Month: October 2014

Yi Peng, the Chiang Mai lantern festival, is one of Thailand’s most spectacular and most photographed events. I tried to capture the event and its atmosphere as much as I did the thousands of lanterns.

Attending Yi Peng also meant something to me personally, having wanted to attend ever since being shown a video of the lanterns rising into the air a few years previous by a traveller I met who had recently gone.

Finally achieving something that had been on my list for a while was a great feeling, and I was happy to be able to bring back a set of pictures that hopefully demonstrate what it’s like to be at Yi Peng.

Vientiane and Laos hold special memories for me, due to the country being one of my very favourite places from the first big trip I ever took. Years later, on an extended stay in Chiang Mai, I had to return to Vientiane for a new visa.

Many people who take this trip get in and out as quickly as possible, complaining of there being ‘nothing to do’ in Laos’ capital city, but I wanted to stay a few days and see how it compared to the last time I was there.

They say never go back. I went back. What I found, both in the city and in myself, is documented here.

I have a confession: when I go to Bangkok, I’m not a very good traveller. I usually only really see Khao San Road and the surrounding area. Probably because it’s so comfortable and easy there. And fun, of course.

One particular time I found myself in Thailand’s capital though, I thought I’d go and shoot some Bangkok street photography in different areas of the city. Takraw, graffiti, Wat Arun, a tuk tuk, people on the street, and a monk browsing a market. It’s only a tiny tiny snapshot of this sprawling metropolis, but it’s one worth sharing.

Attending a football match in Chiang Mai gave me the chance to practice a little alternative sports photography. Instead of shots of the game from high in the stand with my F.Zuiko 38mm f1.8, I concentrated on the night and occasion as a whole.

Starting with the pre-game scenes outside the stadium, continuing with shots of the fans and their reactions to events during the game, and ending with the aftermath down on the pitch, it’s an account of the event from start to finish.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to see a football game in Thailand, this is the post for you.

One of the great backpacker road trips, doing Chiang Mai to Pai and back on a scooter is something I will never forget. Especially because it was done on a mighty yellow and black machine known affectionately as the Wasp.

Thinking of doing the trip yourself? I’d recommend you do.

I’d also recommend checking out this post to get inspiration and information on where to get your own version of the Wasp – whatever that might be.