Location 180 Photo Tour of South East Asia

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After spending nearly 7 months in Southeast Asia, it’s safe to say that I took a LOT of photos.   Thousands.  Between being in a wide variety of unique places and wanting to explore my passion for photography, I spent a lot of my time in Asia first learning the basics of photography, and then exploring the technique of HDR photography.

The following is a photo tour of my time in Southeast Asia.  Starting with my very first day in Thailand, moving onto my month in the Philippines and finishing up with time in Bali and the Thai islands.  Enjoy

All of the photos in this article (except any that I’m in) were taken by me.  If you want to see more of my photography you can check out my personal photography project Daily HDR.

Thailand

A Buddha at the Ayutthaya Ruins outside of Bangkok, Thailand.

On my very first day in Bangkok, Cody Mckibben offered to let me tag along with some of his friends to the Ayutthaya Ruins about an hour outside of Bangkok.

The sunsetting on Ton Sai Beach in Krabi, Thailand.

It only took a few days of being in Bangkok before we headed down to the beach in Krabi.  After leaving 8 degree weather in Portland last January, some time in 80 degree waters was a must.

Soi of bamboo bars in Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand

I fell in to a burning ring of fire...on Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is one of the biggest party islands (or places) I’ve ever been.  After two trips to the island I learned two very important lessons:

1. You will NOT get any work done on Koh Phi Phi
2. Don’t play with fire.

My first (semi) successful HDR photograph in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand.

In Koh Phi Phi I started delving into the art of HDR photography.  It didn’t take long to realize I really suck at it.  Slowly I started to get better though.

I work a lot....but then there are the days like this. Kneeboarding with David Walsh

For a few weeks in February we made a point to go wakeboarding every Tuesday.  Wakeboarding in Thailand is nothing like what you’ve come to know back in the states.  It doesn’t involve a boat.  There is no wake.  And if you don’t learn how to take the corners, your arms will be ripped out of their sockets.

The Baiyoke Sky Tower as seen from the park by my house.

While I was learning HDR I spent a lot of time in the park near my house in Victory Monument.  The Baiyoke Sky Tower (tallest building in Thailand) was a short walk away, and it made for a great photographic subject.

A monkey found near Ao Nang Beach in Krabi

There were monkeys everywhere in Southeast Asia.  They also make great photography subjects.

Rock climbing on East Railay Beach in Krabi, Thailand

This photo makes me look a lot cooler than I really am.  But seriously, climbing in Railay is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.  I’d almost go as far to say that Railay is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.  Almost.

Sunset at the Asok BTS station in Bangkok, Thailand

This was taken at a sky train station in Bangkok, one of my first forays into night photography.

Viewpoint of Railay Beach

It’s a hell of a hike to get to the top of this view point, but it was well worth it.  I met another guy from Portland up here.  I swear I met more people from Oregon than any other state while I was abroad.  Who would’ve thought?

Stormy Day in Bangkok

Starting to get into the rainy season in Bangkok.  Although it never really did get as bad as I expected it to.

Philippines

HDR Photo of a Beach in Puerto Galera, Philippines

Aside from the halo-ing around the peninsula’s I really like this shot of a beach in Puerto Galera.  Dan and I spent a good three hours taking photos out here.

Three palm trees at sunset in Puerto Galera, Philippines

The Philippines had some ridiculous sunsets.

HDR photo of Puerto Galera Pier in the Philippines

This may be my favorite photo I’ve ever taken.

A surreal sunset from the helipad of the condo where I stayed in Manila, Philippines

I’ve received more compliments of this photo of a sunset in Manila than probably any other one I’ve taken.  As cool as it looks, I always thought it looked too surreal and the coloring was too fake.  However, the actual scene really did look very similar to this.  The cloud formations in the Philippines were pretty cool.

Back in Thailand…

Lightning in Bangkok

The first time I ever successfully captured a lightning bolt on camera.  Thought it turned out pretty cool.  This is actually an HDR photo based off of one RAW image.

HDR photo of the King Power building in Bangkok, Thailand

I took a lot of photos in my neighborhood…

Another photo of the Baiyoke Sky Tower

And another one…

Bangkok looking a little ominous before a storm

Bali

View from Teba Guest House in Ubud, Bali

This was the first shot I ever took with my new tripod, and is one of my favorites from the trip.  The ominous jungle feeling you got when waking up early in the morning in Ubud, Bali was a pretty spectacular experience.

Kuta Beach at sunset

Next to the beaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this was actually the most crowded beach I’ve ever been to.

Fire dancing on Kuta Beach in Bali

I wonder what kind of burns this guy has got over the years..

Sunset at Uluwatu Temple in Bali, Indonesia

Another one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.  I don’t think the throngs of tourists appreciated me spending 10 minutes with my tripod out blocking their view…totally worth it.

HDR photo of Koh Nang Yuan off the coast of Ko Tao, Thailand

The site of my first ever foray into scuba diving.

Sairee Beach sunset on Ko Tao, Thailand

Taken after a week in Ko Tao with friends.  A great way to end a fantastic time in Southeast Asia.

Victory Monument, taken on my last day in Thailand.

Over the 7 months I was in Asia, I walked past this monument more times than I could ever count.  I look forward to the day when I return and get to experience it all over again.  Bangkok treated me very well, and if you ever have the opportunity to visit, I can’t recommend it enough!

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