Latest news with #CaptureBangkok
Time Out
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Meet the 10 street photographers headlining ‘Capture Bangkok'
What makes Bangkok the second-best city in the world? It's a question we asked earlier this year, and you answered. It's the energy, the food, the culture, the beautiful, beautiful chaos. But more than anything, it's the stories – the millions of tiny moments that unfold every second on its streets. Now, we want to see them through your lens. As part of our Capture Bangkok celebration, we're showcasing the work of ten of the city's most visionary street photographers at The Corner House in Charoen Krung from August 7-20. These are the artists who peel back the layers of the Big Mango, finding poetry in the traffic, romance in the tangled wires, and serenity amidst the rush. Their work will inspire, challenge and make you see your city in a whole new light. We're thrilled to bring this project to life with our partners, Canon and Coca-Cola. And the best part? One more photographer will join them on that gallery wall. That photographer could be you! Get ready: Time Out Capture Bangkok Street Photography Challenge submissions open on June 30 and run until July 15. This is your official call to action. Charge your batteries, hit the pavement, and prepare to show us your Bangkok when the Google Form link drops. But first, get inspired. Read on to meet the 10 photographers whose work defines the art of seeing this city. STYLEdeJATE For STYLEdeJATE, Bangkok is a city where the frenetic energy of bustling crowds, tangled overhead wires and relentless traffic offers an endless playground for the lens. He doesn't just capture the city; he remixes it, infusing his own perspective into the frame to create a visual dialogue with the urban environment. This experimental approach is at the heart of his work, turning the familiar tapestry of Bangkok into something uniquely personal. While he undertakes planned commercial and artistic projects, his true passion lies in the spontaneous exploration of the streets, a practice he champions through Fotoclub BKK, a community he co-founded. For over six years, STYLEdeJATE has led monthly photowalks, often collaborating with artists from around the globe to explore the historic Charoenkrung district. He finding that even after a hundred visits, the area's blend of past and future, tradition and progress, never fails to offer a new story. This deep, sustained engagement with his surroundings informs STYLEdeJATE's core philosophy: a commitment to sincere and thoughtful image-making. He believes the true elevation of a simple snapshot to a work of art lies in the artist's sincerity – a genuine drive to create, evolve and communicate a personal truth that resonates with the viewer. In an era of endless digital images, he advises aspiring photographers to shoot less and think more, embracing the limitations of film photography as a way to cultivate a more deliberate and meaningful practice. For STYLEdeJATE, the most powerful images of Bangkok are not just aesthetically pleasing but are born from a deep connection to the moment, capturing the city's multifaceted identity – a sometimes contradictory collage of experiences that is real, tangible, and anything but artificial. Darkle Darkle attempts to capture what is both visible and residual. Living in Chinatown for over two decades, he's less interested in the city's overt chaos and more in its layered, supernatural energy – the ghosts, patterns, and vibrational pull of a past that lingers in the present. His process is a self-described 'maniacal obsession,' a compulsive need to gather and archive fragments of the city before they vanish, treating surfaces and facades as portraits of a place and its history. He is a photographer scratching at the surface of the now, trying to uncover remnants of what's been lost and how those absences continue to shape what remains. This deep, forensic approach informs his entire philosophy. He sees the constant negotiation of shooting on the streets, guided by a deep-seated sense of kreng jai, as a space where real, human tension can be productively managed. It's a delicate balance between being an invisible observer and an engaged participant, a line that shifts constantly. This is exemplified by what has become a long-term project of sorts: repeatedly photographing the same gable at Lhong 1919, where the shifting shadows act like a clock, marking the subtle, inexorable passage of time. His advice to others is to be single-minded in their purpose: 'Ask yourself… what do I really want to say?' For Darkle, the most powerful images are not sight gags for a saturated online world, but personal, coherent statements that cut through the noise with resonance and insight. Christian Hogue Bangkok is not a story to be told, but a stage for moments