Thailand

Armed with a Pentax ME Super film camera in my early 20’s, I began to explore the world through my lens. Each click of the shutter allowed me to freeze time, capturing not just scenes but the very essence of my adventures, ultimately shaping my identity and deepening my love for storytelling through photographs.

As a young woman embarking on my travel adventures at just 19 years old (the year 2000), my journeys through Thailand was nothing short of magical. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted locals who welcomed me with open arms. Thailand has a unique way of enchanting its visitors, and for me, it quickly became a place that will always hold a special piece of my heart.

I visited multiple times throughout my 20’s and 30’s. But these are my earlier moments I am sharing. These are the photo’s that sparked my love of photography, and I enjoy looking at how my passion has evolved. All these photo’s take me back to every moment I took them, vividly. And that is what I love about photography. Capturing moments in time that bring them back to life.

Armed with a Pentax ME Super film camera given to me by a South African friend whose father was an avid wildlife photographer, I began to explore the world through my lens. My very first travel portrait is in this collection, of a little Thai girl, joyfully holding an ice block. Viewing this image I remember it vividly; the bustling market around me was alive with colour and sound, filled with the enticing aroma of exotic foods and the lively shouts of hawkers. There, tucked away safely in an alleyway, was this little girl, living in her own joyful moment amidst the chaos, and I felt compelled to capture her.

When I finally developed those photos, it was a revelation. The image of that little girl became more than just a snapshot; it was a cornerstone of my artistic journey.

Reflecting on those early days, I can see how much my style has evolved, but looking at those photographs stirs nostalgia and pride. They remind me of the excitement and innocence I felt starting out, and they serve as a beautiful reminder of how travel and photography intertwined to shape my perspective on the world. Each click of the shutter opened up new avenues of creativity and exploration, and through that journey in Thailand, I found a piece of myself.

Interspersed throughout my travel album are personal photos that travel buddies and lovers haven taken of me, snapshots of fun and adventure that perfectly complement my story. I included these because they serve as a reminder that photos don’t have to be perfectly framed or meticulously curated to convey meaning. Each image—whether candid or composed—tells a unique part of my journey, encapsulating the spontaneity and joy of youthful exploration.