A New Perspective. In the eyes of an urban street photographer & aspiring filmmaker.

Doi Mae Salong, Chiang Rai, Thailand

I arrived at Doi Mae Salong chasing the morning light. As a street photographer and aspiring filmmaker from the city, I’ve always been drawn to provincial villages up in the mountains. I didn’t expect much, only that I would be immersed in the culture, people, and the beautiful colors.

Absolutely beautiful scenery and village.I'll miss this place.

I’m the type of street photographer who doesn’t really want to get up close and personal because it feels like I’m invading someone’s space. So when I was challenged to put myself out there not just to take pictures, but to capture purpose, it honestly scared me. I knew I’d have to immerse myself in the people and their culture.

It was hard.

The first few hours were tough. The language barrier made it harder, and I had to step out of my comfort zone to greet strangers and start small conversations.

But as I kept shooting, I was led to moments I didn’t expect

A Mechanic working on a broken motorcycle
The owner let me into her personal space and let me observe how she made Bao.

The connection.

The simple greetings (sawadee) led to more intimate moments and honest photos and every time I raised my camera, I asked myself if I was capturing purpose or presence.

One of my favorite shots. This old woman was so kind and this was the last moment before we left.
This Barbecue stall starts early in the morning
One of the busiest family run business in this village.

By the end of the day, I realized that photography isn’t just about taking photos, it’s about intention. What’s the purpose? What’s the story? Why am I taking this picture?

Showing the pictures made him smile more

In less than 24 hours, my whole perspective on photography changed. I stopped searching for colors and started looking for things that reflect story and purpose, which made it all the more colorful.

This ice cream man was so happy to find us in his village.

The New Perspective.

Doi Mae Salong didn’t need to perform for my lens; its beauty was already in the ordinary. The quiet smiles, the rhythm of daily work, the simple life. This way of photography taught me to see and reminded me to pause. Because sometimes, the best stories aren’t shot but they’re simply felt.

Created to Create. – Exodus 35:35

CREATED BY
Josh Cua

Credits:

Imshonjc