him is very obvious. As he passed on the street and later was taken to his room at a hospital where he lives Thais chanted and waved flags passionately, people cried in the streets as he passed by.
With most of the worlds royalty I am rather indifferent, most of the worlds royalty seem to be living off their birthright. In Thailand thou the King had done many great things to promote peace, and prosperity for the Thai people, he has worked tirelessly to help the Thai people and is very deserving of the love and passion the people feel for their king. I am only a visiting farang but I also respect and admire this great man.
His Royal Majesty the King of Thailand is more than a symbol, more than a person born into privilege, he is the heart of the country, the heart of the people of Thailand.
Important Part Of The Process
I have to make photographs, as Khune Manit says its like breathing if I stop doing it, its like I stop living. Another very important part of the process for me thou is getting to know the people I photograph. When I meet people like Khune Ot it allows me to see and experience worlds I would otherwise not have entered. My photography gives me a chance to talk to, meet, and maybe understand a bit about the lives of the people I photograph.
Photography is such a wonderful gift, it opens a doorway into different lives and different worlds. Creating the work, seeing the work, documenting the lives of people are all important to me but maybe the most important thing is just sitting down talking and learning about the lives, hearing the thoughts and feelings of my subjects.
Photography is such a wonderful gift, it opens a doorway into different lives and different worlds. Creating the work, seeing the work, documenting the lives of people are all important to me but maybe the most important thing is just sitting down talking and learning about the lives, hearing the thoughts and feelings of my subjects.
Khun Ot
I learned a bit more about Khun Ot's life today. He had a wife who left him because of his drinking, and 2 sons aged 21 and 24 who live in another part of Bangkok. Khun Ot lives in a slum room behind where he usually sits and drinks, every time I have visited that area he has been in the same spot, I thought that spot might be his home! It turns out he lives with his father who is 83 in a room behind the table I see him sitting on every time I visit. Today he was not drunk but was drinking slowly, he complained he had no money, I gave him some money, I hope he uses it on food.
The first time I met him I photographed him from afar, with the 4x5 as he slept drunk. Today after talking to him many times I am starting to learn a tiny bit about his life, about why he is the way he is. Understanding the lives of the people I meet after such short term meetings is pretty well impossible but today I feel I understand this man a tiny bit more than yesterday. When I decide which photographs of him to print, this knowledge will affect which negative I choose and also influence how I print the photograph.
The first time I met him I photographed him from afar, with the 4x5 as he slept drunk. Today after talking to him many times I am starting to learn a tiny bit about his life, about why he is the way he is. Understanding the lives of the people I meet after such short term meetings is pretty well impossible but today I feel I understand this man a tiny bit more than yesterday. When I decide which photographs of him to print, this knowledge will affect which negative I choose and also influence how I print the photograph.
Todays Photo Work
After meeting up with Khune Manit I walked down Silom road to have a quick bight at McDonalds (eating there to often lately) then jumped in a taxi to go back to Klong Toey slum. I talked a bit first to Khune Pee-koon before going to a apartment housing area near by and making a bunch of photos of the buildings and a few of the people. I then went and photographed Khune Ot again (in his same spot) before doing a few photos of children outside their homes.
I still had the photos (shot in September) I wanted to give away to Khune Ai, Lek and Same so went down and found them or gave the photos to their neighbors if they were not home. I had a nice talk with 3 men who lived near Khune Same and made a few photos in the area before walking past Mercy Centre buying some fried chicken and flagging down a taxi to come back to my room.
I feel much more comfortable now in all the areas here where I make photos, at times I feel a bit worried about camera theft (maybe the disappearing Banarama is still in the back of my mind) but in general I feel very comfortable approaching people, talking to them and making photographs. Like anything else the more you do something the easier it becomes.
I think I overshot a bit today, I need to be more selective in my compositions and choosing when I shoot. I waste to much film chasing photos instead of anticipating better and having a higher percentage of printable shots.
I still had the photos (shot in September) I wanted to give away to Khune Ai, Lek and Same so went down and found them or gave the photos to their neighbors if they were not home. I had a nice talk with 3 men who lived near Khune Same and made a few photos in the area before walking past Mercy Centre buying some fried chicken and flagging down a taxi to come back to my room.
I feel much more comfortable now in all the areas here where I make photos, at times I feel a bit worried about camera theft (maybe the disappearing Banarama is still in the back of my mind) but in general I feel very comfortable approaching people, talking to them and making photographs. Like anything else the more you do something the easier it becomes.
I think I overshot a bit today, I need to be more selective in my compositions and choosing when I shoot. I waste to much film chasing photos instead of anticipating better and having a higher percentage of printable shots.
Quote: Manit Sriwanichpoom (Photographer)
"Photography has no rules."
"Photography is like breathing you have to do it to stay alive."
When I spoke to Khune Manit regarding my thoughts on him, I felt he was a quiet, humble person who watches from a distance politely, he said this:
"Its my role to be an observer, then to produce work."
This might be the best way I've heard the role of the photographer expressed, to quietly observe and to then make work based on those observations.
"Photography is like breathing you have to do it to stay alive."
When I spoke to Khune Manit regarding my thoughts on him, I felt he was a quiet, humble person who watches from a distance politely, he said this:
"Its my role to be an observer, then to produce work."
This might be the best way I've heard the role of the photographer expressed, to quietly observe and to then make work based on those observations.
Khun Manit Sriwanichpoom, Kathmandu Gallery Bangkok
I met Khun Manit Sriwanichpoom at his Kathmandu Gallery in Bangkok and got my copy of his book "Ordinary/Extraordinary" signed. We had a nice talk for over 1 hour about photography, photographers, creativity and other subjects. Khun Manit was is very humble and modest person and a wonderful photographer, you can see the passion in his eyes when he talks about his work or photography in general, I hope we can become good friends.
I plan on visiting the Kathmandu Gallery every time I come to Bangkok, there is a wonderful show there now on a photographer (have to get his name, will post it later) who worked in Phuket Thailand back in the 1930s. I especially liked the feel of the photographs (friendly, truthful,) and the contact prints made from glass negatives for the show were wonderful to look at, it was like entering a unique place, a unique time in history, long since gone.
The Kathmandu Gallery has a wonderful friendly feel to it, you feel comfortable and at home as soon as you walk in the door, well worth a visit the next time your in Bangkok.
http://www.kathmandu-bkk.com/
I plan on visiting the Kathmandu Gallery every time I come to Bangkok, there is a wonderful show there now on a photographer (have to get his name, will post it later) who worked in Phuket Thailand back in the 1930s. I especially liked the feel of the photographs (friendly, truthful,) and the contact prints made from glass negatives for the show were wonderful to look at, it was like entering a unique place, a unique time in history, long since gone.
The Kathmandu Gallery has a wonderful friendly feel to it, you feel comfortable and at home as soon as you walk in the door, well worth a visit the next time your in Bangkok.
http://www.kathmandu-bkk.com/
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| Photographs by Manit Sriwanichpoom |
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Eagerly Waiting On The Banarama 2
Waiting on the Banarama 2, have all kinds of photo opportunities with that camera available. The camera according to the tracking info has left Melbourne Australia.
Some of the pics I am eager to take with the Banarama 2:
- Semi-action boxing portraits, catching the sweaty portrait moments between training sessions.
- Drinking portraits of the men who drink all all day Khune Ot, Khune Dang.
- Portraits in slum homes of some of the people I photographed in September, Khune Lek, Khune Same, Khune Ai.
- Portraits of sex worker Khune Nid on the streets around the areas she works.
I also have 60 sheets of Portra 4x5 film I want to shoot. I want to use the camera with direct on camera flash to give a hard edged look to the photographs.
Eagerly awaiting the cameras arrival.
Some of the pics I am eager to take with the Banarama 2:
- Semi-action boxing portraits, catching the sweaty portrait moments between training sessions.
- Drinking portraits of the men who drink all all day Khune Ot, Khune Dang.
- Portraits in slum homes of some of the people I photographed in September, Khune Lek, Khune Same, Khune Ai.
- Portraits of sex worker Khune Nid on the streets around the areas she works.
I also have 60 sheets of Portra 4x5 film I want to shoot. I want to use the camera with direct on camera flash to give a hard edged look to the photographs.
Eagerly awaiting the cameras arrival.
Todays Work And A Broken Tripod
Went down to the garbage canal boat area but there was not much going on, I did photograph 2 of the men there, Khune Pee-koon and Khune Oy.
Later on with nothing much to shoot I went down to the gym and photographed an older man there, a young boxer and Khune Bong a trainer friend.
When I was leaving the gym my tripod broke, will try to repair it tonight. I have do not have funds to buy another tripod (down to about $700 for the final 15 days of my trip), so I need to repair my tripod myself.
Later on with nothing much to shoot I went down to the gym and photographed an older man there, a young boxer and Khune Bong a trainer friend.
When I was leaving the gym my tripod broke, will try to repair it tonight. I have do not have funds to buy another tripod (down to about $700 for the final 15 days of my trip), so I need to repair my tripod myself.
Taxi Talk
Over the last 2 trips to Thailand I have been talking up a storm with taxi drivers. Once you get going many guys who drive taxis will ask you 100 questions and are very interested in learning about the farang in the backseat. It also gives me a chance to learn a bit about the taxi driver. I met a men earlier this trip who had slept in this taxi, and worked in his taxi for over 1 month because his home was affected by the flooding. Other drivers talk to be me about the long hours they worked, or how the car was driven 24/7 by 2 drivers. Guess my Thai must be getting better because these conversations tend to be more 2 way now and lasting longer.
