A Foreigner To A Familiar Face at Prime Produce, NYC

For nearly two years, I called Bangkok, Thailand my home while working as an English teacher. On weekends, I would pack up my camera and set out to explore as much of the country as I could, capturing moments that spoke to the beauty, vibrancy, and warmth of the Land of Smiles. Oh, and this was during the height of Covid.

When I first arrived, I had no job, no apartment, no friends, and no knowledge of the language. Coming from New Jersey, I was overwhelmed at first, but it didn’t take long to realize that life moves at its own pace in Thailand. I was struck by the kindness of strangers—their smiles weren’t warnings or invitations, but simply a reflection of their genuine hospitality. Which was something new hahah Whether it was someone pulling over to help me find my way or sharing a moment with a passerby, Thailand quickly began to feel like home.

Throughout my travels, I tried to capture more than just beautiful landscapes. As a photographer, my goal throughout this journey was to let the character of the country and its people guide my lens. I approached each frame with curiosity and a desire to honor the natural vibrancy and rhythm of everyday life in Thailand. I gravitated towards candid moments and tried to turn those “touristy” images into scenes no one has ever seen before. From the lush mountains and elephant sanctuaries of the north, to the fast and slow speeds of Bangkok, to the crystal-clear waters and towering cliffs of the southern beaches, this country has everything. But it’s the people and the colors…everywhere, the colors, that truly inspired me.

My hope is that when you view these photographs, you feel the same awe I felt standing behind the lens. I hope they spark your curiosity and maybe even nudge you closer to booking that plane ticket to a place that changed my life.