Latest news with #CaptureBangkok
Time Out
09-07-2025
- Time Out
How to win Capture Bangkok
The final countdown is on! With our Capture Bangkok photo challenge submissions closing in less than a week on July 15, there's no better time to get out there and find your winning shot. To give you a creative boost, we asked some of our headlining photographers to share their secrets: where they find their inspiration, how they harness the city's chaotic energy, and the techniques they use to capture the real Bangkok. This isn't just about gear; it's about perspective. It's about learning to see the beauty in the mundane and the stories hiding in plain sight. Take their advice, grab your camera, and show us the city through your eyes. Danny For Danny, the best photo opportunities are found far from the tourist trail, in local markets such as Khlong Toei where there's activity 24 hours a day. He enjoys the Giant Swing area, noting it's 'full of Buddhas and vintage buildings'. He's a firm believer that the morning light is ideal, but as long as the sun is out, any time is a good time to shoot. He avoids grey, overcast days that can flatten the city's dynamic character. A longtime Canon user, Danny values the system's consistency. 'I know their colours, I know how the camera will respond', he says, 'and that lets me focus completely on the moment without the gear getting in the way'. For the Capture Bangkok project, he chose the compact Canon RF 35mm f/2.8, appreciating the hands-on control. To ensure sharp images in Bangkok's fast-paced environment, he typically shoots between f/5.6 and f/8. When it comes to photographing people, he says a little effort goes a long way. He suggests learning the simple phrase 'Tai ruup dai mai krap?', which means 'Can I take your photo?', calling it a small gesture that helps build trust. Darkle Darkle urges photographers to look for the city's residual energy, venturing into places where the past lingers. He points to Thonburi, especially around Tha Din Daeng, as being reminiscent of 'how much of Yaowaraj was back in the late nineties and early noughties', a place where local merchant ecosystems remain intact. His advice for those who venture there: 'Tread lightly'. He also suggests exploring the city's older arteries – the 'in-between spaces, slipstreams of movement and memory' along canals and rail lines. His favourite time to shoot is morning, when the soft light provides a 'tenderness'. Working with Canon for this project, he found the Canon RF 24–105mm f/2.8L remarkably versatile, allowing him to 'reach further to capture candid street moments more anonymously'. He also used the RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro to isolate details, relying on the powerful 8-stop image stabilisation of the EOS R5 body. For Darkle, respect is key, but he advises against being overly deferential, believing the tension between observer and subject can produce something real. His approach is about finding the right balance – in his own powerful words, 'humility with swagger'. Don Amatayakul Don finds his inspiration in the lively, authentic atmosphere of local hubs like 'Bobae Market', where you can encounter the 'local way of life'. He also recommends simple, classic walking routes through Talat Phlu and Yaowarat, which are 'bustling areas that have preserved a traditional way of life', guaranteeing you'll always go home with a great shot. He is a devotee of the 'golden hour', which he feels has a 'magical quality'. This light, he finds, perfectly complements the 'soft, slightly yellowish warmth' of Canon's colour profile, making his images even more beautiful. For his street work, Don relies on the flexibility of the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM zoom lenses. Rather than sticking to fixed settings, he adapts to the light and uses face detection to ensure he doesn't 'miss the moment'. He believes friendly conversation is the best way to connect with people, noting that with his style – where subjects are part of a larger scene – camera size is never an issue. His post-processing in Lightroom is straightforward: he builds on the pleasing colours of the Canon RAW files to recreate the scene exactly as he saw it with his own eyes. Ganesh Sinkorkiat Ganesh suggests exploring the edges of the city's waterways, like the banks of Khlong Bangkok Noi, where you can still find 'ancient ways of life that still remain', from people in rowboats to the historic steam railway station. He also loves Pak Khlong Talat (the flower market) in the late afternoon, when the harsh light filters through tarps, creating dramatic pockets of light and shadow. He loves capturing the 'baskets of fruit stacked up, which provide a great variety of colours'. On his walks, Ganesh uses the Canon RF 15-30mm for wide scenes and the Canon RF 24-105mm for specifics. He often employs a 'fishing' technique: finding a great location and then 'waiting for a good story to walk through the frame'. To be ready, he pre-sets his aperture to f/7.1 or f/8. He believes the key to photographing locals is to be friendly and observant. 'A simple smile, a nod, and the ability to read body language are essential', he advises. 