The man who drove me to the slum today was a women chaser. He started asking questions early on about about me and women, so I figured that was a tell on his personality. I asked how many women he had and he said 5 women. When I asked him if that led to any problems he said no because he was handsome. I think he was joking because he was not handsome, at least I hope he was joking! Every time we drove by any women he made a comment about her and pointed out the girl to me, the guys had the eyes of a hawk.
The man who drove me to the slum today was a women chaser. He started asking questions early on about about me and women, so I figured that was a tell on his personality. I asked how many women he had and he said 5 women. When I asked him if that led to any problems he said no because he was handsome. I think he was joking because he was not handsome, at least I hope he was joking! Every time we drove by any women he made a comment about her and pointed out the girl to me, the guys had the eyes of a hawk.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Dim Sum For $4.50
Been eating lots of dimsum at a local chain restaurant near my room. The dim is tiny but I order 2 of each dish. I had 8 dishes today of shrimp dishes (hau gau), pork/shrimp dumplings (siew mai), and plain pork (pai kwut)for $4.50, also had a fruit juice made from gueva (num farang).
Today was my 3rd time throu this dimsum restaurant so might have to find a new place to eat tomorrow.
Today was my 3rd time throu this dimsum restaurant so might have to find a new place to eat tomorrow.
Here Have Some Water
Everywhere I go the 2 most common things that happen is I get offered some water and a place to sit. It happened today at the boat area, Khune Pee-koon gave me some water, a few days ago I got water from the Khune Dang (whiskey drinkers), the day before that I got a water from people in a slum shack, and the day before another slum shack, and before that a man in a slum area. It happens to me all the time, people are always a place to sit, and a glass or bottle of water, Thais are so hospitable, so gracious, no matter how poor they are.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
B2 On The Way
Banarama 2 is on the way! Dean sent it out from Australia this morning. I hope I can get the camera by Monday (Kings birthday, wan poh, fathers day) which is a holiday so maybe Tuesday.
I want to use the camera in Bangkok for 1 or 2 days then head down to Pattaya for a 2 or 3 days before I have to leave the country to renew my visa, that trip might be a quick in and out to Cambodia.
I want to use the camera in Bangkok for 1 or 2 days then head down to Pattaya for a 2 or 3 days before I have to leave the country to renew my visa, that trip might be a quick in and out to Cambodia.
Working Pen ^+#*?!
One frustration I face every time I come to Thailand is finding a pen that actually works. Every time I buy pens in Thailand they always breakdown and rarely write. When I bring pens from Canada they also stop working (happened to 2 this trip) or I lose the pen or worse yet they start leaking.
I write up notebooks of information on my travels, peoples names, ages, emails, phone numbers. I make notes on Thai words, addresses, thoughts, feelings etc. and half the time I am trying to get my damn pen working!! As a bonus today I also got a small ink spot in the corner of my $90 pants.
You would think in all of Thailand, in all my trips (this is my 9th trip to Thailand), I could find 1 working pen!
I write up notebooks of information on my travels, peoples names, ages, emails, phone numbers. I make notes on Thai words, addresses, thoughts, feelings etc. and half the time I am trying to get my damn pen working!! As a bonus today I also got a small ink spot in the corner of my $90 pants.
You would think in all of Thailand, in all my trips (this is my 9th trip to Thailand), I could find 1 working pen!
Bag Of Fruit And 20 Baht A Kilo
So as I type this I have 5 pieces of fruit in my camera bag. As we were traveling down
the klong picking up garbage we went under a tree growing this fruit (think its some kind of star fruit, bright greenish yellow). Wan-rop and Dti (man worker) both picked it and gave it to me to put in my bag to eat later. Wan-rop said I should eat it with some kind of salt/sauce but not sure what that is. I will try taking back to the room, cutting it up and giving a try.
One of the things they try to collect in these garbage canal garbage rounds is plastic bottles. They get 20 baht (65 cents) for every kilo of bottles.
the klong picking up garbage we went under a tree growing this fruit (think its some kind of star fruit, bright greenish yellow). Wan-rop and Dti (man worker) both picked it and gave it to me to put in my bag to eat later. Wan-rop said I should eat it with some kind of salt/sauce but not sure what that is. I will try taking back to the room, cutting it up and giving a try.
One of the things they try to collect in these garbage canal garbage rounds is plastic bottles. They get 20 baht (65 cents) for every kilo of bottles.
Oops I'm Going Back To My Room!
So there I was on the front of the canal garbage photographing and waving to Thais who kept yelling hello's to me. I photographed the trees, the workers, the work, the buildings the water, everything. I was trying to curb my shooting a bit so as not to use up to much film to fast (something I often do is overshoot subjects).
It was very hot up front, I was under the sun, sweating without a hat the other workers all had hats, rubber boots etc, they had asked me if I wanted a hat but I declined (hard to shoot photos while wearing a big ass). I was situated in the front section of the boat with Khune Wan-rop, she kept talking and telling me stuff. This fruit you can eat this way, that fruit is put in naum blah (fish sauce) this tree here is called this here but in a temple called that (there is often a different word, more polite word for Buddhist things in the Thai language). Eventually I sort of went into nodding, uh huh, yes I understand mode. Eventually she started to talk to me about the best bus to go back to my room with, so that I could save money on a taxi. If I took bus #115 from the market area it would only cost me 8 baht to travel home. I nodded and thanked her and told her later I would do that. We continued to float along, they worked picking up garbage, I continued to shoot, and as we got closer and closer to the market she kept talking about bus #115, I keep nodding and agreeing etc.
It turns out I nodded and agreed a bit to much, I nodded a few to many times and said yes sure that sounds good to clearly, it seems Khune Wan-rop misunderstood me and thought I wanted to take bus #115 NOW, immediately, not at some future date! Something had be lost in translation and Wan-rop had misunderstood what I wanted. She got me to an area where she could climb a metal ladder out of the boat and the klong and then up some rickety stairs before leading me out to the road, across the road and way down the street to the bus stop! She took me to where I could catch bus #115! She actually stopped her work and the work of the others and walked me maybe 1/2 a kilometer to the bus stop. I guess when I was in the boat I could have told her no I did not want to go but I decided to go with the flow of it. I basically had the shots I could get from the boat and of the workers already anyway, and I did not want to shoot all my film, so just thought what the heck its my fate, I will take a bus home!
Plan on returning to the same area tomorrow with the 4x5 and do some portraits of the workers there. I should also get them something for all the help they have given me. I made an unexpected exit today so did not have a chance to buy them some beer or something else.
Got about 2 hours shooting done in the boats on the canal today, not a lot but enough. I think the head shots and portraits with the 4x5 I can do tomorrow should be better.
It was very hot up front, I was under the sun, sweating without a hat the other workers all had hats, rubber boots etc, they had asked me if I wanted a hat but I declined (hard to shoot photos while wearing a big ass). I was situated in the front section of the boat with Khune Wan-rop, she kept talking and telling me stuff. This fruit you can eat this way, that fruit is put in naum blah (fish sauce) this tree here is called this here but in a temple called that (there is often a different word, more polite word for Buddhist things in the Thai language). Eventually I sort of went into nodding, uh huh, yes I understand mode. Eventually she started to talk to me about the best bus to go back to my room with, so that I could save money on a taxi. If I took bus #115 from the market area it would only cost me 8 baht to travel home. I nodded and thanked her and told her later I would do that. We continued to float along, they worked picking up garbage, I continued to shoot, and as we got closer and closer to the market she kept talking about bus #115, I keep nodding and agreeing etc.
It turns out I nodded and agreed a bit to much, I nodded a few to many times and said yes sure that sounds good to clearly, it seems Khune Wan-rop misunderstood me and thought I wanted to take bus #115 NOW, immediately, not at some future date! Something had be lost in translation and Wan-rop had misunderstood what I wanted. She got me to an area where she could climb a metal ladder out of the boat and the klong and then up some rickety stairs before leading me out to the road, across the road and way down the street to the bus stop! She took me to where I could catch bus #115! She actually stopped her work and the work of the others and walked me maybe 1/2 a kilometer to the bus stop. I guess when I was in the boat I could have told her no I did not want to go but I decided to go with the flow of it. I basically had the shots I could get from the boat and of the workers already anyway, and I did not want to shoot all my film, so just thought what the heck its my fate, I will take a bus home!
Plan on returning to the same area tomorrow with the 4x5 and do some portraits of the workers there. I should also get them something for all the help they have given me. I made an unexpected exit today so did not have a chance to buy them some beer or something else.
Got about 2 hours shooting done in the boats on the canal today, not a lot but enough. I think the head shots and portraits with the 4x5 I can do tomorrow should be better.
On The Klong
Well today I finally got to ride on one of the klong (canal) garbage collecting boats. I got to the boat area at 1 minute to 9am today after a 55 minute taxi ride from my room. I sat down with Khune Pee-koon one of the boat drivers outside his home which is above the canal. There was a drunk lady sitting with him who kept asking me the same questions again and again (10 times) she also wanted some money for whiskey from me, eventually sitting with us was a third person a polite woman named Wan-rop. I was thinking about walking out of the situation when the requests for money from the drunk women ( Aow) kept coming. Khune Pee-koon decided it was time to get to work thou so I followed them all down the boat which they loaded with baskets and various handmade tools. The device/tool they used to pick the garbage out of the canal water is a bamboo poll with the front metal grill of a fan tied to one end.
Three workers a driver Khune Pee-koon and myself got into the boat and we were off at about 925am. I started taking photos of the boat and the surrounding area, photographed the workers with their long poles, we had travelled for about 2 minutes, about 300 meters down the canal when the motor made a terrible sound. Khune Pee-koon pulled up the engine did a bit of work, started it again, same problem, same noise. After another 2 attempts to fix the engine we turned the boat around and paddled and polled it back to the peer area, my whole adventure had taken about 15 minutes!
