Starting this week I set out with a project in mind to photograph ‘Local Communities’. My aim: to capture portraits and images of diverse groups and communities, from people within a specific locality, to various social and cultural gatherings which thrive within the Big Mango. I chose to start with working communities in the backstreets of Chinatown, Bangkok.

It was fresh and clear on Monday morning as I headed purposefully towards my destination. Many people in Bangkok will be familiar with the main thoroughfares of Chinatown and I’ve certainly had my share of trawling shopping streets and eateries there. This time, I wanted to wander freely and discover quiet alleyways and hidden gems away from the noise and bustle of the main street. These narrow arteries are still madly industrious. No dull, utilitarian workspace here, but a vibrant blend of strong and vibrant colours and smells.

Along the way, I captured a few irresistible images of the fabulous colours around me.  For starters, a man in royal blue polo shirt, under a royal blue awning, fringed by royal blue shutters on either side of his shop. 

Another man wearing a dark red sweatshirt, working directly in front of a perfectly matched painted wall. And another in an oily blue shirt fixing an oily blue engine – with matching oily blue bucket placed strategically in the foreground.

Then, just as I’d settled into the theme of matching colours I spotted an exhausted welder seated between brilliant green shutters, wearing an even brighter and more brilliant pink top.  Fabulous.

How easily people break into a smile and humour the ‘farang’ with the camera, Thailand must be one of the most welcoming and tolerant places on earth.

This lady didn’t speak but seemed keen to be photographed. When I asked her if this was ok, she simply moved towards me with a friendly smile. I took that to be a ‘yes’ and she seemed most pleased with the results.

I found Mr. Achoon sitting on his chair at a busy intersection. He was a remarkably engaging and spritely character for his eighty-five years.

What a pleasant way to start a project on Local Communities. And what better setting than the richly diverse and colourful working communities of Bangkok China Town.

COMMENTS

February 11, 2010 - 8:52 pm Polly - LOVE those colours ....... and of course those smiling faces. It just brings me back to the happy smiley people of Thailand ...... bring it on Jackie!!

March 21, 2010 - 10:16 am Pooja Kishnani - Jackie, these photographs are so beautiful!

April 12, 2010 - 11:42 am Kaylea - Wow Jackie. The colours in these photos are amazing! I love the first one with the man with the teapot. Which lens did you use for that? Hope you are well and will follow your blog now that I know it is here! Kaylea

April 22, 2010 - 5:32 pm Cathy - Hi Jackie, Just found your blog through Gavin Gough - lovely series of portraits. Seeing yours and Gavin's work makes me want to come and live in Bangkok! Cheers, Cathy

April 28, 2010 - 11:19 am jackierado - Many thanks for the comments - I feel very lucky to be photographing in Thailand where there's so much to see and people are so warm and tolerant of camera-wielding foreigners! Most pictures are taken with a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8, although the first required the widest angle on a 16-35mm f/2.8 to fit everything in!

The post WORKING COMMUNITIES IN BANGKOK CHINATOWN appeared first on Jackie Rado Photography.

As part of Project Life, Ruth Centre was opened only two years ago as a place that provides support and community for the elderly across ten slums on the outskirts of Bangkok.  Conceived, created and run by the inspiring Khun Noi, the centre’s purpose is to bring previously isolated people together in self-supporting communities.  Khun Noi and her team visit over 200 people in the local slum communities once a week or more.

Khun Yai (grandmother) Buang is 72 years old, seriously ill and has no hope of recovery.  Isolated and lonely she had lost the will to live until The Ruth Centre re-united her with her daughter, who now takes care of her.  Khun Noi visits regularly to chat and read books to Khun Yai Buang, an event she loves and looks forward to every week.

Earning an income for Khun Yai Sanom, 73 years, consists of collecting rubbish from the local streets and dumps in the community to sell whatever she can.  A diabetes sufferer, she is nevertheless somewhat fortunate in that she receives a government pension of ThB 500 per month (US $18), which she supplements with around ThB 100 (US$3) in garbage sales.  “I may be 72years old, but I’m still beautiful” she exclaimed.

Songkran, or Thai New Year, was approaching, and Khun Yai Faa was mending a sarong she wanted to wear for the celebrations.   Left by her husband many years ago, she has struggled with alcoholism and TB for much of her life.  With the help of the Ruth Centre she’s been doing much better and recently rediscovered her love for reading; ‘especially history books’.    Asked if she minded having her photograph taken she replied ‘chawp mahk!’ (I love it!) with gusto.

Another regular stop for Khun Noi is to Khun Somjit’s home, where his grandson lay on the ground and could not be awakened during our 20 minute visit. K Noi  provides support and help to keep his place clean and hygienic, a task that he finds almost insurmountable.

A husband and wife team were preparing food for their local catering business as we passed. ‘We’re both good cooks so we just take it in turns.’

On our way back to the centre, we walked past a group of kids who were playing on a pristine pool table. A resourceful father in the community had saved up and bought it to rent out as a source of income.  Of course, it also has the added benefit of providing a place for the kids to gather through the day and hone their (admirable!) skills.

Volunteers at Ruth Centre work without judgement or financial reward, providing support and a measure of dignity for the most vulnerable people in society.

Please note all names have been changed.

COMMENTS

April 28, 2010 - 7:41 am Karen - Love seeing another installment. Gorgeous photos. You've captured joy and beauty in an ugly world. Karen

April 28, 2010 - 6:00 pm JJ Beattie - Oh Jackie, they're beautiful and a bit horrifying - like life I guess.

