bangkok street photos










I was on my last few frames when a man approached me admiring my Leica M6. I noticed that he was carrying with him a Rolleiflex 3.5. I told him that I also had a Rollei but it was still being cleaned. So for now I am finishing up a roll that I have not used up in my Leica.

One reason I spent good money in getting a Leica was because of its proven performance in street photography. Afterall it was the camera that Henri Cartier-Bresson used during his career as a photo journalist. I have no intention of becoming a professional photo journalist. I just like taking photographs. I hope the people in the street will not take offense when I point my camera to them. Looking at the photographs of Cartier-Bresson, I am taken back to the times past that is forever gone. I see, the fashion of those days, the hairstyle, the cars, how people behaved. Somehow, I feel that taking street photographs is a good way of recording our time for future generations. Pictures I am taking in 2006 may be of interest to those who will see it in 2056. Most of the time I ask my subjects' permission. However there are times I do not because the moment might be lost. A posed picture is just not the same. A lot of times the people I encounter are good natured about it. Sometimes, they do not even care one way or another. Other times, they cover their faces as I click my shutter. Just like the lady in the boat. On one of this occasion, I think the blind man knew I was taking his photograph because he moved as I took my photograph.

All photos © 2006 daddywasabi, all rights reserved.

on the chao phrya express








When I was in Manila, I took some pictures using my Leica M6. Unfortunately most of the pictures did not turn out good. It was badly focused. I also stupidly took a picture of a high school friend and the result was disheartening to say the least. When I got back to Bangkok, the annual Photo Fair was still being held at the BITEC. The Leica booth was offering free check up of any Leica models. My M6 tested well. With the exception of a minor spots on the lens that the technician assured me will not affect my picture taking. Anyway, I gave it another spin when I got to Bangkok. This time since I am shooting using FP-4 at an EI-80, I decided not to take any photo below F/5.6 and a shutter speed no slower than 1/60 sec. I also paid meticulous attention to focusing the subject. My frustration was that I sometimes lost some moment. It did not help that the number of the film advance did not correspond to the film itself. Otherwise, I think this is a great camera. These photos were taken in the Chao Phrya Express Boat late in the afternoon when the light is interesting.

all photos © 2006 daddywasabi all rights reserved