I stuck around and photographed them trying to repair the outboard engine. Pee-koon had to climb into the canal water to take apart the engine drive shaft (think that's what it was). Eventually they got it all back into the boat and started taking it all apart using the most basic of tools, brown rusted crescent wrenches (also used as a hammer) and screwdrivers. Most everything they used was old rusty, to large and not working but they persevered and got one big part into 25 little parts.
I eventually found out from Khune Wan-rop that another boat would be leaving with a new driver and and some of the same workers from the first boat. At 11am I got on this second boat and we headed out into the canal!
Three workers a driver Khune Pee-koon and myself got into the boat and we were off at about 925am. I started taking photos of the boat and the surrounding area, photographed the workers with their long poles, we had travelled for about 2 minutes, about 300 meters down the canal when the motor made a terrible sound. Khune Pee-koon pulled up the engine did a bit of work, started it again, same problem, same noise. After another 2 attempts to fix the engine we turned the boat around and paddled and polled it back to the peer area, my whole adventure had taken about 15 minutes!
I stuck around and photographed them trying to repair the outboard engine. Pee-koon had to climb into the canal water to take apart the engine drive shaft (think that's what it was). Eventually they got it all back into the boat and started taking it all apart using the most basic of tools, brown rusted crescent wrenches (also used as a hammer) and screwdrivers. Most everything they used was old rusty, to large and not working but they persevered and got one big part into 25 little parts.
I eventually found out from Khune Wan-rop that another boat would be leaving with a new driver and and some of the same workers from the first boat. At 11am I got on this second boat and we headed out into the canal!
Future Razzle Camera Photographs?
In the years to come I might be doing the 4x5 street flash work with the Razzle cameras more and more. I might use both the Kermit 90mm (being made by Dean Jones now) and the Banarama 2 135mm for this work. I always wanted to do a series of photographs called "Bangkok At Night", hopefully I can also use these cameras to also make photos in Cambodia. I want to make 4x5 negs but quite often I find people in such low light enviroments its impossible to shoot with the Linhof, the Razzle's will allow me to make handheld direct flash photos in these situations.
Try Again Tomorrow
When I got back to the the boats to go out with the garbage canal collectors I was told they were not going out today after all (earlier in the week I was told to come on Thursday at 9am). Today I was told to come back tomorrow at 9am.
Not sure this is going to lead to any good photography but thought it might be a bit of an interesting adventure. I could watch them work, travel along the canal in a boat (not sure where or for how long), and make photographs from water level of the shacks, workers etc.
I will give it one more try tomorrow. I do not really have proper foot wear for this type of thing (my rubber boots are back in Canada), wearing old sandals and bare feet on a garbage boat, while motoring through a filthy canal might get a bit messy.
I wanted to take out the 4x5 Linhof tomorrow but it looks like it will be the Leica's for a 4th day in a row.
Not sure this is going to lead to any good photography but thought it might be a bit of an interesting adventure. I could watch them work, travel along the canal in a boat (not sure where or for how long), and make photographs from water level of the shacks, workers etc.
I will give it one more try tomorrow. I do not really have proper foot wear for this type of thing (my rubber boots are back in Canada), wearing old sandals and bare feet on a garbage boat, while motoring through a filthy canal might get a bit messy.
I wanted to take out the 4x5 Linhof tomorrow but it looks like it will be the Leica's for a 4th day in a row.
Xmas Songs
Was walking through a mall to get some food today when I heard Christmas songs. How can it be Christmas time now? Its 35C with a blazing/burning sun and no snow, it certainly does not feel like Christmas! When you have to put on sunscreen 4 times a day and drink 8 bottles of water, it ain't Christmas!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Getting Recognized
Over the last few days I have had 2 different meeting with people in one area who I photographed in another quite distant area. A few days ago I was photographing on a road under some freeways when I heard behind me "Gerry! Gerry!!" I had my ear plugs in so it to me a second to respond and when I turned I saw some of the garbage workers in a truck slowly passing and waiing (greeting of respect where Thais places their hands together up near their face) me! I smiled and waied back but it took me a second to remember who they were.
Today at 8am when I was trying to run across the same very busy road a young boy on a motorbike stopped and started talking to me. He asked if I was going to photograph boxing today? I said no I was not going to photograph boxing and quickly said goodbye before running off at the first available break in the traffic for the last 10 minutes. I think the young boy was a boxer from the gym but I am not sure, did not recognize his face.
Today at 8am when I was trying to run across the same very busy road a young boy on a motorbike stopped and started talking to me. He asked if I was going to photograph boxing today? I said no I was not going to photograph boxing and quickly said goodbye before running off at the first available break in the traffic for the last 10 minutes. I think the young boy was a boxer from the gym but I am not sure, did not recognize his face.
Remembering Names
Sometimes have a hard time remembering the names of all the people I meet. How many this trip? 50? 100? When you can remember the nicknames of the people you photograph it always helps. Today when I met the drinking group and waied Khune Ot and Khune Dang and used their names, there were smiles of appreciation all around. The Khune part of the nickname is a polite way to address people Khune Gerry = Mr. Gerry.
I have to work harder at remembering peoples names and the stories they tell me, sometimes my mind just goes blank because I am usually multi tasking while talking to them, doing some kind of camera stuff and talking at the same time to keep them comfortable, so sometimes the name goes in one ear and out the other. I have to work on remembering what I am told and putting a face to the name later on when I meet that person again.
I have to work harder at remembering peoples names and the stories they tell me, sometimes my mind just goes blank because I am usually multi tasking while talking to them, doing some kind of camera stuff and talking at the same time to keep them comfortable, so sometimes the name goes in one ear and out the other. I have to work on remembering what I am told and putting a face to the name later on when I meet that person again.
Big Thumbs Up
When I sat down with the drinking men today in the slum I was offered some whiskey but told the man I had just met that I did not drink the others who knew me told him the same thing. A few minutes later on I was offered some cold water from the communal pot, a common straw is used by everyone. When I drank the water I got a big thumbs up and some "good good" comments from the smiling men in the area. I had my own water bottle but it would have been rude to refuse the water. I think they might have been a bit surprised I would drink with them that way, they must have had experiences in the past where farang would not drink from the communal bucket, using the same straw.
I want to go back and photograph these fellows with the Banarama 2 when it arrives, I think some good photos can be made in this area using that 4x5 neg and flash combo, it might give a heightend reality to the photo, something like a harsh Weegee, Diane Arbus feel to the photograph. I have always liked the look of flash combined with stark detail and contrast in a photograph.
I want to go back and photograph these fellows with the Banarama 2 when it arrives, I think some good photos can be made in this area using that 4x5 neg and flash combo, it might give a heightend reality to the photo, something like a harsh Weegee, Diane Arbus feel to the photograph. I have always liked the look of flash combined with stark detail and contrast in a photograph.
Bullet Proof Amulets
The 3 amulets that were given/sold to me by the group of drinking men (Khune Ot, Khune Dang) supposedly have magical powers. Both Khune Dang and Khune Ot along with others sitting near by explained to me how if I wore an amulet it would protect me. These Buddhist amulets would protect me from harm, if I was shot at with a gun the amulet would not allow the bullet to penetrate my skin, the bullets would just bounce off me.
Not going to test out this theory just yet but the amulets are quite beautiful. I will place them up high somewhere in my darkroom back in Canada and give them the proper respect they deserve.
Not going to test out this theory just yet but the amulets are quite beautiful. I will place them up high somewhere in my darkroom back in Canada and give them the proper respect they deserve.
8am Lets Drink!
Got up early and out on the road fast today, was awake by 630am and out on the road at 715am. I got down to the area where the canal garbage collectors homes and boats are at about 8am. I had an hour to kill before they were scheduled to leave so I walked down to the area where the drinking men and glue sniffer teenagers hang out. There 4 drinkers in their regular spot, 3 of the drinkers were 1/2 sober 1/2 drunk, one was completely drunk. I talked to Khune Ot and Khune Dang who were polite to me, they defended me a bit from the drunk man who I met for the first time, telling him in Thai that I was a friend and not to ask me for money and there was no need to try to speak English to me because I spoke Thai.
Khune Ot told me the Thai whiskey they drink is 45% proof (I think thats what he said). He was sitting in the same spot with the same expression in the same position as when I left him 2 days ago and 3 days ago and 4 days ago. He seems never to move, he just sits there and drinks and drinks. 8am in the morning and Ot has a shot glass with whiskey in it and I am photographing him. Khune Dang was much more friendly today and open with me, allowing me to photograph him more easily, last time (the first time I met him) he was wary of me. He even gave me some Buddhist pendents after explaining (had me smell one amulet he called it "Sweet") in depth what they were and where they were from (I understood very little of what he said). Later on Khune Dang asked for 60 baht for whiskey, which I gave him.
Geez these guys will not live long drinking like that everyday, how can you be drunk everyday of your life? There is such sadness and desperation in that group, such a waste, so many aimless lives. They seem like nice decent men, I have rarely seen anger, they are almost always smiling, maybe in a a different life they could be productive people. Addiction is really difficult for me to understand, I have never been drunk in my life, never did drugs, or drink never smoked. Its hard for me to look at people like this and really understand what they are going through. Why can they not stop? How hard is it to stop? Will their body shut down if they try to stop? What damage has been done? Why do they drink?
One interesting tidbit I learned today. The drinkers look down on the young men who sniff glue in the area, they consider the glue sniffers a bad group but is there really a difference between them?