waiting to be found, thinks street photographer Christian Hogue. He steps out without a preconceived narrative, preferring to let the city present its own scenes. His process is a reactive dance with the environment; he doesn't hunt for shots but trains himself to recognise when an image 'calls out' to him. Light is often his guide, drawing him to the reflected glow of late afternoon sun on buildings or the electric hum of neon signs against the twilight sky. He finds inspiration by deliberately avoiding the cliches, venturing beyond the usual tourist trails into local Thai neighbourhoods, hi-so districts, and the rich hunting grounds of neon-lit back alleys around areas like Siam Square and Phrom Phong. This philosophy of openness extends to his interaction with people. While sensitive to cultural context, Hogue embraces the friendly attitude of Thais towards being photographed, often preferring the engagement of street portraiture over distant, candid shots. He's fascinated by the unique, fleeting moment when a person realizes they are on camera, capturing that genuine, natural reaction. For him, the uniqueness of Bangkok is embedded in the bold colours and symbols of the everyday – the eclectic, bright soda bottles at a spirit house, a concrete policeman statue, or the folded fish charms dangling from a scooter. His essential advice for capturing the city's authentic spirit is simple and reflects his entire approach: 'Just be open to the moment.' Danny A walk through Bangkok with Danny is a search for the city's essential details. He moves like a wanderer, letting his intuition and the quality of the light guide him down character-filled alleyways in neighbourhoods like Charoenkrung and Samsen. His camera seeks out the elements that are quintessentially Bangkok: the specific design of a school uniform, the vibrant colours of local fruits, the unique script on a street sign and the warmth of its people. His process is candid and respectful; while he prefers to capture moments as they unfold naturally, he won't hesitate to ask for a quick portrait if a scene feels too perfect, always keeping the interaction brief to honour his subject's time. Embracing an open and inclusive view of art, Danny believes any photo taken with purpose can be a meaningful work. He usually shoots in full colour, but is oft-drawn to the symmetry and mystery of black-and-white, as seen in his favorite shot of a lottery ticket seller whose face is obscured but whose personality shines through in his posture. For Danny, the biggest challenge of shooting in Bangkok is simply staying present amidst the heat and crowds. His advice to others reflects this philosophy: go out with no agenda other than to observe. Take it slow, and whether you get the perfect shot or not, the time spent being mindful in the moment is a victory in itself. Don Amatayakul In a city defined by its relentless energy, photographer Don Amatayakul seeks out the opposite. For him, the true art of capturing Bangkok lies in discovering and framing its hidden pockets of peace. He approaches the city not as a whirlwind of activity to be documented, but as a complex space where tranquility can be found if one only knows where – and how – to look. His process is fluid; sometimes he wanders and lets the atmosphere guide his lens, while at other times he meticulously scouts a location, studying its light and angles a day before returning with his camera. This desire for serenity is the message he hopes to convey, offering viewers a chance to feel the city slow down, even just for a moment, through his images. As a photographer, Don operates as an invisible observer, believing that the most natural and honest expressions are captured when people are unaware of the camera. He navigates the streets with a profound (consideration for others), always mindful that he is a guest in the lives he photographs. This philosophy is perfectly encapsulated in his iconic image of the colossal Buddha statue at Wat Paknam, framed by the setting sun, serenely presiding over the chaotic rush of traffic below. For Don, this single frame captures his vision: a reminder that even in the heart of the capital's bustle, peace and beauty are always present. His advice for those wishing to see this other side of Bangkok? 