Friday, December 11, 2009, 08:45 AM
There are two very magical times of day here in Thailand. Morning around 7 am when people are just beginning to wake up...the streets are still, there are only what seems like a "few" motorbikes buzzing along the streets. The anticipation of the day is building; the sun is beginning to peak it's golden head through the streets... it is the calm before the storm. The moment before the bud decides to blossom. The moment of peace before the war. Many people here are fighting to feed their families. Fighting to make a better life for themselves. These morning moments of stillness are more beautiful here somehow. Perhaps it is because moments without fight are more fleeting here. Making the truly restful moments that much more precious.

The other magical time of day here is around 5:00 pm when people are getting off work and the markets are bustling, children running around  just released from school as if they had been set free from jail, running about buying candy for 5Baht. The street vendors are frantically preparing and ready for their next big rush. The sun is radiant, golden, kissing the faces and shoulders of the people on the streets, hugging them almost. These are my favorite times to photograph in Thailand. These are the times when you feel it's heartbeat...these are the magical times you get lost in it.

Chris and I spent the day on foot walking around exploring the amazing city of Chaing Mai. This image was taken around 5 pm and it is a perfect indiction of what 5 pm in Thailand means to me. A street vendor preparing for the rush... children were running all around me as I grabbed this shot, I think I even got popsicle dropped on my foot in the process :). The light was hugging us all, and with my boo at my side, my camera in my hand and feeling the beautiful energy all around me... I was lost in it. 

Thoughts
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Kelly Summers says: Sunday, December 20, 2009, 01:14 AM

You pictures are amazing, your candid work is inspirational.

Cathy says: Monday, December 14, 2009, 02:32 PM

Amazing shot, and an amazing opportunity to visit Thailand. Hoping to get there someday myself.

sarahrhoads says: Monday, December 14, 2009, 10:37 AM

@Martin I will do a full post on your question in the coming weeks because I have been getting some e mails etc. about street photography and the approach etc. I am no expert but the approach can vary from place to place. I was fortunate to be in Thailand where most the people were very comfortable getting their photo taken and welcomed the opportunity. I realize that is not always the case. More to follow. Great questions though Martin!

Alexandra says: Sunday, December 13, 2009, 03:12 PM

Wow. Incredible shot. Glad to hear you're enjoying your time there :)

Martin says: Sunday, December 13, 2009, 12:21 PM

Hey Sarah, maybe you could give me some good advice: When looking to your street-pictures, i wonder how you manage to capture a situation without "destroying " it when taking your camera out? I often wonder whether you never have any negative reactions, especially when being abroad? I spent some time in Kinshasa (DRC) and found it extremely hard to get some shots unrecognized...
It was either such a sensational thing that everybody wanted to be on the picture or people refused, saying "You gonna make money with our misery!"
But maybe that's an African phenomenon, where people are not that used to being photographed.
Still, it's a breath-taking place to take pictures :)
(s. URL)
Best regards from Rennes (France),
Martin

Brenda Landrum says: Saturday, December 12, 2009, 03:37 PM

Sarah, I just love this image. I found myself digging into the details for way longer then I probably should of. It is full of depth! Can not wait to see more...

Fiona andersen says: Saturday, December 12, 2009, 03:01 PM

Like a good cup of smooth coffee I look forward to reading your blog. Your shots give me an inner peace and having spent some time in Thailand I feel like I am there along side smelling the smells and hearing the sounds.

Just fabulous

Curtis Moore says: Friday, December 11, 2009, 10:36 AM

Awesome!

Julie Branyan says: Friday, December 11, 2009, 10:23 AM

Reading your blogs and viewing your photos on Thailand make me want to pack up my bags and get on a plane today. Your stories are beautiful (photos to!). I just feel I'm seeing it all happen in front of me. I think travel writing might be another one of your awesome talents.

Gabe says: Friday, December 11, 2009, 10:16 AM

this image makes me long to go back. i can feel that warm Thai sun through my screen. hope you two are enjoying your time in paradise. be well.