Khune Ot told me the Thai whiskey they drink is 45% proof (I think thats what he said). He was sitting in the same spot with the same expression in the same position as when I left him 2 days ago and 3 days ago and 4 days ago. He seems never to move, he just sits there and drinks and drinks. 8am in the morning and Ot has a shot glass with whiskey in it and I am photographing him. Khune Dang was much more friendly today and open with me, allowing me to photograph him more easily, last time (the first time I met him) he was wary of me. He even gave me some Buddhist pendents after explaining (had me smell one amulet he called it "Sweet") in depth what they were and where they were from (I understood very little of what he said). Later on Khune Dang asked for 60 baht for whiskey, which I gave him.
Geez these guys will not live long drinking like that everyday, how can you be drunk everyday of your life? There is such sadness and desperation in that group, such a waste, so many aimless lives. They seem like nice decent men, I have rarely seen anger, they are almost always smiling, maybe in a a different life they could be productive people. Addiction is really difficult for me to understand, I have never been drunk in my life, never did drugs, or drink never smoked. Its hard for me to look at people like this and really understand what they are going through. Why can they not stop? How hard is it to stop? Will their body shut down if they try to stop? What damage has been done? Why do they drink?
One interesting tidbit I learned today. The drinkers look down on the young men who sniff glue in the area, they consider the glue sniffers a bad group but is there really a difference between them?
Introducing the Banarama 2!!!
Dean Jones went out of his way to help me and quickly made up a replacement Razzle camera. My original Banarama camera was stolen when I came to Thailand on the 15th of the month, I found out it had been stolen 4 days later on the 19th when I finally got my bag delivered to me by China Airlines.
I wrote Dean about what had happened and asked him to start work on Banarama 2 which I expected to be completed 1-2 years from now. Dean worked miracles and got the camera made for me in record time. He is sending me the camera tomorrow morning via courier to Thailand, it should hopefully be in my hands Monday or Tuesday next week and I can use it to photograph in the slums, in the boxing gym, and on the streets at night. I should be able to shoot Banarama 2 for 12 or 13 days before heading home to Canada. This time the Banarama 2 is going in the carry on baggage!
Thank you very very much Dean for all your hard work, your a gentleman and a scholar!
Here is the first look at Banarama 2 it is the same focal length as orginal, it's fitted with a Fujinon 135mm, a cable release will be added before shipment.
I wrote Dean about what had happened and asked him to start work on Banarama 2 which I expected to be completed 1-2 years from now. Dean worked miracles and got the camera made for me in record time. He is sending me the camera tomorrow morning via courier to Thailand, it should hopefully be in my hands Monday or Tuesday next week and I can use it to photograph in the slums, in the boxing gym, and on the streets at night. I should be able to shoot Banarama 2 for 12 or 13 days before heading home to Canada. This time the Banarama 2 is going in the carry on baggage!
Thank you very very much Dean for all your hard work, your a gentleman and a scholar!
Here is the first look at Banarama 2 it is the same focal length as orginal, it's fitted with a Fujinon 135mm, a cable release will be added before shipment.
Patty Cake
Have a 7/11 girl playing patty cake with me. This girl probably in her late 20s has been giving me the eye stare down the last 5 times I went to the store, and I mean when I say she is staring she is really MELTING ME WITH HER EYES. Sometimes when a girl stares at you, there is doubt, is she interested or not? Maybe you just have something hanging out of your mouth or nose? Did I forget to wash my face? No doubt this time thou, there is interest, but why?
Earlier in the week she asked where I am staying, I told her, she also asked about my relationship situation, I was completely honest about that also but none of that seems to have deterred her. Last night I went to buy some treats at her store, I go to the cashier and this melting eye girl (do not know her name) is working the till, she gives me the eye stare down thing 2 more times, then when I reach out to take my change she uses both hands to give it to me, first she takes my extended hand with her left hand and holds it...for a long time...then hands me the change with her right hand and holds my hand again this time with both her hands...for a long time...all the time staring at me with a smile.
patty cake...
She seems like a nice girl, a friendly hard working girl but I do not want to lead her on, and have her be disappointed later, she is looking for a long term relationship and probably eventually a loving husband and I cannot be that for her, it would be wrong to encourage her. Many girls in Thailand seem to have this fantasy that farang (Western) men are special in some way, maybe its because they assume farangs have money, maybe its just their uniqueness, maybe its a racial thing (Thais love white skin), most likely its the money. Many farang males take advantage of that situation, many Thai girls end up hurt and alone. My friend Weaw who I met again last year ended up getting HIV from one of her farang boyfriends (the HIV eventually led to blindness). Weaw wanted love, a family and happiness and now she lives at her family home up country, blind, HIV positive and alone.
This girl working a poor paying job only wants a better life, I cannot blame her for trying. She wants love, hope, a good future, a loving loyal husband, family and children. Of course my ego, Mr Ego is saying to me, no no its you! Your so hot! Your the man!! Your so handsome !!! Your so sexy!!!! She does not see a fattish, aging 47 year old man with a slight limp when he walks! She sees Mr Hotty! Brad Pitt, George Clooney move over! Gerry's coming through!
But Mr Ego is wrong again.
Guess I have to stop going to that 7/11. Hope this mystery girl finds someone good to be with and lives a long happy life.
Earlier in the week she asked where I am staying, I told her, she also asked about my relationship situation, I was completely honest about that also but none of that seems to have deterred her. Last night I went to buy some treats at her store, I go to the cashier and this melting eye girl (do not know her name) is working the till, she gives me the eye stare down thing 2 more times, then when I reach out to take my change she uses both hands to give it to me, first she takes my extended hand with her left hand and holds it...for a long time...then hands me the change with her right hand and holds my hand again this time with both her hands...for a long time...all the time staring at me with a smile.
patty cake...
She seems like a nice girl, a friendly hard working girl but I do not want to lead her on, and have her be disappointed later, she is looking for a long term relationship and probably eventually a loving husband and I cannot be that for her, it would be wrong to encourage her. Many girls in Thailand seem to have this fantasy that farang (Western) men are special in some way, maybe its because they assume farangs have money, maybe its just their uniqueness, maybe its a racial thing (Thais love white skin), most likely its the money. Many farang males take advantage of that situation, many Thai girls end up hurt and alone. My friend Weaw who I met again last year ended up getting HIV from one of her farang boyfriends (the HIV eventually led to blindness). Weaw wanted love, a family and happiness and now she lives at her family home up country, blind, HIV positive and alone.
This girl working a poor paying job only wants a better life, I cannot blame her for trying. She wants love, hope, a good future, a loving loyal husband, family and children. Of course my ego, Mr Ego is saying to me, no no its you! Your so hot! Your the man!! Your so handsome !!! Your so sexy!!!! She does not see a fattish, aging 47 year old man with a slight limp when he walks! She sees Mr Hotty! Brad Pitt, George Clooney move over! Gerry's coming through!
But Mr Ego is wrong again.
Guess I have to stop going to that 7/11. Hope this mystery girl finds someone good to be with and lives a long happy life.
Wasted Day
Had a very bad day, the worst in a long time on these trips. Not sure why just felt all lethargic, went to bed at 1030pm last night, woke up at 10am after a night of dreams some nightmares. Got ready to go, took a shower had some fruit but then for some reason just felt lousy and lazy, laid down again and woke up at 145pm, to late to shoot the 4x5 (light here goes down about 5pm). Grabbed my Leicas but am unsure where to go or what to shoot. I have an appointment to go shoot the garbage klong workers tomorrow on their boat at 9am. Maybe I just need to regroup and try again tomorrow. A terrible terrible day, a day I will regret later when I am back in Canada and missing shooting in Thailand.
Need to get some good food (have not been eating well am losing weight), refocus and prepare to make photographs tomorrow morning. I am going to try to follow my friend Larry's advice over the coming days (he advised I get up and get out earlier). Tomorrow will get up at 630am to get down to the slum on time (for 9am) to shoot with the garbage canal collectors, the day after am going to get up early again with the 4x5 to do portraits. Enough of this lazy ass shit Gerry, get off your ass and to work!
Feel lousy, I guess today I was just to lazy to carry the 4x5 today with the tripod and holders in the heat, must be getting worn down. Damn hate wasting days, soon I will be back in security working mode in Canada unable to make photos. NOWS MY TIME!
Hope the Banarama 2 comes soon, then I can shoot 4x5 a bit lighter and in darker situations, I think Dean is shipping it soon ( today?) via express courier.
I need to change where I shoot soon, might go to Cambodia or up North to Chiang Khong, possibly Laos. A change of scenery might also help me get out of my lethargy, I have limited funds thou so need to be careful money wise. I have to leave the country before December 14th and return as my entry visa expires on that day. I leave the country for good and am back to Canada to work on December 18th.
As soon as I get the Banarama 2, I plan on doing some portraits in the gym, then shooting a women sex worker named Nid (50) who I have photographed since 1999, I want to photograph her out on the streets near the are she works. I also wanted to photograph Ladyboy Mat if possible, maybe in her apartment if she will let me (think she shares a room with 3-5 ladyboys). Hopefully the Banarama 2 will arrive without being stolen! Losing the original Banarama has really limited what I wanted to do.
Need to get some good food (have not been eating well am losing weight), refocus and prepare to make photographs tomorrow morning. I am going to try to follow my friend Larry's advice over the coming days (he advised I get up and get out earlier). Tomorrow will get up at 630am to get down to the slum on time (for 9am) to shoot with the garbage canal collectors, the day after am going to get up early again with the 4x5 to do portraits. Enough of this lazy ass shit Gerry, get off your ass and to work!
Feel lousy, I guess today I was just to lazy to carry the 4x5 today with the tripod and holders in the heat, must be getting worn down. Damn hate wasting days, soon I will be back in security working mode in Canada unable to make photos. NOWS MY TIME!
Hope the Banarama 2 comes soon, then I can shoot 4x5 a bit lighter and in darker situations, I think Dean is shipping it soon ( today?) via express courier.