'Wake up earlier.' In those quiet, early hours, and by spending more time simply absorbing a place, you might just discover a side of the city most people never see. Ganesh Sinkorkiat For Ganesh, Bangkok's story unfolds in the quiet moments often lost amidst the city's frantic pace. Six years ago, he saw only the rush and the traffic, but through his camera, he discovered a different city – one of stunning dawns, serene dusks and intricate details tucked away in forgotten alleys. His mission is to capture these fleeting moments of beauty, hoping his images make people pause and see their surroundings in a new light. He wants to provoke a sense of discovery, for locals to exclaim, 'I walk past here every day, but I never knew it was this beautiful!' Whether it's the warm morning light, the gorgeous evening glow, or the tranquility of night, Ganesh seeks to reveal a calmer, more profound side of Bangkok, offering a visual respite from the daily grind and perhaps inspiring a new weekend adventure. Ganesh often seeks a higher perspective, drawn to rooftops and vantage points that frame the city's unique architectural dialogue – where ancient temples stand in graceful harmony with modern skyscrapers. He is a hunter of the 'Golden Hour,' patiently waiting for the perfect light to wash over the city. His advice to aspiring photographers is simple yet profound: 'Walk a little slower, be mindful, and when you find the right angle, stay there longer.' It is in this deliberate stillness, he believes, that the true, authentic spirit of Bangkok reveals itself. Hiang Kanjinna For Hiang believes that, to truly captureing Bangkok one must means embraceing its boundless variety – what he calls the 'Diversity of the Metropolis.' Her lens finds stories in everything from the city's freneticchaotic energy and the hidden peace of a weekend at Khlong Lat Mayom to the fleeting moments of humour found on any given street. This philosophy demands flexibility; she is equally prepared to meticulously plan a shoot or to wander aimlessly, letting the city guide herim. The most critical rule is simply to have a camera ready at all times, because an opportunity can arise from anywhere. Whether observing from a distance or engaging directly with his subjects, she believes each approach yields a completely different, yet equally valid, emotional texture for an image. Growing up in Charoenkrung has given Hiang a deep appreciation for the district's layered soul, where historic buildings and temples blend seamlessly with modern high-rises. This personal connection informs heris wider view of the city: a place that defies easy categorization. Heris emblematic photograph, a shot of the majestic Wat Arun framed by a welcoming doorway and bathed in the warm evening sun, encapsulates his vision of Bangkok as both iconic and inviting. Heris ultimate advice for anyone wanting to capture the city's true spirit is to 'Set no expectations.' ShHe believes that by arriving with an open mind, you allow the city to reveal its unexpected wonders, leading to photographs that are deeply personal and uniquely your own. Golfwashere Golf observes that the city of Bangkok truly comes alive during 'special events.' While he always has a camera ready, his instincts as a landscape photographer kick in when the familiar skyline is transformed by the unexpected – a sudden fireworks display, a new skyscraper puncturing the clouds, or a local festival that remakes a street's atmosphere. These moments are more than just beautiful; they are anchors in time, creating powerful new memories of the city. Though he meticulously plans his shoots with a clear goal in mind, he finds that the most impressive shots are often the unplanned 'images in-between.' It's in these spontaneous moments that the true, unscripted character of Bangkok reveals itself. This fascination with duality defines Golf's vision. He sees a city of contrasts: a grand, sprawling metropolis that, on closer inspection, is woven from the intricate, individual lives of its people. His favourite compositions capture this dialogue, juxtaposing the warm orange tones of Old Town architecture against the cool, modern sheen of a new tower. He finds endless inspiration in neighbourhoods like Talat Noi, where older structures take on a colourful new life and light filters through narrow alleys in endlessly surprising ways. His ultimate advice for capturing the city's authentic spirit goes beyond the lens: talk to the locals. For Golf, no guidebook or map can replace the stories and insights shared by the people who call Bangkok home. Piti Amraranga Piti swears that the soul of Bangkok isn't found in its grand landmarks, but in the small, ingenious traces of human problem-solving left behind on the streets. He is drawn to the city's everyday creativity – the raw, simple ways people repair broken items or invent their own DIY solutions. To Piti, these acts reveal a deep-seated creative spirit and a distinctly local sense of humour. His process is one of patient observation; he wanders without a set plan, letting the streets guide him until something catches his eye. Once he finds a subject, be it a person, an object, or a place, he dedicates his time to it, working the scene until he captures the image he envisions or the moment passes. This quiet, observational approach defines his style, allowing him to document the city's candid spirit without intrusion. Piti's artistic vision revolves