Well this was not an easy one and I didn’t have any illusions that it would be! I had an original idea that I would take for this challenge. Often in Thailand you will see at major traffic junctions sellers offering garlands for the cars, or other items such as donuts, or a large crisp (a few bagged) .
Sadly the people who sell like these, walking in-between the lines of stationary traffic and in incredible temperatures of heat and of course the pollution, are considered by the rest of the population to be the lowest type of worker you can be. Their day starts as early as the traffic starts (usually around 6.30a.m.) and they are out in the heat of the day until 6.pm.
I wanted to capture these workers, not only because I thought the way they dress would suit the challenge (large hats and faces covered with scarves and sunglasses, along with long sleeved tops and long trousers) but having a healthy interest in People and street photography. Capturing what seems to be the mundane jobs of working people’s life and the world around me in long lost jobs from the West are a source of fascination to me and a need to record so we remember life that is fast disappearing in our modernity.
So, my first choice of Garland sellers was not available on the day that I chose to photograph on. Grrr. Total frustration as every other time I had passed this junction there were many. There was instead of the usual gangs of 4-5 sellers this one lone figure, an older man and I asked him did he mind me taking his image for this project. 50bht helped secure what I wanted and seeing it was around 2pm and the traffic had eased he was pleased to make that!
Nothing technical about this image and it was shot with my half broken 70-300mm Tamron, which reminded me why I need to replace it when I return in July to the UK for a short spell.
Journeys From A Small Room 