I need to change where I shoot soon, might go to Cambodia or up North to Chiang Khong, possibly Laos. A change of scenery might also help me get out of my lethargy, I have limited funds thou so need to be careful money wise. I have to leave the country before December 14th and return as my entry visa expires on that day. I leave the country for good and am back to Canada to work on December 18th.
As soon as I get the Banarama 2, I plan on doing some portraits in the gym, then shooting a women sex worker named Nid (50) who I have photographed since 1999, I want to photograph her out on the streets near the are she works. I also wanted to photograph Ladyboy Mat if possible, maybe in her apartment if she will let me (think she shares a room with 3-5 ladyboys). Hopefully the Banarama 2 will arrive without being stolen! Losing the original Banarama has really limited what I wanted to do.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Slow Day
Went down to the drug/drinking area of the slum, made a few photos but not much was happening. I also photographed an old man Khune But-too-un he is 72 years old and might be suffering from a form of dementia/drug/alcohol abuse? Khune But-too-un had some connection to the Vietnam war but I am sure what it was. I started talking to him and he did not stop talking for the next 30 minutes, gesturing wildly, talking serious then joking then serious again, he did not require much encouragement, I smiled and photographed him as he talked and talked. He might have been just a lonely old man, heck I talk a lot also when I have no one to speak to for a long time.
Not many good photos made today but the one possible positive of the day was I arranged to go with the garbage pickers on the klong (canal) Thursday morning at 9am. I asked permission of a man (Khune Pee-koon) I had talked to a few times and he said I could go along with them when they worked. What this fellow does is travel up and down the canal in a big boat picking up all the garbage the people throw in the canal, couches, mattresses, bags, bottles etc. There are 2 boats with 4 men who do this job every 2 days. It might lead to some good photographs.
Tomorrow I am will take out the 4x5 again and see if I can photograph wai pun a disabled man I met a week or so ago, I promised I would return to do his photo so plan on keeping that promise. I hope I can also make some more portraits of the garbage workers and also some people who work in the nearby truck repair yard.
Not many good photos made today but the one possible positive of the day was I arranged to go with the garbage pickers on the klong (canal) Thursday morning at 9am. I asked permission of a man (Khune Pee-koon) I had talked to a few times and he said I could go along with them when they worked. What this fellow does is travel up and down the canal in a big boat picking up all the garbage the people throw in the canal, couches, mattresses, bags, bottles etc. There are 2 boats with 4 men who do this job every 2 days. It might lead to some good photographs.
Tomorrow I am will take out the 4x5 again and see if I can photograph wai pun a disabled man I met a week or so ago, I promised I would return to do his photo so plan on keeping that promise. I hope I can also make some more portraits of the garbage workers and also some people who work in the nearby truck repair yard.
Monday, November 28, 2011
920pm Time To Go
Got to get back to the room, wash my clothes, load and store film, maybe read a bit before bed. I am reading a book called "Michelangelo and the Popes ceiling." Learning of Michelangelo's struggles, the obstacles he faced make any problems I have seem minor in comparison. He created such beauty while facing such adversity, All I have to worry about is getting off my lazy butt and getting down to the slum to snap a few pics.
I have to get up earlier tomorrow, I want to photograph the garbage workers and the slum drug users again with the Lecia's.
Well its off to the room now, night folks!
I have to get up earlier tomorrow, I want to photograph the garbage workers and the slum drug users again with the Lecia's.
Well its off to the room now, night folks!
Banarama 2 On The Way
Dean Jones in Australia came to my rescue. After I had the Banarama camera stolen he quickly made me up a Banarama 2, it has the same lens but is even better, its a LTD edition camera. Dean says the camera is almost ready and has told me he can ship the Banarama 2 direct to Thailand. If I could get that camera here soon I would still have 2 weeks to shoot it. I could use it to photograph in the boxing gym and also in slum huts and darker areas of the slum, I could use it to make portraits amongst the drug users also. I could enter peoples homes get deeper into their lives and photograph on the run in low light and have a sharp 4x5 negative, it would be freaking awesome!
My only worry is the camera getting lost or stolen before it reaches me again, not sure how good the Thai post office is for this sort of thing, also not sure about paying duty etc. I think thou its worth the risk, the chance of losing the camera again is worth it because of the potential photographs I could make and the stories I could tell.
The photography gods cannot punish me twice!
My only worry is the camera getting lost or stolen before it reaches me again, not sure how good the Thai post office is for this sort of thing, also not sure about paying duty etc. I think thou its worth the risk, the chance of losing the camera again is worth it because of the potential photographs I could make and the stories I could tell.
The photography gods cannot punish me twice!
Glue Sniffers
Right alongside the people with the puppies was a group of 3 young men who sniffed glue from bags. I had been told a few days back that the police often come and arrest them for doing this. There is probably drugs sold in the area is well, that seems more likely to be the reason for the police presence. My first time in the slums I was told by a man that the corrupt Thai police in the area arrest drug users then demand a fine (bribe) be paid depending on the height of the user, the taller the user the higher the bribe. If the bribe is not paid the user goes to prison, maybe that's what's happening here.
The 3 young men who sniffed drug from bags were Chud 16, Geh 17 and Em 22. I made a few photographs of Em with a bag to his nose and he looked at me suspiciously and angrily I went up to him and showed him my photo introduction book and explained my job in Canada etc. and why I was making photographs in Thailand, he relaxed and even smiled at one point (a sweet smile).
The boys are very quick and secretive about their glue sniffing and often turn away or hide under a towel when they do it. I want to document this part of their lives but am unsure I can do it, its also dangerous to make photos of this subject and to hang out in these places with drug users. So far I seem to be making friends in the area, but carrying around $7000-9000 worth of camera gear where people might rob you for $20 can be dangerous, I have been told to trust no one. I am going to play it by ear, go back a number of times continue to treat people politely and with respect, hopefully things will continue to go well. I gave out some small money to the kids there and also bought them some corn.
One of the boys (Chud) bought me a bottle of water. The last time I was there Chud seemed wild and out of control, today he seemed like a nice curious kid (less glue sniffing?). The glue stuff fries their brains eventually, ugly way to become mentally disabled. If I return in 10 years what will have happened to these 3 young men? The lives they live are so ugly there has to be a better way, I want to learn more about how they got to this point, where do they live? Where are their parents?
The 3 young men who sniffed drug from bags were Chud 16, Geh 17 and Em 22. I made a few photographs of Em with a bag to his nose and he looked at me suspiciously and angrily I went up to him and showed him my photo introduction book and explained my job in Canada etc. and why I was making photographs in Thailand, he relaxed and even smiled at one point (a sweet smile).
The boys are very quick and secretive about their glue sniffing and often turn away or hide under a towel when they do it. I want to document this part of their lives but am unsure I can do it, its also dangerous to make photos of this subject and to hang out in these places with drug users. So far I seem to be making friends in the area, but carrying around $7000-9000 worth of camera gear where people might rob you for $20 can be dangerous, I have been told to trust no one. I am going to play it by ear, go back a number of times continue to treat people politely and with respect, hopefully things will continue to go well. I gave out some small money to the kids there and also bought them some corn.
One of the boys (Chud) bought me a bottle of water. The last time I was there Chud seemed wild and out of control, today he seemed like a nice curious kid (less glue sniffing?). The glue stuff fries their brains eventually, ugly way to become mentally disabled. If I return in 10 years what will have happened to these 3 young men? The lives they live are so ugly there has to be a better way, I want to learn more about how they got to this point, where do they live? Where are their parents?
Dogs And Drug Users
I went back to the place in the shacks near the road where I had photographed a few days ago with the 4x5. This time with the Leica's(28mm and 50mm) I had more freedom to shoot quickly, change composition and shoot at faster shutter speeds. People called me out by name as I arrived, and it was much easier to start making photographs this time compared to last time. I just walked up, said hello to everyone, waied the group and started shooting. The same people that were drunk last time were drunk this time, their were also a few people that I had not met before who I introduced myself to and told my history . I am getting really good and babbling out my history in Thai complete with a picture book I carry, I can get everything out in record time, to the ahs and ohs that the listening Thai person goes through. One women who I introduced myself to was named Toy, she seemed especially surprised I did not drink or smoke and yelled it out when I told her for some of the nearby drunk men to hear.
I did a number of portraits of people in this area sitting, talking, doing a bit of work and holding/hugging puppies. Drunk and drug people handling and holding the cutest of puppies. I think I preferred being with these Thais today more than being with the sexpat farang last night.
I did a number of portraits of people in this area sitting, talking, doing a bit of work and holding/hugging puppies. Drunk and drug people handling and holding the cutest of puppies. I think I preferred being with these Thais today more than being with the sexpat farang last night.
Wild Man In The Klong (Canal)
I arrived in the slum at sometime after 3pm got out ran across the busy road and started photographing the slum shacks and the filthy canal. I had been doing this for maybe 10 minutes when I heard a noise behind me and a wild 30ish Thai man ran past me, he had a wild look in his eyes looking over his shoulder like someone was chasing him, I looked back but no one was chasing him. The man dashed past me down a dirty slope to the canal water and jumped into the filthy bacteria filled water, the water was all the way up to his neck shoulder level. He kind of half swam, half walked 20 feet or so to the next pillar where he climbed out of the water. I photographed him as best I could then followed him down the canal. He ended up stopping another 100 or so feet down the road he had wild eyes and he constantly looked around, he was under the influence of some drug or maybe multiple drugs and seemed to be extremely paranoid. I talked to him as best I could, sometimes he answered my questions sometimes not, I learned his name was Baung-hee and he was 41 years old. I continued to talk to and photograph Khune Baung-hee, he would talk to the air, bang his hand against the concrete pillar and dig around in the dirt talking to himself, often quickly looking at me and away (he was hard to photograph). After 20 minutes or so I gave him 20 baht and told him to go buy himself something to eat. Later in the day I saw him again near the slum homes I was visiting, some people their said he was dangerous, that he boxed people.
