Darryl's Photography: Tha Chalom Photo Walk #34 • 21 December, 2014 (Part 1)

Today I will be taking part in a photo walk through the fishing village of Tha Chalom in Samut Sakhon. The walk has been organised by Dennie Cody, who is a professional photographer that provides instruction for budding novices like myself. I discovered this trip through the social website, Meetup. (Link to his Meetup Group "Bangkok Photographers")

Note that this blog has been split into 2 posts as the length of a single one was getting out of hand. Come back, and check out Part 2 of this fascinating and enjoyable walk.

Leaving home at 5:30 am, the walk along the dark streets in the cool morning air, acquaints me to a very different scene of Bangkok than I am normally use to seeing. The streets are quiet, but life has begun. The garbage collectors, people preparing their shops, and even the odd person out for a bit of exercise.

I arrive at the BTS station only to find it closed. Steel shutters sealed. During the week, I had taken the time to check the time of the first train, and that time had lapsed. Maybe because it was a Sunday?

Nevertheless, no time to dawdle. Back down to ground level and wave down a taxi. My required destination was Wongwian Yai Railway Station for a 7 am departure. It is important to note, that situated very proximate, Wongwian BTS Station is the better known to taxi drivers, and this could result in confusion. On my first attempt, the driver, although patient, either didn't know my destination, or could not understand my terrible effort at Thai. Let's try another taxi. This one knew straight away. Or did he?

The taxi ride was quick through the deserted streets. Normally, city traffic can be a real pain. Fortunately, the taxi driver did know exactly where I needed to go and we arrived in record time. The metered fare was 121 baht, but I paid 150 baht with a smile. Good, safe driving needs to be rewarded.

Arriving super early, 6:10 am, since I had allowed for the BTS ride, then a taxi. A lull in my excitement until the intrepid band of photographers start to mingled, then form into chatting couples and small groups.

Coming in dribs and drabs, the group starts buying tickets. Our first stop is Maha Chai. This rail line is part of the Maeklong Railway, although we will only be riding part of the network. As the ticket booth starts to become crowded, I line up and purchase my ticket. The cost is 10 baht. No air conditioning, but travelling with the locals is the way to go. Dennie introduces himself and answers many questions.

I buy a coffee while waiting. Some of the local inhabitants, cats and birds, move close, waiting for a dropped morsel of food.

The train arrives on time, and everyone clambers on board. Much more crowded than my previous trips. I took a seat and introduced myself to one of the group. Alison, a music teacher, here in Thailand for six months and looking forward to enjoying her long time love for photography.

A vendor selling candy floss is hit with a barrage of flashes. The colourful floss allows itself for a photo opportunity. Another working couple, preparing their pork skin snacks and mango, sit amongst the group. I wonder what they think of all these strange "farangs"?

Dennie, manoeuvres his way through the carriage explaining our plan for the arrival at Maha Chai Station. We must make our way to a shrimp shop for our first photo shoot.

The ride was as bumpy and carriage swayed from side to side. Passing through the local suburbs and many stations, stopping here and there. The troop settled for the remainder of our journey. Less camera shooting and more talking to each other.

We alight the train at Maha Chai Railway Station. Turn right, straight off the train, up the platform a bit, and left through the market. Right again at the road, then along to a local pier. It is here we have out first organised photo opportunity and a group picture is taken by Dennie. Difficult to get everyone in the shot. Laughter and smart remarks until the deed in done.

From here we walk through even more market stalls to the ferry pier. 3 baht for our ferry ride across the river. The trip is so short, it seems to end before it began. In addition to people, the boat carries motorcycle traffic. Beware when they drive off, they think that they have the right of way.

We walk through covered walkway, and then to the left. Our walking adventure has truly begun.

The first surprise, was the abundance of the Thai version of the Rickshaw, the samlor. They were all mulled around the exit from the ferry pier. Waiting for their fares. Locals pile into these transport devices, along with luggage from a buying spree in Bangkok. Fortunately, the surrounds are flat, and the drivers have an reasonably easy peddle.

The group starts to spread out along the soi. All stopping here and there for their "special" shots.

An interesting note, many of the homes are situated at a lower level than the road. They have with entrances with either staircases or ramps. Why?

Just up a short distance, we are lead into an area behind an old warehouse. Dried fish place. Covered with red goo. Nobody knew what it was. Some suggested it may be something sweet.

Additionally along this road, are numerous old, derelict buildings. Many deserted and left to rot.

Quite a few Chinese temples dotted along the soi.

Hey, HOT coffee in plastic bag. This was my first experience with hot coffee.

One of my quests during this walk, is try and learn a few things about my camera, the settings, and how to use them. Below are several photos of a small white flower. As you can see, all didn't come out as expected. Possibly, the first and last effort are the best. More study and trials to come I think.