Laura Ivanova says: Friday, December 11, 2009, 09:54 AM

Sarah, your images from Thailand are so compelling and you obviously have a knack for digging in to the true spirit of a place through it's people. Your images are really making me reminisce about my trip to Thailand exactly one year ago. It's such an amazing country and it really touches your heart and stays with you long after you leave...really like no other. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

Julie h says: Friday, December 11, 2009, 09:17 AM

your words are just as beautiful as the photograph. Reading the story, I felt as though I was right there, my skin was warming from that sun glow.

Briony says: Friday, December 11, 2009, 09:07 AM

gorgeous. i love the subtle flare.

Katie Neal Photo says: Friday, December 11, 2009, 09:05 AM

LOVE IT! This image rocks!

Chad Hansen says: Friday, December 11, 2009, 08:55 AM

These images have been absolutely incredible. Everything from Tailand has been so full of feeling and meaning. Isn't that how all photography should be? You two are the coolest.

Thursday, December 10, 2009, 02:15 AM
Everyone here in Thailand rides motorbikes. It's pretty amazing how many people they manage to fit on these little bikes. Chris and I can hardly fit the two of us on our Vespa at home and we're relatively small people. We've seen everything from dogs, pet birds, little babies and entire families with their eggs and street "station" goods on the motorbikes. We asked one of the locals how many people is the most he has seen ride on one motorbike and she said six people on a standard bike and 10 people on one that had a side car!! Chris and I looked at each other and just had to bust out laughing at the shocking numbers :). The girls who are passengers hang their feet off to one side and barley hold onto the driver, they may check their make-up or talk on a cell phone during the ride. There is no fear, even though the driving style is by all American standards nothing shy of totally chaotic. You can tell it is just second nature to them... It is a way of life.

I caught this little boy and his family on their way home together at the end of the Thai work/school day. Chris and I were crossing the street at a light and his eyes met mine and I grabbed the shot. I think the little guy must have thought it was something pretty special to get his photo taken because after I captured the image the boy was grinning from ear to ear and turned around to tell his dad. As the light changed to green the whole family gave me a big smile and a wave as they drove off. It is another one of my favorite Thailand captures so far. Seeing the image takes me back to that very moment on the street and makes me smile.

Thoughts
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Jen MacNiven says: Friday, December 11, 2009, 09:01 AM

Isn't Thailand the best! I was there in Jan/Feb of this year, also hitting Vietnam and Cambodia. Amazing culture, sites, sounds, food...and yes, the people on the bikes are UNBELIEVABLE. I was obsessed with taking pictures of the mass numbers of people on scooters.
So happy for you and Chris to be experiencing such an amazing place! LOVE your outlook, photos and hearing about your experiences. The color of your photos add such a unique and special vibe!
Hope you continue to have safe travels.
Happy Holidays too!
Jen

Marissa Rodriguez says: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 02:49 PM

Such a beautiful photo! I love that the little boy felt so special because you took his photo!

Jane Hasty says: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 10:31 AM

How fun!

Tara says: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 09:34 AM

So many emotions as I go through your Thailand pics over and over again. Lovely moment.

gladys jem says: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 09:32 AM

oh my gosh. reading the story, and seeing the photo makes me smile. i love it. thanks for sharing :)

Ariel Renae says: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 06:24 AM

Amazing!!! Both the photo and the story.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 07:25 AM
This was a photo taken about ten or so days ago in Bangkok. We're pretty behind on getting to all of the images that we have captured... I suppose we are having too much fun to edit :) and are having a hard time getting to working internet to blog. I presume I'll do most of the image processing when I get home so I can really "be" here in the moment as much as possible, but still wanted to keep our blog readers in the loop and more importantly, let our parents know we are still alive. :) Since Bangkok, we have been to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi Don and we just arrived in Krabi today. Krabi is like a dream. It is like paradise here. Each place has been unique, beautiful and captivating in its own right. I am trying to soak every last bit of it in...trying to take the memories captive and hide them away somewhere safe. They are precious. It is a place that teaches humility and reminds me that the "first will be last." That seems to be the motto of the Thai people. 

