asia, bay of bengal, bengal, chiang mai, color film, doha, flying, indian ocean, krabi, leica, poda, qatar, se asia, southeast asia, thailand |

October 18, 2018

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Back from Bangkok: Color film Photography in SE Asia

Color Film Photography. Back from Bangkok. It’s as simple as it sounds. Color film Photography from a few days in Doha, then Bangkok; a few more days in the northern mountains of Chiang Mai, and then some more days on the Bay of Bengal. Back to the gulf to see friends in Dubai. Just me, a Leica, my guy and a bunch of film.  Here is what I left with.

You Mean a Real Analog Camera?

Yes! I sure do. That’s how it goes:  you go somewhere, and hopefully when you get back you have a pile of pictures that ring true for you.  It isn’t more complicated than that.  You’re an artist or you’re not.

Color film Photography air bound
Color film Photography self portrait, Doha
Color film Photography Bangkok of temple guest book
Color film Photography Bangkok of temple
Color film Photography Bangkok of temple
Color film Photography Bangkok of taxi interior
Color film Photography Bangkok of sleeping stray dog
Color film Photography Bangkok of outdoor cafe
Color film Photography Bangkok of outdoor cafe
Color film Photography Bangkok of school washing area
Color film Photography Bangkok of backlit figure
Color film Photography Bangkok of treetops
Color film Photography Bangkok of effigies
Color film Photography Bangkok of restaurant kitchen
Color film Photography Bangkok out taxi window
Color film Photography Bangkok of temple entrance
Color film Photography Bangkok of building exterior

Bangkok

Bangkok significantly dwarfs Thailand’s other urban centers in terms of importance. Her roots trace back to a small trading post during the 15th century which eventually grew and became the site of two capital cities: Thonburi in 1768 and Rattanakosin in 1782. It was at the heart of the modernization of Siam. The nation was  later renamed Thailand, during the late 19th century. Bangkok was at the centre of Thailand’s political struggles throughout the 20th century, as the country abolished absolute monarchy and adopted constitutional rule. She then underwent numerous coups and uprisings. The city grew rapidly during the 1960s through the 1980s. A significant impact on Thailand’s politics, economy, education, media and modern society are exerted daily.

Bangkok’s rapid growth coupled with little urban planning has resulted in a haphazard cityscape and inadequate infrastructure. An inadequate road network, despite an extensive expressway network, together with substantial private car usage, have led to chronic traffic congestion which has caused severe air pollution in the 1990s. Bangkok has since turned to public transport in an attempt to solve the problem. Five rapid transit lines are now in operation.