Late Start
Last night I got back to my room and finally to bed around 2am. I felt kind of lousy and was tired out from all the walking, hanging in the farang bar areas of Bangkok can be depressing. Thai people working the bars become jaded and harsher, the farang are often drunk or hunting flesh, the sex workers tired and worn down, its an interesting place to visit but a depressing place to stay. Getting back to my room late after eating, blog and travel time I was feeling sort of down, unsure of where to go the next day with my work.
I woke up late and lay in bed coughing up green crap feeling a bit lost. Should I go to Pattaya (red light district city of Thailand)? I want to photograph some people I know there to continue my work with them, but that would mean more drunk farang, more tired sex workers, more jaded Thais. I packed my bag and was ready about to go after a shower and a meal of cookies it was 2pm At the last minute thou I decided to grab my Leicas and head down to the drug area where I had seen the young boys sniffing glue from bags (I had done some portraits with the Linhof).
It ended out working out great (check out the later blogs) I only shot today for 2 and 1/2 hours but it was very productive. Sometimes you have to try to make photos even when your down and unsure how to proceed. The photo gods reward those who never give up and work through the tough times.
I woke up late and lay in bed coughing up green crap feeling a bit lost. Should I go to Pattaya (red light district city of Thailand)? I want to photograph some people I know there to continue my work with them, but that would mean more drunk farang, more tired sex workers, more jaded Thais. I packed my bag and was ready about to go after a shower and a meal of cookies it was 2pm At the last minute thou I decided to grab my Leicas and head down to the drug area where I had seen the young boys sniffing glue from bags (I had done some portraits with the Linhof).
It ended out working out great (check out the later blogs) I only shot today for 2 and 1/2 hours but it was very productive. Sometimes you have to try to make photos even when your down and unsure how to proceed. The photo gods reward those who never give up and work through the tough times.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Whats Most Important
Sometimes I am a very selfish person, I get so obsessed with my photography I forget whats most important, the need to take care of and give back to the person I love.
Things Seen Heard And Done Today
Did a long multi hour walk today through the bar areas and other areas of Bangkok. I visited the gallery of Khune Manit a very famous Thai photographer. I bought a book of his that is filled with wonderful imagery, titled "Ordinary, Extraordinary"
Things spoken, seen and overheard during my day.
- On Silom road near Patpong a very excited young male farang tourist holding up a green package smiling broadly yelled out to his friend " This is supposed to make you very HORNY!"
- In the Nana area talking to sexpats (sex tourists who stay in Thailand longterm). Do you know what the girls say about the Japanese? "Som, Som, Som" "3, 3, 3" which means 3000 baht for sex, 3 inch penis, 3 minutes till their done.
- In the Nana area talking to the same sexpats after the 3, 3, 3 quote a 69 year old sexpat said."Yes thats why when they go with me and I am so much larger they feel so good, its like they never had great sex before".
- In the Nana area from another 69 year old American sexpat. I like to make the woman have natural water and not use KY gel but they always say that the second time I take to long to cum and they hurt."
- Saw a Japanese man of about 28 years old following his friend on Soi Cowboy a bar area of Bangkok. The 28 year old was dressed in a suit and tie, he looked very uncomfortable and totally out of his element. At one point as he followed his buddy with people jostling him left and right he almost stepped on a Thai man who was crawling on the ground begging, the Japanese suited guy kind of did a pirouette jump out of the way at the last second or he would have fallen on top of the begging Thai man. You could almost hear this young suit and tied guy thinking out loud "Why the hell am I here? I want to go home!" Many tourists in the bars look very comfortable, they are experienced bar hoppers but sometimes you see others like this Japanese gentleman who look like he transported in from another planet.
- When I was going into a 7/11 in the Patpong bar area of Bangkok I saw a homeless man digging through the trash looking for left over food, he drank something from a cup that was laying in the garbage. As I passed him I placed my empty water bottle in the garbage near where he was digging. I thought a second later I should buy this man some food, but I was already past him and inside the store before this thought occurred to me. I should have gone outside and asked him to wait. Inside the store I got my water and also bought a bag of sausages that they heated up in the microwave with sauce but when I came out the man was gone. I looked for him up and down the soi (side road) for 10 minutes but could not find him, he had just disappeared! I should have asked him to wait, I was only in the store maybe 3 minutes but it was to long. After looking for him for up and down the soi I left the area. Eventually I came upon another man sleeping on the road dressed similarly but I do not think it was the same fellow, I did not see the face of the first man but I am pretty sure the second sleeping man was not the same person (both were homeless). I gently woke up the sleeping man and gave him the food I had bought.
Next time hopefully it will not take me so long to make the decision to buy a hungry man food and next time I will politely ask him to wait for me.
Why did I have a delayed reaction to helping a hungry person? My reaction should have been instantaneous, I think I have become much to jaded, a person is digging through garbage for food, its not a difficult moral decision, he is hungry you have money, buy him some food! Next time "Mister, Please wait here, I will get you buy you some food."
Things spoken, seen and overheard during my day.
- On Silom road near Patpong a very excited young male farang tourist holding up a green package smiling broadly yelled out to his friend " This is supposed to make you very HORNY!"
- In the Nana area talking to sexpats (sex tourists who stay in Thailand longterm). Do you know what the girls say about the Japanese? "Som, Som, Som" "3, 3, 3" which means 3000 baht for sex, 3 inch penis, 3 minutes till their done.
- In the Nana area talking to the same sexpats after the 3, 3, 3 quote a 69 year old sexpat said."Yes thats why when they go with me and I am so much larger they feel so good, its like they never had great sex before".
- In the Nana area from another 69 year old American sexpat. I like to make the woman have natural water and not use KY gel but they always say that the second time I take to long to cum and they hurt."
- Saw a Japanese man of about 28 years old following his friend on Soi Cowboy a bar area of Bangkok. The 28 year old was dressed in a suit and tie, he looked very uncomfortable and totally out of his element. At one point as he followed his buddy with people jostling him left and right he almost stepped on a Thai man who was crawling on the ground begging, the Japanese suited guy kind of did a pirouette jump out of the way at the last second or he would have fallen on top of the begging Thai man. You could almost hear this young suit and tied guy thinking out loud "Why the hell am I here? I want to go home!" Many tourists in the bars look very comfortable, they are experienced bar hoppers but sometimes you see others like this Japanese gentleman who look like he transported in from another planet.
- When I was going into a 7/11 in the Patpong bar area of Bangkok I saw a homeless man digging through the trash looking for left over food, he drank something from a cup that was laying in the garbage. As I passed him I placed my empty water bottle in the garbage near where he was digging. I thought a second later I should buy this man some food, but I was already past him and inside the store before this thought occurred to me. I should have gone outside and asked him to wait. Inside the store I got my water and also bought a bag of sausages that they heated up in the microwave with sauce but when I came out the man was gone. I looked for him up and down the soi (side road) for 10 minutes but could not find him, he had just disappeared! I should have asked him to wait, I was only in the store maybe 3 minutes but it was to long. After looking for him for up and down the soi I left the area. Eventually I came upon another man sleeping on the road dressed similarly but I do not think it was the same fellow, I did not see the face of the first man but I am pretty sure the second sleeping man was not the same person (both were homeless). I gently woke up the sleeping man and gave him the food I had bought.
Next time hopefully it will not take me so long to make the decision to buy a hungry man food and next time I will politely ask him to wait for me.
Why did I have a delayed reaction to helping a hungry person? My reaction should have been instantaneous, I think I have become much to jaded, a person is digging through garbage for food, its not a difficult moral decision, he is hungry you have money, buy him some food! Next time "Mister, Please wait here, I will get you buy you some food."
Saturday, November 26, 2011
More Photos Of Mod?
Canada seems so distant today, today I was photographing a girl named Mod who is HIV positive, she is a women who can speak English and who has had bfs from many countries. She has a baby with a farang man from Canada.
I want to photograph Mod 33 again, I got her email and her phone number, I will try contact her and try to learn more about her life in the post bar world (I think she is a former bargirl but not 100% sure). Many farang use the girls from the bar make them pregnant, then leave them, this has happened to Mod. I would like to tell her complete story, she is 6 years HIV positive and on no medication, has scars and is very skinny. I want to photograph her with her young 1/2 farang son, maybe I can do that in the coming days.
I want to photograph Mod 33 again, I got her email and her phone number, I will try contact her and try to learn more about her life in the post bar world (I think she is a former bargirl but not 100% sure). Many farang use the girls from the bar make them pregnant, then leave them, this has happened to Mod. I would like to tell her complete story, she is 6 years HIV positive and on no medication, has scars and is very skinny. I want to photograph her with her young 1/2 farang son, maybe I can do that in the coming days.
HIV Girl Mod And Her 2 Friends
Was walking on the road heading towards the slum when a named Mod 33 stopped to talk to me in English. She told me she had boy friends before from Canada, also Germany and Australia so could speak English (sex worker?). Mod told me she was HIV positive for the last 6 years but was not on medication, she took medication for a short time when she was having the farang boyfriends (Canada guy) baby so the baby would not be HIV positive. The young baby lives with her grand mom in the slum, Mod sleeps there sometime she also stays sometime in a shack near the market with her man friends.
I asked Mod if I could make her portrait which she agreed to, later on 2 of her friends both older large men, both drug users came by to watch. I spoke to them and asked them if they wanted to have their photographs taken. I was warned again by one of the drug users Khune Gyp that there were many bad people in the area who might steal my camera, not him because he was good, but others might.
