This city has a unique charm, quite different from Hangover 2, unless you embrace that vibe! I had the pleasure of exploring its streets several times during my journey.
Stories of Bangkok I ♥
Towards Unbound Horizons
November 13, 2025
Life unscripted
November 14, 2025MY STORY
BANGKOK
Welcome to the dazzling City of Lights, a vibrant tapestry of colours and diverse faces, buzzing with energy and creativity! It’s here, in this dynamic blend of art and commerce, that my photography journey truly began. I have a collection of stories as unique and captivating as apples and oranges, each ready to inspire and engage you.
Bangkok greeted us with a powerful intensity upon our arrival in Southeast Asia. The region had been enduring significant flooding for three long months. While central Bangkok remained relatively unharmed, I was confident that the upcoming photo workshop would still be a remarkable experience.
But nature takes its course, and this time was no exception – I nearly dismissed my Bangkok lessons due to a higher power and began seeking other opportunities ahead.
Ten weeks later, the situation looked more promising. We met at Sathorn Pier by the Chao Phraya River. During an almost formal yet pleasant conversation with Mr Gavin Gough, he surprised me with my first task.
I was trying to learn how to blend in, to feel the street and capture it on my memory card. With Mr G’s no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point style, flavoured with a unique sense of humour, we soon recorded what I had in mind, which was quite challenging. A story in motion, mixed with a hint of my inner thoughts about the day and the moment.
Mr G showed me perfect places, small rooms, chambers almost, where I could play and catch those rays that managed to squeeze through a tiny porthole below the ceiling. Again, success hadn’t come easily, but if you’re willing to get your hands (and pants) dirty, you’re off to a rewarding start. The atmosphere was perfect.
Lack of experience is best compensated with guidance and critique; Mr Gavin Gough was like a doctor with a syringe.
Seamlessly guiding me through a wealth of knowledge, a spectrum of shooting conditions, and various angles to explore while demonstrating how to capture my own essence – thoughts, reflections, emotions — and how to embed myself into photographs. I was beginning to experience it all without any pain.
I felt like the long wait for this day was finally paying off. Markets, colours, fruits, flowers, vegetables, smiling people, rows of lights, shadows amongst leaves, fish, crabs, shells — you name it.
I was given a quick briefing – with a twist – to tell a story, but to try and capture the protagonist in sunlight.
The confidence with which Mr G had been leading the show must have rubbed off on me too. I felt like he was assigning me tasks wirelessly—around the moments I needed help, pointers, or a tap on my left arm for not holding the camera correctly.
Help arrived swiftly, especially when I encountered a technical crunch.
The difference was almost tangible, not just in photographs but also in my mind-shift. I was beginning to understand Mr Gough better; I started to grasp what he was trying to teach me – how to seize a bull by its horns so that the image would reflect exactly what I want.
My evaluation of a recorded photo improved as a result. Of course, I wanted my photos to be as expressive as possible, but I finally saw which path to follow. I was learning how to express my feelings through the lens. Life of a traveller.
So I immersed myself in the colours of a food market. The vibrancy of the place drew my focus away.
Knowing how to connect creates many opportunities to take photos – great ones too. Photographing a stranger doesn’t have to be nearly as invasive as it seems. Show some interest, ask for permission, and you’re halfway there.
Although I usually struggle with being too silent while working, I don’t feel very comfortable around strangers either. So I pushed myself out of my comfort zone as often as I could and became Mr G’s copycat – after all, I went travelling to explore new cultures, stories, and myself.
I followed the instructions and played the same game as before – some effort, some chatting, and fun. In the end, I found myself very much immersed in the mosaic of community with all its beauty and misery.
Thinking back on those days even now, after many years, I perceive new perspectives. Connections between camera, emotions, and thoughts are limitless.
The secret button on each camera lies in its abilities – a means to connect with people and unveil stories.
The world is showing you – half-press to focus, and there you go.
Today, my favourite quote is by St. Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
Behind the frame