around discovering and framing the hidden relationships between objects. He seeks connections in all forms – light, colour, geometry, or human gestures – and his goal is to make viewers feel at ease, perhaps even smile. One of his most emblematic shots captures this philosophy perfectly: a classic Bangkok taxi juxtaposed with a pot of marigolds, two icons of Thai culture brought together by an accidental, yet perfect, colour harmony. He finds endless inspiration not in chaotic markets, but in the city's public parks, which he sees as perfect stages for street photography with their mix of people, activities, and open spaces. His advice to others is to spend time learning from the art and creativity you encounter; for Piti, it is this deeper understanding that truly shapes one's unique perspective and elevates a simple photo into a meaningful work of art. PK Vanasirikul With a background in fashion, PK approaches the city as his model, engaging in a creative dance to capture its unique details and moods. He looks past the obvious chaos that many photographers seek, searching instead for Bangkok's 'subtle romantic moments.' For him, this means letting the streets guide him toward quiet, timeless scenes where he can document the city's more spiritual side. This quest for tranquility often leads him to the walkable, story-rich sois of neighbourhoods like Song Wat and Charoenkrung, where micro-universes unfold away from the main thoroughfares. His goal is to create a visual 'safe haven,' producing images that are relaxing and relatable, finding beauty in the mundane and offering a sense of ease in a hectic world. This perspective is deeply tied to a desire to find beauty in the unconventional, born from a personal connection to Thai subcultures like the Dek Chang (vo-tech students). Seeing a raw, rockstar spirit that is often misunderstood, he aims to reveal the humanity and individuality within these groups, celebrating the non-conventional as a vital part of the city's fabric. This empathetic lens underpins his entire philosophy of 'ethical photography.' He believes the feeling between photographer and subject is paramount, and would rather let a moment disappear than capture a photo that makes someone uncomfortable. For PK, intentionality is what elevates a snapshot to art, and his intention is clear: to compose layers, reflections, and geometric abstractions that reveal a timeless, gentler and more nuanced Bangkok.
Time Out
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Will you ‘Capture Bangkok'?
Get your cameras ready, Bangkok! Time Out is thrilled to launch its inaugural 'Capture Bangkok' Photography Challenge, a city-wide call for your most stunning, evocative and unique images of the capital. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a passionate amateur, this is your chance to showcase your vision and have your work celebrated. In a megalopolis that pulses with a chaotic, and beautiful rhythm, every corner holds a story waiting to be told. From the serene temples of the Old Town to the dizzying heights of its modern skyscrapers, the frantic energy of its markets to the quiet moments of daily life, we want to see Bangkok through your eyes. You voted, the world listened Earlier this year, Bangkok was crowned the planet's second-best city by Time Out. That global recognition inspired 'Capture Bangkok.' This is more than a competition – it's a city-wide celebration of the talent and stories hiding in plain sight. We're inviting you to pound the pavement, explore the hidden sois, and capture the images that truly define Bangkok for you. How to enter Ready to take on the challenge? From June 30 to July 15, we'll accept your photo submissions via a Google Form. The link for submissions will be announced on June 30, so keep your eyes peeled on our website and social media channels. The prize The stakes are high! The winning photograph, selected by a panel of 10 participating photographers, will be showcased in a special exhibition. An exhibition in a historic setting Speaking of the exhibition, we're taking over The Corner House in Charoen Krung from August 7 to 20. This beautifully restored historic building, now a buzzing creative and lifestyle hub, provides the perfect backdrop to display the incredible photography from our readers. The exhibition will feature a curated selection of the most compelling entries, with the winning shot taking pride of place. The exhibition will kick off with an exclusive launch event on August 7, bringing together the city's creative minds and photography enthusiasts. This exciting new Time Out challenge is brought to you in partnership with Canon, a name synonymous with photographic excellence. So, what are you waiting for? Charge your batteries, polish your lenses and start exploring. We can't wait to see your 'Capture Bangkok' moments! Key dates:
