Thinking of doing nighttime shots on the streets of Bangkok. Years ago had the idea to shoot a BANGKOK AT NIGHT Photo Project. Last night did some preparatory type images, mostly secretly made from low angles with the Canon 5D Mark 3. This type of run and gun hidden type photography is dangerous and could lead to an aggressive response from those photographed. The mos dangerous areas to photograph in are near the bars, of drunk sex tourists, African sex workers or aggressive ladyboy workers. Also did a bit of shooting on Bangkok’s public buses. One advantage I have here is that Bangkok’s noisy streets help cover up camera noise, the sounds of the shutter and motor drive.
Am not sure of the ethics off this type of shooting. I suppose it is an extreme form of street photography, all done in public places. Everything is made at 20000 ASA and about 1/250 to 1/100 at F4 with my 24mm105mm lens set at 24mm with camera held low (trying not to attract attention). Giving a very pixelated image. I have no experience printing digitally so have no idea what the results will eventually look like if and when the work is exhibited later on. The compositions are all over the place and completely wild, often creating distorted, wide angle, rather surreal feels to the imagery.
Will continue the photo work tonight. I am also trying to establish relationships with Thais on the street. Last night spoke to any people begging, homeless sleeping (Khun Lek), traditional massage shop workers, street workers, bar workers, and several ladies working at 3 different shortime sex (bj) bars. I have another 3 Nights before I fly to Vietnam. Will probably go out each night in search of the BANGKOK AT NIGHT photos. Hopefully will not get punched out or robbed by someone. Taking secret photos on the street of drunks or sex workers with their clients is dangerous. Carrying around a expensive digital camera at night might might draw out the wrong type of person. I see many eyes looking at the camera with large lens that I am carrying. I think thou that this type of photography is important to make. There is value in others seeing this nighttime world, these often forgotten lives.
Note* Am also giving out some money, and doing some donations to homeless-begging people during my nightly rounds on Sukhumvit road. Sometimes it is only 20 baht, other times 200 or 300 baht, every bit they get helps.
Am not sure of the ethics off this type of shooting. I suppose it is an extreme form of street photography, all done in public places. Everything is made at 20000 ASA and about 1/250 to 1/100 at F4 with my 24mm105mm lens set at 24mm with camera held low (trying not to attract attention). Giving a very pixelated image. I have no experience printing digitally so have no idea what the results will eventually look like if and when the work is exhibited later on. The compositions are all over the place and completely wild, often creating distorted, wide angle, rather surreal feels to the imagery.
Will continue the photo work tonight. I am also trying to establish relationships with Thais on the street. Last night spoke to any people begging, homeless sleeping (Khun Lek), traditional massage shop workers, street workers, bar workers, and several ladies working at 3 different shortime sex (bj) bars. I have another 3 Nights before I fly to Vietnam. Will probably go out each night in search of the BANGKOK AT NIGHT photos. Hopefully will not get punched out or robbed by someone. Taking secret photos on the street of drunks or sex workers with their clients is dangerous. Carrying around a expensive digital camera at night might might draw out the wrong type of person. I see many eyes looking at the camera with large lens that I am carrying. I think thou that this type of photography is important to make. There is value in others seeing this nighttime world, these often forgotten lives.
Note* Am also giving out some money, and doing some donations to homeless-begging people during my nightly rounds on Sukhumvit road. Sometimes it is only 20 baht, other times 200 or 300 baht, every bit they get helps.