April 28, 2010 - 10:10 pm Sarah Dangerfield - Wow, what amazing photos and colours - an insight into another world.

April 29, 2010 - 9:06 am Claire - Fabulous pictures - you really captured the characters. I see what you mean about the pic formatting. Is that the web program?

April 29, 2010 - 10:03 am Simon - Great colour and stories to your photos Jackie - your Chinatown blog was very interesting as well. Keep 'em coming! Simon.

April 29, 2010 - 12:34 pm Pooja Kishnani - These pictures are beautiful Jackie, thank you so much for sharing. I hope you have a wonderful trip 🙂

April 29, 2010 - 1:34 pm jackierado - Thanks for all the positive comments - the work of Ruth Centre is inspiring and it was a pleasure to help in some way. Yes, still working out the blog formatting and hope to get better as I go... Tips and feedback welcome!

April 29, 2010 - 2:25 pm Linda Herrmann - Thank you Jackie for your caring heart. For showing the heart of the poor elderly, and the heart of the caring team at Ruth Center through your incredible photos. One picture really is worth a thousand words!

April 29, 2010 - 4:12 pm Manor - Hi hon, what a fabulous way to be a part of the Bangkok and Thai life. Can only imagine you must be discovering amazing sites, people, environments and experiences. Seems like your camera lens is leading to a spiritually uplifting journey as well... By the way, how is it that every person in your photography home page has such perfect teeth? Manor

April 29, 2010 - 6:41 pm Kaylea - The photos are amazing Jackie, the colours just jump out! My favourite one is of the woman sitting cross-legged on the floor in her house and the boy looking at what his next shot will be. I hope your work brings awareness to others and possibly the thai government, although they do have other issues at the moment!

April 30, 2010 - 4:52 pm Cathy - A really interesting set of images, and an insight into the more difficult lives of these people. I'm really enjoying your blogging, keep it up! Cheers, Cathy

May 15, 2010 - 9:31 pm Hazel - Jackie, what an amazing talent you have not just for your beautiful insightful pictures but also your ability to tell a story without becoming bogged down with emotion. I wish I was there with you. Well done wonderful woman. Miss you tremendously! Hazel, xx

January 26, 2012 - 12:02 am builsunlasilm - Just to say thank you for this interesting article! =) Peace, Joy.

The post HOPE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE BANGKOK SLUMS appeared first on Jackie Rado Photography.

Khun Nok arrived from Isaan in the North East of Thailand three years ago aged fifteen. Last year, living rough with her first baby and three months pregnant with the next, she came to an orphanage asking them to look after her child so she could return to work on the streets. They introduced her to the Tamar Centre.

Everyone has a story to tell.

Khun Phon (above left) suffered cruelty throughout her childhood. A violent marriage followed in which both she and her children were abused. She went to Pattaya, started working on the streets, became an alcoholic and fell into depression. Now her life has changed. She completed the three-month training program at the Tamar Centre and earns a living by running the card-making centre. She knows what it is to have nothing and can offer support and compassion to the people who arrive at the centre. Most important of all, she lives with her children. “For the first time in my life I feel good about myself. I have a good relationship with my children and can be a mum to them now”.

The majority of the prostitutes in Pattaya, a city on the Gulf of Thailand, are single mothers like Khun Phon trying to support their children and families. Others, like Khun Nok, are young girls sent by their parents to earn money and transfer it home. If the parents in their hometown acquire possessions or wealth, the girl is praised and no questions are asked. If not, she is deemed a disgrace and cannot return home.

The Tamar Centre was founded by Nella Davidse, who still runs it today. She told me of its origins. It was opened 1999 by Project Life Foundation and there are now two locations: the Tamar café and training centre in the shopping district, and the Outreach Centre in one of Pattaya’s most notorious bar streets.

The objectives of the organisation are two-fold: to provide a new life and purpose for girls on the streets in Pattaya, and to educate their families in the villages of Isaan, north east Thailand. The latter involves prevention centres that educate relatives as to the realities of life on the streets in order to stem the flow of young girls arriving for work.

At dusk I set off with Nella to capture life at night. The centre wanted photographs that they could use for fund-raising and for educating the families. We arrived as people were preparing for work and stayed to document an evening in Pattaya.

The Outreach Centre in Soi 6 (known as “soi sex”) has a hair and beauty salon, which is run by Khun Jing and Khun Fa (below), now fully trained beauticians. It offers a constant presence to the 600 prostitutes working in the 60-odd bars on soi 6 and a reminder that there is help and a way out.

The centre provides counselling and advice, health check-ups for pregnant women, and free English classes three afternoons a week.

The main Tamar Centre runs a three-month program for women who have left prostitution. They are given professional training in baking, cooking, hairdressing, card making, sewing, and computer studies. Graduates of the program are offered jobs in the centre or given assistance to find the equivalent work outside.

The food in the bright and immaculate cafe on the ground floor is fresh and delicious and the baking irresistible. Who could say no to a thick slice of apple pie or Snicker cheesecake?

Chocolate Brownies bring happiness to all!

Khun Nittaya chops fresh vegetables in the pristine kitchen.

The crèche on the third floor of the centre provides childcare through the day for the babies and toddlers, and after-school care for the older children. The mothers and children live nearby in sheltered housing provided by the Centre.

