Portrait of Chiang Mai
I spent two weeks traveling with my wife to Thailand in early June, with the majority of it in the northern city of Chiang Mai. I brought along my Leica Q3 to test this handy new tool and see how it felt to carry and use a fixed 28mm focal length. While I did occasionally yearn for more reach, it was a bit easier than expected, and I was delighted by the distinctive rendering. I also appreciated the small size compared to my much larger Canon set-up. Perhaps this will play more of a role for me going forward?
Leaves, Portrait of Chiang Mai. © Steven Wade Adams
Chiang Mai is old and complicated in a way that does not announce itself. Looking more closely it is rich with ancient history and modern Thai culture. Beyond the obvious presence of more than 300 temples in Chiang Mai, there is ample evidence of spiritual practice everywhere. Hard to ignore. The sacred is simply part of everything, ordinary and persistent. Our trip coincided with rainy season, and while it did rain every day, it kept the crowds minimal and gave me beautiful moody gray skies and clouds.
Feminine, Portrait of Chiang Mai. © Steven Wade Adams
Forgotten, Portrait of Chiang Mai. © Steven Wade Adams
Monsoon Heat, Portrait of Chiang Mai. © Steven Wade Adams
Shroud, Portrait of Chiang Mai. © Steven Wade Adams
The boundary between devotional life and everyday life in Chiang Mai is essentially nonexistent. Devotional calendars alongside exposed wiring, lotus flowers everywhere as plants and motifs, pagodas visible everywhere.
June, Portrait of Chiang Mai. © Steven Wade Adams
I had been thinking about several long-term project concepts that I can do anywhere. One specific concept “Everyday Spirituality”, I had identified before we arrived in Thailand. Chiang Mai provided was a real inspiration to get that one moving.
Power, Portrait of Chiang Mai. © Steven Wade Adams
Renovation, Portrait of Chiang Mai. © Steven Wade Adams
Solstice. © Steven Wade Adams
The everyday life in Chiang Mai didn’t fit neatly into one theme. so the images I made will live or now here in my journal as a “Portrait of Chiang Mai.’ Several will undoubtedly become part of other longer-term projects as well.
Night Market, Portrait of Chiang Mai. © Steven Wade Adams
Night Salon, Portrait of Chiang Mai. © Steven Wade Adams
Forward, Portrait of Chiang Mai. © Steven Wade Adams