When approaching film photography, colour can be a challenging task for those of us who primarily shoot black & white. You can't rely solely on light and shadow to create interesting compositions; the subjects become a lot more important. There are few places better for exploring colours on film than Thailand. Taking in the sights of Bangkok and Chiang Mai really kickstarted my interest in shooting colour again for the first time in a decade.
For the trip, I decided to let go of some of my OCD tendencies, bringing just a simple point-and-shoot camera, a few rolls of Kodak Gold 200, and Fuji 400. I also crossed my fingers that the airport X-ray scanners wouldn't ruin my film – a bit of a gamble. The goal was to savour the trip, unburdened by excessive gear, and focus on travel and the discovery of a new place.
Bringing along colour film paid dividends - Thailand did not disappoint. The gold of the temple roofs, the dark orange of the monks' robes, and the vibrant red of the chillies are just a few of the sights one might see in the streets and markets of Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The hot and humid climate naturally casts a soft, hazy glow during the dry season.
The brief time spent here has only made me want to return for the rainy season to capture the jungle greens and the nightly reflections from the rain puddles. And indeed, return I shall.