Everyone we spoke to expressed the same sentiments: they are now providing for their children and living life in a way that gives them purpose, self-respect and hope for the future.

And Khun Nok? She is blooming and full of life, and as she blooms, so do her children. They are all learning to smile, to laugh easily, to feel safe. Best of all, Nok is learning to dream – to dream of a better future for herself and her children.  She’s applied to an adult education centre in Pattaya and begins studies this October. Nok has hope now, and because of that hope, everything is possible.

Please note all names have been changed.

Further details are available at http://projlife.com/tamarcenter/ or visit the delicious Tamar Bakery & Restaurant at 124/130-131 M.10 Thirdroad, Pattaya, +66 (0)38 415 432.

COMMENTS

July 13, 2010 - 4:16 pm Pooja Kishnani - You find the most amazing stories here in Thailand. Its inspiring to see what people are doing to help the community and the ladies. Thanks again for sharing this Jackie 🙂

July 13, 2010 - 6:58 pm Kaylea - Wow! I didnt realise there was a centre helping prostitutes in Pattaya. It sounds an amazing place. The photos you took are stunning as usual and you told such an interesting story with them. x

July 16, 2010 - 12:13 am Jaime Cortez - Jackie, it is great to hear about the wonderful work being done at the center. I think your compassion for the women and their children comes through very clearly. Your photographic strong suit is intimacy, it seems, which is a real benefit for a project like this where we want to have a sense of an individual's story, their hope, their humanity. Bravo.

August 31, 2010 - 12:46 pm Polly - Amazing Jackie ...... what beautiful photographs and a great story; these women are so strong ....... that must have been incredible to visit, photograph and document. Congratulations! keep it coming please!

September 25, 2010 - 12:51 pm Nella Davidse - Thank you so much Jackie for the beautiful pictures you donated to the Tamar Center. We are so thankful for your support. They tell the story of hope many women find in the Tamar Center! Be blessed, Nella

February 8, 2011 - 6:39 pm Cl*********@***oo.com - Dear Jackie, I have been revited to my computer for the last hour catching up on your blogs and have loved everyone....this one is particularly special for sharing the story of hope being brought to these women.....it is both heartbreaking and heartening at the same time. What a wonderful place the Tamar Center is and thank you for sharing it with us!

The post PATTAYA STREET WORKERS FIND NEW BEGINNINGS appeared first on Jackie Rado Photography.

I had ventured out to capture the stillness of the streets before the throngs descended for the spectacular Festa Major later in the day. The narrow Calle de la Carreta alleyway caught my eye as it wound its way up the hill towards the church, a profusion of flowers in hanging boxes adding splashes of colour to the old stone buildings. I met Sitges artist, Manuel Blesa,  as he opened the doors of his gallery, and stepped inside to view the fine art paintings of antique ceramics that adorned the gallery walls.

His artist studio at the top of the building is a light, open space with piles of artifacts and fine pottery, as well as wooden shelves bearing the antique ceramics he paints.

The easel with partly completed painting presided over the studio (below left). Portrait of Manual Blesa (below right).

The tablet of vibrant oil colours next to the easel (below).

I noticed a number of guitars around the studio and discovered that decades ago Manuel Blesa played flamenco guitar for a living. I asked if he still played but he seemed doubtful. With a little encouragement, however, he left to find his favourite instrument, and, to my delight, began to play. I love live music and relish the little I know of the melody, sadness and duende, or soul, of flamenco music. The experience of listening to an ex-professional flamenco guitarist providing an impromptu performance in this fine setting was magical.

He seemed to enjoy the experience and almost an hour flew by before I realized it was time to meet friends. What a fine prelude to lunch.

COMMENTS

February 8, 2011 - 6:15 pm Clauss Niazi - Ohhh, sounds like a very special morning! Beautiful pictures!

February 9, 2011 - 10:37 am Christian Lukey - Hi Jackie Absolutely great, as always, very well done...

February 9, 2011 - 4:32 pm Helen Bunch - Jackie Great photos, I can see the little street in Sitges now, great to be on the inside of the apartments and such character and colour. Gorgeous as always. Helen x

February 10, 2011 - 8:10 am Pooja Kishnani - These are beautiful Jackie, you're definitely an inspiration

February 10, 2011 - 10:19 am jackierado - Many thanks for the comments, such a beautiful place and only enhanced with a fine splash of flamenco guitar!

February 10, 2011 - 6:26 pm Leila - Hi Jacqui,I really enjoyed this article plus I love the way you captured the light in the photos. All the best

February 12, 2011 - 2:55 pm Mike English - Nice pictures and comments. I really look forward to you having a book of your travels and pictures printed. especiaslly if they also have your narative on your feelings showing the mood of the time to go with them.

February 17, 2011 - 10:50 am Polly - Fabulous photos as always ......... & what a treat to stumble across such an individual, I need to come travelling with you! Superb, as always. I love the colours & the paintings look amazing to be stacked in his studio!

February 23, 2011 - 4:40 pm jackierado - Leila, thanks for your lovely comments. Mike, a wonderful thought, will keep you posted if it ever comes to pass! Polly, you bet - can't imagine anything better than your delightful company!

March 30, 2011 - 9:33 pm Medyum - Fabulous photos as always ......... & what a treat to stumble across such an individual, I need to come travelling with you! Superb, as always. I love the colours & the paintings look amazing to be stacked in his studio!

