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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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You pictures are amazing, your candid work is inspirational.
Amazing shot, and an amazing opportunity to visit Thailand. Hoping to get there someday myself.
@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!
Wow. Incredible shot. Glad to hear you're enjoying your time there :)
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
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...
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
Awesome!
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.
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.
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!
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.
gorgeous. i love the subtle flare.
LOVE IT! This image rocks!
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.