Just thought I would share this capture. For some reason as I was going through the set this one grabbed my attention. The irony of the shot is what makes it beautiful to me. The hard with the soft. The soldiers which embody what we know to be militant next to that which stands for peace. To me this shot is special :) I have learned a lot about "waiting for the shot" on this trip. This was one of those moments when I watched, waited and snapped. Somehow the stars aligned for me and no one walked in front of the shot other than the person who I wanted to (the monk). Happy Tuesday to you all. It is late Tuesday night here and it has been a RICH day full of lots of boat rides and adventure, so I'm getting ready to go to bed to conquer tomorrow.

Thoughts
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Anthony Lazzari says: Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 08:13 PM

This shot reminds me of David duChemin's book, "Within the Frame." It is my favorite of all the pictures you have here!

I'll keep coming back to see more inspiring photos!!

imthiaz houseman says: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 11:47 AM

wow, i'm speechless. i love this image.

Melissa Blue says: Wednesday, December 9, 2009, 06:19 AM

I love the colors of this country! Great compositions guys!

wrecklessgirl says: Wednesday, December 9, 2009, 05:42 AM

i'm so excited you were able to go there! i'm also bummed i couldn't meet you there and adventure around together! this image is insanely beautiful and provoking. "bellissima" as the woman downstairs just yelled across the room.

sean says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 05:09 PM

i love both the physical and emotional balance of this image.

mom says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 04:55 PM

yeah....thanks for remembering the parents....they were beginning to grow a bit worried since we hadn't heard from you in a few days....so thanks for the post! Glad you are having fun.
Mom

Jenny GG says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 01:18 PM

the contrast of color here is really beautiful.

Gail says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 08:29 AM

I love it. So much is said with this one image where no words are needed. (I also really love the color of his robe with the blue of that window - great contrast!)

Lisa Dunham says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 08:28 AM

Thanks for taking the time to update us, Sarah. So we can live vicariously thru you during your amazing journey. Continued safe travels and star alignment to you and Chris.

Jenice says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 07:52 AM

Beautiful image. I cannot wait to hear about everything! Come home!

jess@studio3z says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 07:36 AM

brilliant.

jamie delaine says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 07:34 AM

Sounds like such an incredible, incredble time.

Thursday, December 3, 2009, 05:50 PM
We have traveled to the great land of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. We've actually been here a few days it has just been hard to find time to sit down and blog. It is quite amazing here, it is different than Bangkok in many respects...but mostly there is less chaos here, life is a bit slower paced. The people of Thailand have captured our hearts. They are humble, gentle people that always have smiles on their faces. The people here are teaching me how to be better...

Being here puts the world into a better perspective. Reminding me that our pace of life in the States is a choice, and that many people choose to do things differently. Take in life, squeeze the nectar out of it. I think there are happy mediums for everything. I feel like I am always striving but never really achieving the "happy mediums" in my life; maybe one day :). Being here has beckoned me to ask myself, 'what do I really want out of life?' The question that often gets buried amidst the day to day on-goings of a busy life, but in a place like this is on the forefront of my heart and thoughts. It is a question all of us should ask more. It is a question that sets the scene of the story of our lives. What we want out of life determines everything, the choices we make, the goals we set, how we treat people. For me, I want to live a life of passion... I desire to love people better... to strive to understand the things that I do not understand... I desire to create, and in doing so make the world a little better. I desire to trust where God leads and not give into fear. Fear is the great thief that we oftentimes un-knowingly allow to steal so many of our beautiful moments. 

Anyhow, these are just a few of the many thoughts this great country has forced me to ask myself. It is amazing how when we get out of our comfort zones these type of questions surface, forcing a confrontation. We need more confrontation of the difficult questions in life. It feels good....