December 28, 2014 - 12:23 pm Dan Tindall - We has a similar experience back in 1997 (I think) and still have the wonderful little painting we couldn't help but buy from this talented artist. A truly warm, very interesting and talented man! We love this little piece of art and consider it the best memory of our trip to Spain!

The post ART AND FLAMENCO IN SITGES, SPAIN appeared first on Jackie Rado Photography.

During the masterclass, I was hugely impressed by the performances of his students Kristine Balanas and Chieri Tomii, as they responded to the skill and guidance of the maestro.

Kristine Balanas from Latvia plays Beethoven’s violin sonata in G Major

Light catches the violin.

Chieri Tomii from Japan plays the Saint-Saëns Rondo Capriccioso.

It all began in Bangkok in May 2010 on a family day out in search of Sunday dim sum.  We were in the car enjoying the sounds of home in the form of the Desert Island Discs podcast: Kirsty Young’s gentle brogue mixing with the rich Hungarian tones of György Pauk. His story transported me to my childhood and memories of my late father, Emil Rado, and his narrow escape from the terrible fate suffered by so many Hungarian Jews during the Second World War.

The coincidence did not end there however.  I distantly remembered that György Pauk had stayed with my family when I was a small child, during one of his Scottish tours with pianist Peter Frankl. They were performing in Glasgow, and we had the extraordinary honour of hearing them rehearse for the concert in our home – the two filling our humble living room with sounds straight from heaven.

As I listened to the Kirsty Young interview, the similarities of Pauk’s and my father’s experiences in Hungary, both the charming and the tragic, became sharply apparent to me.

A year later we returned to the UK and during that time I had thought often of what a pleasure it would be to meet György again after so many years and to tell him how much I’d enjoyed the interview. This led to another set of coincidences: unable to find his contact details, I wrote to my Hungarian aunt Marika Somogyi in California on the remote off-chance she might know him – and discovered that she and György are great friends!

And so, after many decades, two years of daydreaming and some family assistance, I came to meet György Pauk once more.  He and his wife Zsuzsi invited me for lunch and we spoke of the many things that brought our families together. Finding a little courage before I left, I asked if I could photograph him at some point. I was delighted when he invited me to take photographs at one of his private masterclasses.

And so I had the privilege of spending a most beautiful afternoon at the Royal Academy of Music.

COMMENTS

May 10, 2012 - 8:27 am Claire - Fabulous pictures Jackie. As usual you bring out the character of your subjects so clearly. Great story of how you got to be involved too! Claire

May 10, 2012 - 3:50 pm Gyorgy Pauk - Dearest Jackie, Wonderful work, many thanks for your lovely photos and all the effort you have put in to produce this Blog. Gyorgy X

May 10, 2012 - 9:18 pm Chris Bidde - Fascinating Story & wonderful photos!

May 11, 2012 - 1:49 am Ali Evans - Wow! These photos are simply stunning, Jackie! As a musician myself, I love the way you've caught his expressions whilst playing and teaching, angles you've caught of the instruments, and the character of the wonderful man himself. What a beautiful face he has, and captured so lovingly in these black and white portraits. Moving stuff. I cannot wait to see him give his masterclass at the RAM tomorrow night!

May 11, 2012 - 3:25 am jackierado - Thank you György, I’m so happy to have met you again after all these years! And what a joy to spend time with you and your students in your masterclass – thank you for a beautiful afternoon. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

May 11, 2012 - 4:13 am jackierado - Great to hear from you all, thank you for your lovely comments! Can’t wait to see you at the masterclass tomorrow, Ali, what a treat that you will be there.

May 11, 2012 - 7:37 am JJ Beattie - What a wonderful story, Jackie. I wish I could've heard it over a cup of coffee in Bangkok! jxxx

May 15, 2012 - 3:33 am laura - Really lively and fresh pictures Jackie. It looks like you had great fun photographing him. Laura

May 18, 2012 - 4:16 am Mike English - Another great portfolio. You were right to present in monochrome it adds to the drama of the occasion. I can almost feel the fun and humour in the session coupled with a serious focus on the music.

May 19, 2012 - 4:56 am James - Wonderful pictures, Jackie! What fantastic expressions you've captured on his lively face! I also remember the time György and Peter stayed with you, and I too had the honour of meeting them both. How lovely that you've been able to meet again after all these years, and what a great set of photos has come out of it! Sorry I couldn't make the masterclass.

May 19, 2012 - 3:20 pm jackierado - How wonderful you remember, James, so many years ago but so memorable. Would have been great to see you at the masterclass - truly inspiring, maybe next time! Laura, thanks for your lovely comments, you may remember meeting György..? Coffee in Bangkok sounds fab, Jenny! Let's catch up in London when you're next over. Lovely to hear from you, Mike, hope our paths cross again when we next make it to Oundle!

The post VIOLIN MASTERCLASS WITH GYÖRGY PAUK appeared first on Jackie Rado Photography.

Spectacular dance festivals run from February to April and September to October.  These are the times of year when the weather in Bhutan is at its best and visitors can readily understand why the country is known as  the ‘Jewel of the Himalayas’.

I’m delighted to be a contributor in the January 2011 issue of Marie Claire Magazine in Thailand, with an article and photographs on Bhutan, including the Tamshingphala  Tsechu in full flow (above).

In the meantime, here are some of my favourite moments from the last trip.

A young spectator at the Tamshingphala Tsechu watches the festival, framed by the rich silk of her traditional dress (below left).