'If someone seems uncomfortable, I stop shooting without forcing it'. Hiang Kanjinna For Hiang, the question of where to shoot in Bangkok has one simple answer: Charoen Krung. The entire road is her canvas. Her favourite time to capture this iconic road is during the golden hour, between 4pm and 6pm. Her approach is refreshingly direct. When it comes to interacting with people, she has one simple rule: 'Ask them directly, 'Can I take your photo?''. This philosophy of clarity extends to her editing. Her signature style is a matte finish with a vignette, a look that prioritizes emotion over technical perfection. For Hiang, the bottom line is that a photo 'must be able to communicate the emotion of the photographer or of the picture itself'. It's this focus on pure feeling that makes her work so resonant. STYLEdeJATE Ask STYLEdeJATE for a list of hidden gems, and he'll tell you that 'everywhere we haven't been yet is a secret area worth exploring'. His advice is to 'be diligent, try entering any soi, and just keep walking', because then the city's identity will reveal itself. He often experiments by pairing his Canon mirrorless bodies with vintage manual-focus lenses, loving how the old glass can 'help erase the sharp crispness of modern lenses'. His method for approaching people is just as organic: he smiles, says hello, and starts a normal conversation. He believes friendliness is a 'universal language' and that in Thailand, 'people are very ready to be friendly with you'. His workflow is equally spontaneous. For this project, he shot with a compact camera and printed directly with a portable Canon printer, proving that the only limitation is your own creativity. Piti Amraranga Piti suggests looking for places where passionate communities gather. For a unique experience, he recommends you 'buy a football ticket' and experience the atmosphere at 'PAT Stadium', home of the Port FC team. To beat the heat, he advises starting your walk in the late afternoon, around 3pm. For this project, Piti primarily used the versatile RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, but his favourite is the RF 28mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens, which he calls 'the perfect size for street photography, compact, and affordable'. His advice for interacting with people is to 'act like a tourist', because locals won't question you for taking strange photos. He believes in keeping post-processing simple, reminding us that for street photography, content is key and 'imperfection is what helps your street photos look alive'. PK Vanasirikul PK believes the most authentic photos are found in residential areas, suggesting you explore 'Bangkrachao, meng jai or udom suk' to find 'more of a local experience'. For a different vibe, he enjoys walking around Nana and Asoke at night to capture the 'life of the underbelly seedy side of Bangkok'. He advises photographers to 'follow the moment', not just the light, because a good picture is always subjective. He prefers the flexibility of a zoom lens and loves the Canon f/2.8 series. He's also been experimenting with slow shutter speeds for their 'surrealistic nature'. His number one rule for photographing people is politeness, believing it's 'better to just enjoy it than try to photograph it' if the moment isn't right. He finds a professional Canon camera makes you 'look more legitimate', which helps subjects feel comfortable. Now it's your turn to shoot You've heard the secrets from the pros; now it's your turn to make a masterpiece. The clock is officially ticking, with submissions for the Time Out Capture Bangkok photo challenge closing permanently on July 15. That leaves just a few days to get out there, follow the light, and capture that one incredible moment only you can see. For your shot at having your work hung on the gallery wall at The Corner House, submit your photos now. The city is waiting.
Time Out
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Show us your shot ‘til July 15!
Your Instagram is good, but our gallery wall is better. Time Out is thrilled to announce that the submission period for our inaugural 'Capture Bangkok' Street Photography Challenge is now officially underway. We're calling all photographers, from seasoned pros to passionate amateurs, to share their most captivating and unique perspectives of our city. Don't just capture the iconic landmarks; immerse yourselves in the everyday life, the frenetic energy, the serene corners and the untold stories that make Bangkok so special. We want to see Bangkok through your lens. The stakes are high! The winning photograph will be showcased in a prestigious exhibition at The Corner House in Charoen Krung from August 7-20, displayed alongside the works of 10 of Bangkok's most celebrated street photographers. Ready to enter? It's simple. Follow these four easy steps to share your vision with us: Open the entry form: Click the link below to get started. Fill out your details: Complete the short Google Form with your information. Share your best work: Submit up to four of your favourite photos, complete with descriptions. Stay tuned! The winner will be announced on July 22 2025. This incredible celebration of Bangkok's creativity is brought to you in partnership with Canon and Coca-Cola.
Time Out
24-06-2025
- 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
18-06-2025
- 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:
