How to Capture Stunning Travel Photos in Bangkok

Ranked among Asia's most captivating travel hotspots, Bangkok is often the first gateway for backpackers and globetrotters into this dynamic and exotic region on the world map. While it's not difficult to capture the vibrant landscapes of the Thai capital without well-honed photography skills, documenting the city's authentic atmosphere on film does require some familiarity with the basics. Here are some tricks that holidaymakers can use to photograph Bangkok in all its boundless glory.

Pick the Right Locations

Although every corner of Bangkok City can be considered photogenic, tourists must be careful about the locations and backgrounds they choose for holiday snaps. Seasoned travel photographers understand that the colours, textures and atmosphere of a location add more to a shot than anything that can be artificially added during the editing process so choosing the right locations is crucial. Some of the most staggering and visually arresting shooting locations in Bangkok include the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn as both occupy the shores of the Chao Phraya River. The interplay of light and shadow during the early morning hours and the late afternoon is particularly interesting when capturing these two landmarks on film. Those who love to shoot scenes full of travellers and commuters can head down to Khao San Road, Bangkok's backpacker heartland. Chinatown and Siam are equally colourful, busy and atmospheric locales in the city where shutterbugs can find a good mix of locals and tourists.

Using Natural Light and Time of Day

Amateur photographers will find that Bangkok is a city bathed in sunlight for most of the day, especially if they are vacationing in the Thai capital during the peak travel season. Using natural light to enhance photos is a tricky business for newbies who need to understand how light is filtered through their cameras at different times of the day. Photographing local sites during the hours of the day when sunlight is muted is a good workaround for inexperienced photographers to avoid overexposure. Natural light is easier on the lens and the eyes during the early afternoon hours and just before dawn. This creates the perfect saturation for landscape shots and panoramic photos of temples and the Bangkok skyline.

Switching up the Subject Matter

Although most holiday snaps of Bangkok contain photos of iconic landmarks, temples and shopping malls, these shots only capture a fraction of what the city has to offer in terms of backdrops. Switching up the locations and the subject matter of the photographs can also provide diversity and a unique identity to the shots. Bangkok's street food scene and the culinary delicacies that make up Thai cuisine is a topic that vacationers can explore with their photography while Bangkok's MRT stations, SkyTrain hotspots and public parks (Lumpini Park) can also serve as engaging and unusual settings. Tourists based at Pathumwan Princess Hotel and other centrally located rests will find that shopping in local markets is one of the best things to do in Bangkok with kids. These bustling thoroughfares in the city, whether it's the Chatuchak Market or the Ladies Market also offer different photography opportunities.

Spend Time on the Perfect Shot

While Bangkok City may be chaotic and relentless, it's crucial for photographers to spend time at each setting to capture the essence of the backdrop on film. If a certain location or spot appeals to one's photographic sensibilities, it's worth spending an hour or two waiting to catch the perfect shot. As a walker-friendly city, Bangkok is easy to navigate with basic camera gear and to find quiet corners in which to sit and wait.

Photographing on the Move

Travellers can also put their photography skills to the test during a ride on a boat taxi or a river cruise on the Chao Phraya River. The floating markets in Bangkok as well as the khlongs make interesting backdrops especially when photographing these sights on the move.