Below right is Tiger’s Nest Monastery viewed through Bhutanese prayer flags. The walk to this viewpoint provides the perfect way to acclimatize to the altitude upon arrival in Bhutan. A fine way to recuperate from the long and rocky descent is dinner at a local farmhouse, followed by a hot stone bath to sooth your aching muscles. A wooden bath is filled with freezing cold water from the stream, then furnace-hot stones from the roaring fire are dropped sputtering into one end if the bath until the water temperature reaches decidedly fiery levels. Those brave enough then lower themselves with care and some trepidation into the searing heat – to be rewarded by all traces of pain and stiffness melting away. Bliss!

A dancer rehearses for the Tamshingphala dance festival, entertaining a passing monk (below).

I look forward to bringing news of further destinations and projects in the coming months.  My friend Claire and I embark on a photo expedition to Nan province in northern Thailand later this month and I have further travel planned around Asia and to Europe later in the year.  With a bit of luck, I may also find time to take photos in the Japanese Alps in February, while the rest of the family roll about in the snow…!

COMMENTS

January 18, 2011 - 12:37 pm Ursula Wall - Good memories! Congratulations on another stunning publication. 🙂

January 18, 2011 - 12:52 pm Melissa Richardson - Fantastic photos Jackie. Congrats on the Marie Claire feature.

January 18, 2011 - 5:41 pm Lisa Dent - Just beautiful & capture so much in each image, I look forward to seeing your next adventure !

January 18, 2011 - 10:04 pm Pooja Kishnani - beautiful 🙂

January 18, 2011 - 10:25 pm Susan Leopold - Dear Jackie - it just keeps getting better and better. BTW, do you sell prints of any of your photos at all?

January 19, 2011 - 2:42 am Annette Bauer - these are stunning!

January 19, 2011 - 4:35 pm jackierado - Many thanks for the generous comments. What a gorgeous country, and spoiled for choice from a photography perspective!

February 8, 2011 - 6:23 pm Cl*********@***oo.com - WOW!!!!!!!

The post BHUTAN AND BEYOND appeared first on Jackie Rado Photography.

The Catalans know how to party. My trip to Europe this summer was rounded off perfectly with festivities and a feast of fine foods in the beautiful seaside town of Sitges, near Barcelona in the Catalonia region of north eastern Spain.

The Festa Major is the annual feast day celebration at the end of August each year, held in honour of Sant Bartolomeu, patron saint of Sitges. Spectacular processions march through the narrow cobbled streets, re-enacting the Reconquest of Spain in the late 1400s, where Spanish Catholics defeated the Moorish monarchs, so completing the Reconquista.

The procession is raucous. Enormous models of the Spanish and the Moorish monarchs head the procession, followed in the heaving throng by dancers, papier–mâché giants, devils brandishing pitchforks, and a large dragon and phoenix, fireworks exploding from their jaws.

As the procession begins, devils with firecrackers advance through the town square (above).

The monarchs lead the way through the streets, the Spanish victors at the front followed by the Moorish King and Queen, see below.

The chief devil pauses in the procession to re-load his tenedor del diablo with firecrackers, before igniting those of the other devils.

The chief devil lights his many firecrackers (below).

The group of devils then form a tight circle to ignite each of their firecrackers (below).

Devils in the procession wear earplugs to protect themselves from the extraordinary volume – not unlike a round of gunfire. Those less prepared feel the full force of the sound.

All mayhem breaks loose as the firecrackers explode simultaneously (below).

Most spectators dodge to avoid the firing sparks. However the braver ones and those emboldened with plenty of beer and wine race through or dance under the blaze. The challenge for anyone foolish enough to point a camera into the inferno is to get the picture before the sparks get you – or your lens. Easier said than done!

The dragon emerges through the smoke (below left), followed by the phoenix, setting off another whirl of crackers in the main town square (below right).

Each character in the processions has a team of people to man and look after them, ensuring nothing and nobody gets in the way, and ready at any moment to jump inside the model characters and take the reins as the parade continues through the town (below left).

A lady emerges briefly from her papier–mâché head for some air (above right).

The previous day, I was fortunate to stumble across the backstreet (middle photo below) where artists were making repairs and adding finishing touches to the procession puppets (below left and right). They work throughout the year, carrying out repairs for the various fiestas of the town.

Musicians playing traditional reed instruments to accompany the dancing procession.

Dancing models become increasingly flamboyant, not to mention unsteady on their feet, as more beer is handed out to the teams.

Spinning monarchs in the town square.

Good humour abounds and dancers embrace as they finish their routine.

A band of musicians enters the town square as revellers contribute to the mêlée.

Happy devils call it a day.

COMMENTS

September 28, 2010 - 5:46 pm Michael LaPalme - Beautiful images from what looks to a spectacular event. Those masks are quite intriguing. I haven't been to Spain since the early 90's. Your images make me want to visit there again soon.

September 28, 2010 - 7:48 pm Jane Iverson - Your captions and photos kept me riveted! Great photojournalism! Looking forward to your next adventure.

September 29, 2010 - 3:22 am Simon - Looks like a fantastic event Jackie - well captured and thanks for sharing!

September 29, 2010 - 4:58 am Mark Wideman - Jackie your photos are a visual fiesta!!! The pyrotechnics, smells, and energy of the procession are all captured in amazing vivid detail in your work. What a brave one you are!!! I know how close you had to be to those diabolos to get some of those shots. It was a great thrill to photo-document the procession on the 23rd of Aug. with you. I am still processing my many digitals but it is clear your "Pas peur du feu" spirit allowed you to triumph with some exquisite photographs. BRAVO M'lady!!!