So enough of my ramblings for today... Chiang Mai is amazing... we have spent the day with elephants, hiked through the jungles to visit a fascinating hill-tribe of people called the "long neck tribe," I'll blog some of those soon, and learned to cook our favorite thai dishes. And tonight we will go to a Muay Thai boxing match... something I have been dying to do, oddly enough :) I am a bit overwhelmed with how many photos we have taken so many of these will be blogged when I have time to sit down with them for longer, but here are just a few. enjoy a little taste of Thailand.




Thoughts
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Lisa says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 06:52 PM

I have been following your blog for a while now, and I want to let you know I love your photos.

I love love love the portraits you take of the people. LOVE THEM!!!

Thailand is amazing. I miss it....

Curtis Moore says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 08:28 AM

Looks like an amazing trip! Can't wait to go myself:):) Great work!!

Sarah says: Monday, December 7, 2009, 01:51 PM

Beautiful images! I feel like i'm walking along side of you.

Sarah says: Monday, December 7, 2009, 01:50 PM

Beautiful images! I feel like i'm walking along side of you.

anjuli paschall says: Sunday, December 6, 2009, 10:38 PM

My favorite place on thee entire planet. say hello to my family :) peace. I love your photography.

Jenice says: Sunday, December 6, 2009, 08:28 AM

Amazing photos! I cannot wait to hear about your many adventures!

arenda says: Saturday, December 5, 2009, 08:03 PM

those little girls by the motorbikes are way too adorable! love that pic.

imthiaz houseman says: Saturday, December 5, 2009, 08:33 AM

it would be nice to find that happy medium in life. :) beautiful images.

john pascale says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 10:42 AM

It's amazing how each photo conveys a specific emotion. Love them!

Kim Spears says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 10:09 AM

Ohhh Sarah, your photos make me want to go back there so badly ! I looooooved Chiang Mai and can't wait to be there again. Have fun at the Muay Thai fight ...they're crazy !!! Oh and if you can, please have a banana pancake with nutella for me :)

Sarah Anna Hansen says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 09:28 AM

Beautiful and inspiring...

applem00N says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 08:22 AM

think i'm ready for a thai iced coffee now.

Pascal says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 01:14 AM

Great shots! Love the entrance of the pagoda with th monk. It brings back memories. Enjoy!

Gabriel Van Wyhe says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 12:02 AM

Wow, what an amazing adventure and amazing pictures!! I'm thrilled for you two!!

Amanda H says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 08:25 PM

Beautiful pics! Can't wait to chat with you about all that God is showing you. Praying that you are being refreshed and ignited and being filled to overflowing!!

Harmony Loves says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 07:43 PM

Gorgeous pictures. I bet you all are having the time of your lives and eating great food!

Candice says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:46 PM

Hey Sarah! Your pictures are beautiful! Jon and I lived in Chiang Mai for a year the year before last. Your updates are making me feel homesick for Thailand. We've about decided to go back to visit this summer. Keep the pics coming...they make me sad we aren't there, but so happy to have experienced it at the same time! You really are capturing the people so well; they truly are incredible. I keep thinking one of our friends is going to show up on your site:)

Debby says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:28 PM

Love the images. I'll be there this next August for a 2 month backpacking journey through southeast asia....and seeing this makes me soooo excited. =)

Kayleen T. says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:18 PM

Looks like you guys are having such an awesome experience!! Great pictures, makes me feel like I'm right there on the street!

Kate Noelle says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:12 PM

Such good thoughts... inspiring to let them sink in and activate. :) Keep the awesome pictures and stories coming! This is curbing my appetite for more Thailand.

James Moes says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:09 PM

Well-deserved rest. Thanks for the images.

Kara Wieler says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:05 PM

My heart aches to be there when I look at these photos. Gorgeous!

Julie h says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:04 PM

i love the shot of the bashful little girls!

Gerald says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:01 PM

I love the shot of the boy eating the popsicle!