Ended up photographing all 3 of them using up my last 15 sheets of film. I was going to give them 20 baht each but Khune Gym asked for 100 baht for 3 people, so I gave him the 100.
Photographing these people was a bit dangerous, we were on the edge of the canal, standing on one of the raised platforms, a platform supporting a pillar to the overhead freeway. It would not have taken much, a push and I would have been in the filthy water unable to protect my gear. In front of me as I worked were the girl Mod and the 2 men, behind me only a fall to the dirty bacteria filled canal water, a bit risky but so far I have been lucky with the people I have met in the slum, no real problems.
Thai people are generally good hearted people, even the ones on drugs are warning me of possible dangers.
This shows how if you reach out to people you can find good folks everywhere, that is the story I need to tell.
I asked Mod if I could make her portrait which she agreed to, later on 2 of her friends both older large men, both drug users came by to watch. I spoke to them and asked them if they wanted to have their photographs taken. I was warned again by one of the drug users Khune Gyp that there were many bad people in the area who might steal my camera, not him because he was good, but others might.
Ended up photographing all 3 of them using up my last 15 sheets of film. I was going to give them 20 baht each but Khune Gym asked for 100 baht for 3 people, so I gave him the 100.
Photographing these people was a bit dangerous, we were on the edge of the canal, standing on one of the raised platforms, a platform supporting a pillar to the overhead freeway. It would not have taken much, a push and I would have been in the filthy water unable to protect my gear. In front of me as I worked were the girl Mod and the 2 men, behind me only a fall to the dirty bacteria filled canal water, a bit risky but so far I have been lucky with the people I have met in the slum, no real problems.
Thai people are generally good hearted people, even the ones on drugs are warning me of possible dangers.
This shows how if you reach out to people you can find good folks everywhere, that is the story I need to tell.
Feel Better Today But...
I feel better today, stronger carrying the gear compared to yesterday. I think I am through the worst part of my illness but am coughing quite a bit now and spitting out green sh-t. Coughed the green crap 5 times so far today.
Tomorrow I might go to see a famous Thai photographers gallery with Mimi, so will be carrying the Leica's all day, they will seem light in comparison.
Want to shoot the Leicas more over the coming day, get a better rythm in the photography, shooting in more difficult light and with subjects that are dancing about.
Tomorrow I might go to see a famous Thai photographers gallery with Mimi, so will be carrying the Leica's all day, they will seem light in comparison.
Want to shoot the Leicas more over the coming day, get a better rythm in the photography, shooting in more difficult light and with subjects that are dancing about.
Photographing In Kaos
Gosh its hard to photograph around children sometime. Today I went back to the same location I saw a young boy (Chud) sniffing glue from a bag yesterday. The boy was not there also the man Oh who I photographed yesterday and seemed to be the boss was no where to be seen. I ended up photographing 3 older men all drug/alcohol users, all looked either drugged or partially drugged. I also was photographing some kids in the same area aged around 11, 12 years old.
It was fricking kaos at times, people all shouting my name at the same time, talking to me in Thai, asking questions, pointing and talking, pulling the camera, tripod, reflector, cable release and film holders in different directions. I know I made at least one bad mistake where I double exposed a good shot. I have to try to focus more in these situations, talk tougher to the kids and control the situation otherwise no good photos will be made.
Sometimes focusing, making good photographs where your the center of attention and everyone wants a piece of you is tough, I wish people would just let me talk to them one at a time, and work slowly and correctly.
Jery!!!! Jerry!!!!....Jerrrr RYYY!!!!
My head hurts no from all the yelling.
It was fricking kaos at times, people all shouting my name at the same time, talking to me in Thai, asking questions, pointing and talking, pulling the camera, tripod, reflector, cable release and film holders in different directions. I know I made at least one bad mistake where I double exposed a good shot. I have to try to focus more in these situations, talk tougher to the kids and control the situation otherwise no good photos will be made.
Sometimes focusing, making good photographs where your the center of attention and everyone wants a piece of you is tough, I wish people would just let me talk to them one at a time, and work slowly and correctly.
Jery!!!! Jerry!!!!....Jerrrr RYYY!!!!
My head hurts no from all the yelling.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Tired And Sick
Yesterday I was very sick, today I am kinda sick. Last night I must have blown my nose 40 times, had a big pile used tissue next to my bed when I woke up, yuck! I did sleep about 11 hours which helped thou I still felt off when I woke up.
I had to go out and make pictures today thou as I had already had 2 days off, could not afford a 3rd. I thought I would just go do something easy so took the 4x5, 3 lens, the spot meter and 26 holders and headed down to my favorite slum shack canal photo place (photographed there 2 times before). I shot a bit at the shacks then wandered down and did a few portraits of peoples homes and then portraits of some of the people along the canal. I did not feel much like talking but did my best between sniffles to tell the people I met who I was and why I was there.
At the end of the day I shot some younger boys of around 15 years old who were hanging out in a park. The area was a bit rough, some of the kids were sniffing glue from bags, and kept asking how much my camera was worth, even heard the word kamoy (steal) one time. One man of 30 named Oh who was covered in tattoos seemed like the boss guy there, he talked to me alot and I made his portrait (leg up smoking a cigarette, looking tough!). I gave one drug kid named Chud 10 baht, he kept asking for money (started at 100 baht). I told them I would come back tomorrow with more film. I do not think this area is to safe but its right next to a busy road so hopefully I can get the shots made tomorrow and get out without problems.
I need to get some sleep, felt very tired dragging the camera bag around the slum today, felt like it weighed 100 pounds.
I had to go out and make pictures today thou as I had already had 2 days off, could not afford a 3rd. I thought I would just go do something easy so took the 4x5, 3 lens, the spot meter and 26 holders and headed down to my favorite slum shack canal photo place (photographed there 2 times before). I shot a bit at the shacks then wandered down and did a few portraits of peoples homes and then portraits of some of the people along the canal. I did not feel much like talking but did my best between sniffles to tell the people I met who I was and why I was there.
At the end of the day I shot some younger boys of around 15 years old who were hanging out in a park. The area was a bit rough, some of the kids were sniffing glue from bags, and kept asking how much my camera was worth, even heard the word kamoy (steal) one time. One man of 30 named Oh who was covered in tattoos seemed like the boss guy there, he talked to me alot and I made his portrait (leg up smoking a cigarette, looking tough!). I gave one drug kid named Chud 10 baht, he kept asking for money (started at 100 baht). I told them I would come back tomorrow with more film. I do not think this area is to safe but its right next to a busy road so hopefully I can get the shots made tomorrow and get out without problems.
I need to get some sleep, felt very tired dragging the camera bag around the slum today, felt like it weighed 100 pounds.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
First International Show A Go!
The show in Bangkok is a go, I will have my work shown at the new (larger space) Toot Yung Gallery sometime next year, Myrtille Tibayrenc will curate the show.
Mimi told me last night " I would love to show your work at my gallery."
Mimi told me last night " I would love to show your work at my gallery."
Art Opening Night
Met Mimi last night, we had a meal and went to the opening of Philip Blenkisop new space. I met upwards of 30 people from around the globe all expats living in Bangkok, all part of the art scene in Bangkok. Met French, German, American, Thai, South Africans and Australians, all with exotic sounding names that I could not remember. The place was littered with talented photographers, Philip's work was stunning, they also had some work showing by the photographer Max Pap who I do not know but who looks like a great photographer. There were also some other gallery people there along with painters and other artists.
I really enjoyed my night out, I hope I did not stand out to much, felt really out of my element. I am not much of a art party guy (this was kind of my first one, outside of the Fading Lives opening). It was nice to meet all the folks and hopefully I can learn more about their work, their lives in the future.
Today I feel shitty thou, got a cold, runny nose and headache. I had 1/2 a glass of champagne last night not sure if thats what did it (I do not drink or smoke), think I just overextended myself a bit, did not get back to the room till 3am, to bed till 4am, it was very hot there and I had little water to drink. Today was a wasted sick day in bed. I have to go get some food try to get some sleep so I can get out and make some decent work tomorrow, need to get up early tomorrow and get back to the slum for some portraits.
Looking at the work I saw last night was a bit intimidating, my work is not as original or powerful as what I saw. I need to make my work more human and more intimate, I do not travel to the wide and varied places the other photogs I met yesterday go, but I think I can be more intimate because I spend more time with the people I photograph, maybe the photographs can be unique and strong for that reason, MAYBE!
I really enjoyed my night out, I hope I did not stand out to much, felt really out of my element. I am not much of a art party guy (this was kind of my first one, outside of the Fading Lives opening). It was nice to meet all the folks and hopefully I can learn more about their work, their lives in the future.
Today I feel shitty thou, got a cold, runny nose and headache. I had 1/2 a glass of champagne last night not sure if thats what did it (I do not drink or smoke), think I just overextended myself a bit, did not get back to the room till 3am, to bed till 4am, it was very hot there and I had little water to drink. Today was a wasted sick day in bed. I have to go get some food try to get some sleep so I can get out and make some decent work tomorrow, need to get up early tomorrow and get back to the slum for some portraits.
Looking at the work I saw last night was a bit intimidating, my work is not as original or powerful as what I saw. I need to make my work more human and more intimate, I do not travel to the wide and varied places the other photogs I met yesterday go, but I think I can be more intimate because I spend more time with the people I photograph, maybe the photographs can be unique and strong for that reason, MAYBE!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Meeting Mimi
Well I contacted Mimi today and am meeting for dinner tonight at 7pm, afterwards we might be going to a show of the wonderful documentary photographer Philip Blenkisop. Mimi is the French lady curator/owner of the Toot Yung Gallery here in Bangkok, she contacted me a few months ago about possibly showing my work next year here in Bangkok.