September 29, 2010 - 6:07 am jackierado - Thank you for the wonderful and generous feedback. An incredible event and such fun to photograph, if a little scary at times. Not sure I'd have had the same courage without you there, Mark, whooping with delight and keep spirits at a high throughout!

September 29, 2010 - 11:55 am Max Milne - Hello Jackie! WOW! How you achieve such stunnnnnnnning results is to be embraced through smiles. Such smiles. The photos are beautiful in the way that i feel your connection with people through them. 🙂

September 29, 2010 - 1:23 pm Kirsty MacLachlan - Jackie, your photos are stunning. I always knew at primary school that you were a clever little bunny. What a joy to feast my eyes on this event over my 'need to wake up' cup of coffee. xx

September 29, 2010 - 2:05 pm Annette Bauer - Gorgeous!

September 29, 2010 - 4:37 pm Kaylea - Hi Jackie, some absolutely amazing photos. The light and perspectives really make the photos. Maybe on your next blog could you write the aperture and shutter speed on the photos? Would be good to see what they are.

September 30, 2010 - 6:46 am Hirofumi Hosaka - Dear Jackie Thank you for sending me wonderful photos. All of them are very impressive. They showed me real vivid scenes of Spain. One week ago we welcomed Australian high school students for home stay. My Isawa High host students wept when they left Isawa. My wife and I are still planning to visit UK next June. If possible, we'd like to visit Bute again to see Anne. See you.

October 4, 2010 - 1:50 pm Polly - Superb!! Makes me want to book a flight to Spain for next summer! Excellent photography ........... a true professional & how wonderful to witness such tradition. I trust these should go in National Geographic or such like, they deserve to be. Congratulations!

October 23, 2010 - 9:30 pm Mike English - Some great shots, you have really captured the ambiance of the event making the viewer feel they are really there. I like the strong images you have taken by deliberately taking the shots at a steep angle showing it was deliberate not out of square by accident. The relatively short lens has also emphasised the main interests again, well done. I am sure you could sell the images to the organisers for future years publicity brochures. Just a thought

December 13, 2010 - 4:12 pmArtem - Great work, Jackie! Fantastic pictures!

February 8, 2011 - 6:20 pm Cl*********@***oo.com - I keep missing this wonderful event with all of you, but thru these gorgeous shots I can easily see what brings you back there over the years! Thank you for sharing and loved the commentary to bring them even more to life!

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His great-grandmother, Yai Phat (below left) lost two of her sons when they were young. One drowned in the river by the temple at the age of eight. The second, Phet’s grandfather, died of an illness in his twenties and asked her to bring up his baby daughter following his death. Phet is the daughter’s son (again below right).

It is stories like Yai Phat’s, and the desire to help those less fortunate than themselves, that inspired Jodie and Chris to move with their daughters in 2007 from Australia to the slums of Klongtoey.

Living in the middle of the largest slum community in Thailand gave them direct experience of the issues and harsh realities people face on a daily basis. They set up Second Chance Bangkok, a shop selling used clothing and household items at the lowest possible price to those who can pay and donating to those who cannot.

Proceeds from the shop generate employment and fund other projects that support families in the slums. These include youth and kids’ clubs, support for children with special needs, education scholarships and medical programmes.

I visited Jodie, Chris and their family (below) to get a glimpse of life in the community.

Yai Sanga loves to spend time with Jodie’s daughter, Millie, whenever she can (below). She has lived in the slums for 40 years and watches out for Jodie’s family, keeping an eye on their place when they are away.

Her family lived through the fire that ravaged the slums 13 years ago, rendering her and many other people homeless for years.

Kaew and Millie are great friends. Kaew lives with his grandmother, Ba Lit, and his three siblings, including his elder sister who is blind as a result of an attempted abortion. His mother is a drug addict and is in prison much of the time, so it falls to Ba Lit to raise the children. She earns money to feed the family by collecting recyclable items from the streets.

Grandparents are the backbone of society in the slums. Khun Somsuk rocks his grandson to sleep while his wife naps on the floor.

We moved away from the house to see the Second Chance Bangkok shop and the extensive work they are doing there. On the way, we encountered this small group singing and playing makeshift instruments on the train line that backs onto the slums.

Khun Noy lives by the rail track and rarely gets further than this bench during the day.

Leaving the train line, we met a group of grandmothers who collaborate to raise an abandoned child from the community (below).  The baby has fallen asleep with a formula milk bottle in his mouth – one of the key causes of rotten teeth among young children across the economically deprived areas of Thailand.

Increasingly immobile with cancer, Khun Id watches life in the street from his window above.

He was watching this little boy, Bang. The boy’s mother, barely a teenager herself, has difficulty meeting her growing baby’s needs. When we stopped to ask about him, we were asked if we’d take him in.

We return to see the mixed groups of local people who congregate in the square outside Jodie’s house in the late afternoon.

Young boys debate the rights and wrongs of the world (below).

Loan sharks are greatly feared and given a wide berth as they wait for their ‘clients’ to return home.

As we leave, we meet Manao (with her cousin below), who is raised by her alcoholic grandmother.

