Photography Tips: Thailand Photo Competition

If one has visited a photo exhibition in Thailand, it is evident that a large majortiy of the pictures will be either of Buddhism, Buddhist monks or Buddha.

Lanna Archetecture

I participated in a photo competition sponsored by Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) Chiang Mai and IPOT. Each day for 5 days a new subject was given. They were:

• February 3 : Thai Architecture
• February 4 : Flowers of Lanna
• February 5 : Landscape
• February 6 : Lifestyle
• February 7: Street Photography
  

  Fruits as Flowers. Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2012

Notice that none of the subjects are related to Buddhism, Buddhist monks or Buddha, or that is what I thought:

However the winner is>>>>>>>>>Monks praying at a Wat Suthep.

Yep folks, 4 of the 9 chosen winners were of Buddhism, Buddhist monks or Buddha.

Check out the winners.

ipot.thaiphoto.net/?p=499

Moral of the story. Know thy competition. In Thailand, no matter what the theme of the competition, submit a picture of buddhists monks or a temple.

Wan Pantao Asaha Bucha 2012

For more pictures, visit my gallery at: http://photobyphm.smugmug.com/galleries

Photography Tips For Chiang Mai, Thailand

As a temporary resident of Chiang Mai, I am amazed to see the number of world renown photographers holding workshops here. I realized I must take advantage of this situation and share some of the sites I like to visit to photograph:

Favorites:

• Wat Chedi Luang
• Wat Phantao (candle light meditation the night of major buddhist holidays)
• Wat Srisusphan (the silver Temple)
• Wat Suan Dok
• Wat Suthep (at night)
• Buddhist monks at 06:00 for the morning alms round
• Terra Cotta Garden
• Elephant Camps
• Muay Thai practice
• Katoey Cabaret
• Chiang Mai Walking Street : Every Sunday from 18:00 – 22:30 aprox. If you want to avoid the crowds go at 17:00 when the stands are setting up
• San Patong Buffalo market  – Saturday mornings from 06:00 – 11:00
• Loy Kratong : November 24-29, 2012
• Songkran : April 13-15, 2013
• Chiang Mai Flower Festival : February 1 -3, 2013
• Central Airport Plaza: Saturdays and Sundays it is an absolute madhouse with activities for young adults

Did I forget something? 

For my Chiang Mai Favorites Gallery click here Philip Meier Photography

Photography Tips: Loy Krathong – Yi Peng Festival 2012 Chiang Mai, Thailand

Loy-Krathong-Yi-Peng-Festival Monk Procession

Loy Krathong coincides with the Lanna (northern Thai) festival known as “Yi Peng” ยี่เป็ง). . A multitude of Lanna-style sky lanterns (khom loi) are launched. It was estimated that over 6’000 people were present during the launch in 2011.

In 2012, the local festival for Thais and tourists will be held in Mae Jo (Chiang Mai) November 24, 2012. Admission is free.  There will be another ceremony primarily for tourists to be held November 28, 2012. Admission is not free.

Photography Tip:

• The Chiang Mai Photographic Group (CMPG) organizes a trip for its’ members.
• Some people take a tripod. With over 6’000 people participating and activities  spread over a large area, there are certain problems associated with this idea. I used a monopod and was happy with my results
• Before the actual launching of the lanterns there is a monk candle lit procession
• The first wave of lanterns are launched at the same time. Continuous high speed mode is recommended. Afterwards lanterns are launched as they are prepared. This is a good time for group shots.
• The buddhist monks launch their lanterns after the official ceremony. Worth staying to catch them launching theirs.
• Darkness + Moving objects + Lanterns means decision time for ISO and shutter speed. If one has a fast wide angle lens –  take it.
  

  Loy-Krathong-Yi-Peng-Festival Photo

Have fun the scene is absolutely breathtaking.

More Thailand photos on my Gallery : http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/25089981_K7cMTP#!i=2056479131&k=dB7LPMP