It should be an interesting evening, I am not much of a promoter of my work but will do my best. I feel like I don't belong, I feel out of my element with gallery curator art people and am a bit intimidated meeting world class photographers like Philip Blenkisop. I will try to nod and grin at the proper moments, hopefully I can bluff my way through the night.
I am really looking forward to seeing the photos at the show. No bluffing required when looking at Philip's work, that will be exciting and fun.
Wonder how fancy they expect me to dress? Only have barefoot sandals to wear, should have brought some shoes from Canada. Oh well if the sandals or good enough for meeting poor people in the slum they are good enough for meeting rich people at a snazzy art gallery.
It should be an interesting evening, I am not much of a promoter of my work but will do my best. I feel like I don't belong, I feel out of my element with gallery curator art people and am a bit intimidated meeting world class photographers like Philip Blenkisop. I will try to nod and grin at the proper moments, hopefully I can bluff my way through the night.
I am really looking forward to seeing the photos at the show. No bluffing required when looking at Philip's work, that will be exciting and fun.
Wonder how fancy they expect me to dress? Only have barefoot sandals to wear, should have brought some shoes from Canada. Oh well if the sandals or good enough for meeting poor people in the slum they are good enough for meeting rich people at a snazzy art gallery.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Learning And Help From Others
I feel I have gained by my friendships and relationships with other photographers and artists and others that I know.
Jock Sturges told me to use a reflector(s), now I do and see its value. I have started having people hold a reflector for me during the shoot (usually I ask some passing young person), the reflector makes all the difference, it can really liven up a portrait, filling in the shadows just the way you need them filled.
Before I left Edmonton a new friend Eleanor suggested I get the names of my subjects to make the work more human. Over the last 2 trips I have recorded the name or nickname plus the age and occupation of all the people I photograph. I think she was right it adds a bit of reality a bit of humanity to the portraits.
My friend Larry has helped me with his wonderful photographs, with his dedication, with his determination and hard work. My friend Rob has taught me countless things, I know much more about how film, cameras, the darkroom works because of Rob, he has also inspired me to be an individual and create my own personal work.
The people in the clubs I have belonged to have educated and helped me become a better photographer and hopefully a better person, seeing their work has also inspired me and driven me to work harder on my own things.
Because of the love and support of my family, I have been able to do things I could not otherwise have done. Things I take for granted others never even dream of, my family has given me those opportunities.
Anything we do is the result of the people who have directly influenced us. I owe many things to many people.
Jock Sturges told me to use a reflector(s), now I do and see its value. I have started having people hold a reflector for me during the shoot (usually I ask some passing young person), the reflector makes all the difference, it can really liven up a portrait, filling in the shadows just the way you need them filled.
Before I left Edmonton a new friend Eleanor suggested I get the names of my subjects to make the work more human. Over the last 2 trips I have recorded the name or nickname plus the age and occupation of all the people I photograph. I think she was right it adds a bit of reality a bit of humanity to the portraits.
My friend Larry has helped me with his wonderful photographs, with his dedication, with his determination and hard work. My friend Rob has taught me countless things, I know much more about how film, cameras, the darkroom works because of Rob, he has also inspired me to be an individual and create my own personal work.
The people in the clubs I have belonged to have educated and helped me become a better photographer and hopefully a better person, seeing their work has also inspired me and driven me to work harder on my own things.
Because of the love and support of my family, I have been able to do things I could not otherwise have done. Things I take for granted others never even dream of, my family has given me those opportunities.
Anything we do is the result of the people who have directly influenced us. I owe many things to many people.
Think The Works OK But Not Great
I think the works going OK, I am still pretty slow with the camera and pretty terrible with my interaction with the subject and the posing. I need to concentrate and talk up close and quietly with my subject eye to eye. When I get up close and look at the subject in the eye, maybe touch their chin it seems to help focus them more, they pay more attention to me and less to the people yelling things from the sidelines.
To eventually create great work I will need to focus and push myself, it might take years but maybe someday my work will look as beautiful and effortless as the large format photographers, Sally Mann, Jock Sturges, August Sander and Paul Strand.
Hey I know its a long shot but heck we got to try to reach for and surpass the stars in our universe!
To eventually create great work I will need to focus and push myself, it might take years but maybe someday my work will look as beautiful and effortless as the large format photographers, Sally Mann, Jock Sturges, August Sander and Paul Strand.
Hey I know its a long shot but heck we got to try to reach for and surpass the stars in our universe!
Promoters
The men who work in the garbage station in the Klong Toey market have taken to promoting me. Over the last few days when someone strange comes and sees the farang, they start talking about me or to me at that point the promotion work starts (3 different people have done this so far). They say things like this to the new thai person:
- He can speak Thai!
- The stranger might say...OH!
- He learned Thai in a Temple!!
- The stranger might say...OYY!!
- He can read/write Thai also!!!
- The stranger might wow really!!!'
Having these promoters is a bit embarressing but it also cuts through the awkwardness, its like becoming friends with the stranger without saying a word.
The farang who can write Thai thing is quite often a walking on water miracle for Thais, they rarely meet farang who can write Thai, its a very impressive thing for them. Of course I only write at a grade 3 level but that does not matter : )
He can write Thai!!!!!
Usually at this point the notebook I was writing on is ripped out of my hand and shown around the group to various OOHHS and AAAHHS!
- He can speak Thai!
- The stranger might say...OH!
- He learned Thai in a Temple!!
- The stranger might say...OYY!!
- He can read/write Thai also!!!
- The stranger might wow really!!!'
Having these promoters is a bit embarressing but it also cuts through the awkwardness, its like becoming friends with the stranger without saying a word.
The farang who can write Thai thing is quite often a walking on water miracle for Thais, they rarely meet farang who can write Thai, its a very impressive thing for them. Of course I only write at a grade 3 level but that does not matter : )
He can write Thai!!!!!
Usually at this point the notebook I was writing on is ripped out of my hand and shown around the group to various OOHHS and AAAHHS!
Friends In The Gym Neighborhood
I have branched out in all directions from the gym, like a spider spreading his web : ) Hopefully its a nice friendly spider web, of sharing, understanding, joking and making good photographs.
I go back day after day, talk to the people, learn about their lives, talk about mine and try to gain their trust. I want to understand who they are as people and hopefully they will trust me enough to allow me to make their photographs. Everyday that I go back it gets a bit easier, people are more friendly and more trusting.
Today I met a very nice younger girl named Boh 21, she asked me detailed questions about my life, I also met her family and the family of Ring Pit a boxer at the gym. Other people frown when I walk by, and do not want to have anything to do with me. I try to stay clear of the people who want to be left alone but also try to smile, be friendly and show the proper respect if I get the opportunity.
I photographed a number of young boys today, they asked for some Popsicles after the photos were made and I bought them a treat, they were sweet but hard to work with always fidgiting and making faces (not good when your shooting at 1/4 of a second). They were nice and polite thou and called me loong (uncle) in Thai (Thai people always call older people a respectful name, father, mother, uncle, aunt, or just pee for an older person, or even khune father, khune mother etc Khune = mister or miss).
It is tiring going back day after day carrying the camera, the film holders and spending hours talking trying to gain peoples trust. When I am making the photos thou, I feel joyful, learning about the lives of the people here is also fun. I just wish it was not so damn hot! (32C today) and that I had someone to carry the camera gear!
Tomorrow I will go to the airport to fill out the paper work for my stolen camera gear (waste more time on this mess!). Then later in the day if I can I want to go back and photograph some more slum shacks along the canal. I noticed a place farther down from where I photographed before that might yield some good images.
The day after tomorrow I already of a man lined up to photograph he lives accross from the man I photographed today Khune Jood. He is disabled (uses a walker even thou he is only 37) and seems to have some mental handicap of some kind, but is a very friendly man who spoke to me today as I walked by his shack, we ended up talking for 15+ minutes.
I go back day after day, talk to the people, learn about their lives, talk about mine and try to gain their trust. I want to understand who they are as people and hopefully they will trust me enough to allow me to make their photographs. Everyday that I go back it gets a bit easier, people are more friendly and more trusting.
Today I met a very nice younger girl named Boh 21, she asked me detailed questions about my life, I also met her family and the family of Ring Pit a boxer at the gym. Other people frown when I walk by, and do not want to have anything to do with me. I try to stay clear of the people who want to be left alone but also try to smile, be friendly and show the proper respect if I get the opportunity.
I photographed a number of young boys today, they asked for some Popsicles after the photos were made and I bought them a treat, they were sweet but hard to work with always fidgiting and making faces (not good when your shooting at 1/4 of a second). They were nice and polite thou and called me loong (uncle) in Thai (Thai people always call older people a respectful name, father, mother, uncle, aunt, or just pee for an older person, or even khune father, khune mother etc Khune = mister or miss).
It is tiring going back day after day carrying the camera, the film holders and spending hours talking trying to gain peoples trust. When I am making the photos thou, I feel joyful, learning about the lives of the people here is also fun. I just wish it was not so damn hot! (32C today) and that I had someone to carry the camera gear!
Tomorrow I will go to the airport to fill out the paper work for my stolen camera gear (waste more time on this mess!). Then later in the day if I can I want to go back and photograph some more slum shacks along the canal. I noticed a place farther down from where I photographed before that might yield some good images.
The day after tomorrow I already of a man lined up to photograph he lives accross from the man I photographed today Khune Jood. He is disabled (uses a walker even thou he is only 37) and seems to have some mental handicap of some kind, but is a very friendly man who spoke to me today as I walked by his shack, we ended up talking for 15+ minutes.
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