The grandmother accompanies Chris to the Klong Prem Prison each week to visit her son. Chris runs a weekly shuttle, taking people from the community to visit family members there. He also runs a support programme for inmates in the psychiatric unit, and visits prisoners with HIV/Aids.

For more information on Second Chance Bangkok, please visit their website http://www.scbkk.org/, send an email in**@***kk.org or call Jodie on +668 1131 3258.

COMMENTS

May 8, 2011 - 8:21 pm Mark Wideman - Jackie the magic of your photography is your ability to capture the true human essence of your subjects. Amazing and moving. Doomo doomo doomo.

May 8, 2011 - 9:10 pm Jodie MacCartney - Jackie, I love seeing the pictures you captured in our neighbourhood…I love seeing these beautiful faces of the people we see everyday. You so wonderfully captured their beauty & courage and the warmth & life of the place we call home! We really appreciated your approach to the experience while you were here too – you were sensitive to people's inhibitions, and were able to bring out people's smiles! Thank you! Jodie

May 8, 2011 - 9:11 pm Helen Bunch - Just makes you realise how lucky we are and amazing how these people are smiling and laughing yet having to cope with such hard lives. H x

May 8, 2011 - 9:40 pm jackierado - Jodie, it was an honour to be a part of your community for a day. Seeing your dedication, humility, love and good humour was a humbling experience. What a special day, thank you for welcoming me so warmly. Helen, how right you are! It's so easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget what other people have to deal with. Mark, thank you as always for your wonderful words.

May 9, 2011 - 2:16 am Anne & Gerry Barr - Jackie, Your photographs are wonderful I feel as if I'm there with you. As well as the pictures your comments help to bring understanding of how hard life can be for some families and children. - However it's also truly heart warming to find indiviual families who put themselves out there to help others less fortunate

May 9, 2011 - 10:06 pm Chris biddle - Brilliant photos. Inspiring & very Moving.

May 9, 2011 - 10:35 pm Polly - Jackie, amazing photographs yet again ....... and such beautiful happy smiles on those faces which you wish the world for. And how uplifting to see families that literally do 'give up everything' by assisting these communities. Makes one comprehend what daily issues really matter. In addition I loved showing my kids these photos ....... thank you. Once again, more please!

May 9, 2011 - 10:42 pm jackierado - Lovely to hear from you - many thanks for the wonderful comments!

May 16, 2011 - 3:34 am Jill Andrews - Wow, I just saw my beautiful daughter Jodie and her family. Makes me feel very proud to have such a beautiful family who are so happy to help those who have nothing. What beautiful pictures. Jill

May 17, 2011 - 12:49 am Zsuzsa - Thank you for sharing your experiences, Jackie; your photographs are really wonderful and the comments most apt. Looking forward to your next adventure - you have a lot to give!

The post A SECOND CHANCE IN THE KLONGTOEY SLUMS appeared first on Jackie Rado Photography.

The meticulous preparation had elements of the physical, spiritual and ceremonial. Physical in the oiling, massaging and knuckle-binding; spiritual in rituals such as putting hands together in prayer to attract auspicious energy; ceremonial in the donning of the headband, armbands and garlands before performing the arresting Wai khru Ram Muay dance to show respect to the teachers and trainers before the tournament.

The fights were brutal and suffocating, as one might expect. But more striking were the breathtaking speed, agility, and above all, grace.

The fighter representing Thailand was the charismatic Saenchai, the current World Lightweight Champion who has won the Lumphini Championship in three different weight divisions and is viewed as one of the best Muay Thai fighters in the world. He is a man with tremendous presence, composed and gracious, no movement extraneous, and from the first moment it was clear he was in a class of his very own.

Wrists and knuckles of the fighters are bound for protection before the tournament (photo above).

Multiple Lumphini Muay Thai champion, Saenchai, prays for auspicious energy (below left). Fighters wear ceremonial headbands and garlands as they pay respects before the fight (below right).

Saenchai shows his agility in avoiding a powerful kick.

Fighters have a few moments to cool off between rounds.

The Japanese opponent attempts to defend himself against Saenchai’s attack.

Brutal and claustrophobic combat.

Saenchai – charisma and grace in the ring.

The Iranian champion, is ‘encouraged’ by his coach between rounds.

He receives stitches – without anaesthetic – before the final against Saenchai.

The final fight between Thailand and Iran.

Spectators feel the force of the blows (below left and right).

Saenchai’s winning strike, securing his victory as tournament champion.

Seemingly unscathed, Saenchai stands calm and proud in victory.

COMMENTS

November 23, 2010 - 7:13 pm Karen - Jackie, These are some of my favorites. The photos are phenomenal. You just keep getting better and better. Karen

November 23, 2010 - 8:44 pm Cathy - Great photos Jackie - you got really close... did you need special permission? You capture the spirit of the fighting really well, Cathy

November 23, 2010 - 8:51 pm Polly - Jackie, just incredible ........ some of your shots seem you were in the ring with them! Amazing clarity & perception. These must be due for some awards, you deserve them! Incredibly inspiring, loved them, thank you! Polly

November 23, 2010 - 8:59 pm jackierado - Thanks for the comments, great to hear from you all! I was at the event photographing one of the fighters which gave me access behind the scenes - very useful. Once the fight started it was a free for all, but I managed to squeeze in - trusty telephoto at the ready!

November 23, 2010 - 10:22 pm Claire - Wow... these are truly awesome! Each blog gets more interesting and this one is really explosive! Amazing.

