Myanmar Photo Tour: Final Post. Stay Tuned For Vietnam

Someone once said “The sooner you fall behind, the more time you’ll have to catch up”.  Since falling behind with my Myanmar blog posts, I’ve had ample time to catch up, but few opportunities to get on line! So, with a decent internet connection today, and the Vietnam photo tour coming quickly, I thought I had better finish up the Myanmar blogs, otherwise, it will linger, unfinished forever.

I’m sharing a few series of photographs to emphasize that “sticking with a subject” for more than just a shot or two, is a technique that helps improve the possibility of creating memorable images. On the last morning in Nuang Shwe a small group of us left the hotel and headed out into the all but empty streets of the town. At the central market, things were just beginning to get set up and the mood was quiet. We searched for exceptional lighting conditions, chose our position and waited….and waited. Eventually all the elements necessary to make a good photo came together….a strong subject, with a secondary element to add visual interest. All the tour guests hear me say, “give me a nice portrait or environmental shot, but be sure to give me some eye candy” too.

While walking around the market, I came across this gentleman listening to a small transistor radio. I smiled and then spoke a few words in Burmese (hello, may I take your picture?). He nodded in agreement, so I spent about 3 or 4 minutes making some shots, using different angles and vantage points.

The kitchens of small shops in the market places of Myanmar always get me excited. The lighting is dim and dramatic. I’ll bet we spent almost an hour “working” this kitchen, laughing with the staff, sharing photos and just playing around.

Well, that about wraps it up! I hope you’ve enjoyed the posts from this year’s Myanmar tour. Tomorrow the Vietnam Photo Tour begins, and I’ll be blogging it along the way as much as possible. Meanwhile, wherever you are, grab your camera, find some great light, watch for the catch-lights, smile a lot, share the fun and make some great images. All the best, Karl