My first visit to Ayuthaya was in 2003 when I photographed this Buddha statue head that, whether by accident or design, has become embedded in the side of a tree.
Thinking back, I remember that it was actually quite a tricky thing to photograph in anything other than a very straightforward way. Although I’ve added a Holga-esque treatment to the file in Photoshop here that’s not something that I would usually do.
I’ve no objection to Photoshopped images, we’re all manipulating pixels to a greater or lesser degree, but it takes enough time and effort for me just to get a relatively straight image most of the time so any further attention is something of a luxury. Heck, it’s taken me five years to find time to play around with this image!
So I’m heading back to Ayuthaya this week and although there are lots of temples to photograph in what used to be Thailand’s capital city it’s this small Buddha head that I’m most looking forward to seeing again. I’ve purposely avoided searching the Internet for other views of the Buddha head and tree so as not to influence the way I see it. It’s a little self-challenge, can I come up with a different perspective? Is there a way of photographing this relatively straightforward scene that’s new and interesting?
It’s good to set yourself a creative challenge now and again. I belong to a handful of real-life and virtual clubs where the main purpose is to set ourselves a photographic theme every month. It’s not terribly precious and apart from some quick-fire feedback the results are not really judged. The purpose is to get the creative juices flowing and to point our artistic thought processes in a new direction.
I recommend it. If you’re struggling to come up with new material then set yourself a challenge. It doesn’t matter what the subject is, indeed that’s the least important bit really. Choose a colour or a shape or an item of clothing or a family member or the cat, the dog, whatever. Then set some time aside and consider how you might like to present that subject in a finished photograph. Before you know it, your lateral thinking muscles will be flexing and you’ll be conjuring up all sorts of fanciful ideas.
Can’t think of a theme? Here are some ideas. Close your eyes and pick one at random.
red soft walking orange shadow stars tight stick bunches close giggling smoker overflow burning shake inky troublesome needle putty clouds afterwards bits-and-bobs swivel triangle dripping ears wind-me-up circular my-fridge heart-shaped cold tea elbow victory make-up sponge pork-pie diagonals shallow runny blurred crackling floating handwriting framed sloping glint gate stripes upside-down reflected street-signs forgotten back-of-my-sofa footprint eggs
Good luck!
One of the other things I remember about Ayuthaya was the teenage schoolchildren who had been sent to lurk around the tourist attractions by what I assume was a teacher in need of some peace and quiet. Armed with a questionnaire each they would approach tourists and ask if they might spend a few minutes answering questions so that the students could practice their English skills. They were invariably charming and already spoke impressively accomplished English and it was pleasant to be able to pause and chat.
So, I’m away from the blog for a few days but will come back armed with my best picture of the Buddha Head from Ayuthaya.