November 24, 2010 - 7:24 pm Saranya B - Wowwww...great photos!! You got really inside the scene!! love them all 🙂

November 24, 2010 - 8:58 pm Marie Linnér - Jackie, extremely inspiring photos. I´m not much of a thai boxing fan. I really don´t like sports when people are hurting each other, but these photos are truly wonderful. I feel I get more in contact with the person and like I can feel and experience their emotions through your eyes. Love the face of the spectator with scrunched up mouth and very hooded eyes, what an expression.

November 25, 2010 - 7:14 am Kaylea - Jackie, wow, wow and wow! My favourites are the close ups of the boxers' faces. You have really captured the emotion and the exhaustion on their faces. I take it you have a zoom lens?!! Either that or you were in the ring dodging them! Whatever...stunning photos! x

November 30, 2010 - 9:03 pm jackierado - I have to say, there were some fabulous expressions in the audience - as well as some highly colourful characters. Hmm, perhaps a blog devoted to them next time..! Women are strictly forbidden from climbing up onto the podium so the best I could do was edge forward and shoot from below. Thanks again for your wonderful words!

February 8, 2011 - 6:28 pm Cl*********@***oo.com - ouch....you really capture this amazingly well and tho I was wincing the whole way....your talent in taking all these shots is just amazing....so to balance out.....I scrolled down....and then back up.....and end with the delightful and peaceful babies....ahhhhhhh 😉

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This extraordinary event takes place 50kms west of Bangkok and draws thousands of people each year, most notably those who make a living as policemen, soldiers or members of Thailand’s criminal underworld. The sak yant tattoos from this temple are considered to have magical powers that protect the bearer from knives and guns. People gather to receive new tattoos and recharge the potency of their existing ones. The tattoos are based on Buddhist texts, mythical creatures, and numerology charts.

The next few photographs are inside the temple where people wait patiently to receive tattoos from the monks.

These are created by striking quickly and repeatedly with a long needle.

Each monk is assisted by volunteers who hold the skin taut while he works.

Another view from above.

Tattoos are popular with laymen (left) and monks (right) alike.

More tattooing (left), while the man on the right, his tattoos complete, waits for the festival to begin.

‘Anyone for rice?’ Crowds stock up from great vats of curry and rice (below) before the festival begins at the auspicious hour of 9.39am.

As the crowds grow, many people fall into a trance and become possessed by the spirit of their tattooed image. They charge through the crowd as enraged tigers, monkeys, snakes and other animals (below), letting out roars and cries as they attempt to charge the shrine where senior monks are praying.

Tension mounts as people contort their faces and bodies into their animal spirit (below), erupting in all directions.

A man is caught near the stage (left). A mad charge through dense crowds (right).

People are oblivious to anything in their path (below).

Chanting follows and all is calm for some moments (below).

The scene then mounts in intensity with a great surge towards the stage. Volunteers and plain clothes policemen seek to calm those who are overcome by the spirit of their tattoos by vigorously rubbing and pinching their ears.

The treatment starts to take effect.

Until finally the man is calmed.

The festival draws to a close as monks spray holy water from the stage, dispersing the crowd (below left). A man in prayer watches the final moments from a safe distance (below right).

COMMENTS

March 24, 2011 - 10:00 am Polly - Amazing yet again ........ makes one feel like they are right there Jackie, so a big thank you! Absolutely fantastic photos, congratulations.

March 24, 2011 - 10:28 am Claire Crockart - Fantastic photos, You really captured the true spirit of the festival.

March 24, 2011 - 9:16 pm Sanna Viitamaa - Jackie - I completely got lost in your beautiful photos around the world! You are an amazing photographer and clearly doing what you love. Your commentaries were also beautifully descriptive and captivating. I could hear and smell Bangkok in your photos! Warm regards to you and friends who are still in Thailand - from the Sierra Madre mountains in Monterrey, Mexico

March 25, 2011 - 8:08 pm Emma Long - amazing photos Jackie...you could almost hear them roar through the lens.

March 26, 2011 - 2:54 pm Helen - Hi Action, amazing pictures and just reminds me how wonderful the world is with so many different ways and beliefs. So easy to get caught up in your own little world - thanks for pulling me out of it for a few mins. Love to all the family and let's talk soon! H x

March 26, 2011 - 8:41 pm Cl*********@***oo.com - wow!!!! that is just an amazing festival and to think you were in the thick of it all, what an experience you must have had and thanks to your amazing skill we all get a peek at it too. Amazing works of art Jackie! Love to all of you - hope to have a nice catch up soon! Clauss

March 26, 2011 - 8:41 pm Cl*********@***oo.com - wow!!!! that is just an amazing festival and to think you were in the thick of it all, what an experience you must have had and thanks to your amazing skill we all get a peek at it too. Amazing works of art Jackie! Love to all of you - hope to have a nice catch up soon! Clauss

March 28, 2011 - 8:35 pm Sven - Strewth Jackie - you are good at photography - absolutely brilliant. Amazing. I'll be looking back again soon to see what you've been up to.

March 29, 2011 - 6:23 pm Sam - Amazing pics like last time you went....you can FEEL the intensity of the occasion from your photos.Love it:)

March 30, 2011 - 8:09 am jackierado - Many thanks everyone for all the comments, glad you enjoyed the photos. Definitely an event to keep you on your toes!

April 2, 2011 - 9:31 am JJ Beattie - Wow. These are so impressive as always. Thanks for the link.

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