I was listening to the radio this morning and the DJ was proclaiming -It's just another day, nothing special. I read another post by someone who wants to have a "quite dinner with friends". I wish these people would shut up. No one cares about your attempt in showing individuality by positioning yourself neatly outside of the 'y2k hype'. Y2K is all about grouping; massive groups of people coming together for things that can only be done by masses of people. I don't want to read some sidebar on how Bob and Jane's Y2K dinner was "quiet and relaxing". Save it for Thanksgiving.
A digital camera is very different from your traditional camera in more ways than just the technology. The psychological limitations of knowing you have only 24 or 36 chances to capture your impression and the cost for each capture translate each photo decision into a risk/reward situation. People find themselves at different levels on the risk reward curve, but in digital the whole cost per photo curve is eliminated. This project will make use of this new freedom by allowing a reckless snapping photos as I am walking by street vendors, riding on the back of a motorcycle taxi or climbing on a bus. Of course this technique leaves me with a lot of useless photos, but the more times the shutter opens, the more chances I have at a keeper.
Spent today's lunch with an westernized Thai girl. She was a bit late so I had a chance to take some photos along this touristed section of Sukumvit. During the pacing between my ill communicated meeting points, I was able to snap off shots of the atmosphere. Touts proclaiming out loud their line on a good suit deal and failing that, in a more discreet whisper "Massage? Lady? What are you looking for?". Tourist of all nationalities: the shy overspending Japanese, now purveyors of the Seattle grunge culture; the grossly disproportionate, Sari wearing Indian woman following the perfectly ironed dress slacks of their Man; the Islamic wearers of oversized dress shirts, missing only the night cap to round out the pajama theme; the tattooed Western men being strategically led by their tiny Lek or Nok to purchase various trinkets in a test of the mans spending power and gullibility. Sukumvit is Bangkok's shish kabob of cultures, classes and races.
The World Trade Center beer garden once again call the names "Derek" and "Bryan" so we heeded it's call. The beer garden in December is a sublime evening due to the cool breezes and vibe created by people gathered to partake in all that is beer.
