Lens Wanderings

Author: Derek

  • Bangkok’s Soul: Hua Lamphong

    Bangkok’s Soul: Hua Lamphong

    Introduction

    Stepping into Hua Lamphong Railway Station is like stepping back in time. Once perpetually humming with the energy of arrivals and departures there are now fewer trains after its threatened closure in 2021. This grand old dame of Bangkok’s transportation network isn’t just a transit point; it’s a living, breathing testament to a bygone era of travel, a place where the romance nostalgia of rail still clings to the high, arched ceilings and the echoing announcements.

    Sunlight streams through the vast, stained windows in the arched roof, illuminating platforms, trains and people with patterns of light. Monks in saffron robes glide through the crowds, their presence a serene contrast to the hurried footsteps of commuters. Travellers with time to spare occupy the seating in the vast waiting hall which has balconies with shops and cafés.

    The architecture speaks of a different time. Sturdy pillars rise towards the ornate roof, a web of steel and glass that has sheltered generations of travellers. Ticket counters, their wooden frames worn smooth by countless hands, line a wall, once a portal to many different corners of Thailand.

    How to get there

    Responsive Map Embed

    The simplest way is to take the MRT to Hua Lamphong MRT station1 which connects to the train station via exit 2. The map shows the area around the station. Sala Daeng BTS station and Silom MRT station2 are the nearby interchange between the BTS and MRT. If you are coming on one of the river ferries then the nearest pier is Marine department3.

    Photography tip

    When entering the main concourse from the waiting area a dramatic scene presents itself with the arched roof and stain glass windows. However, an alternative viewpoint is to move to the left.

    The arched stain glass windows of Hua Lamphong Station Bangkok form a backdrop to a train about to depart. In the foreground curved wooden seating catches the late afternoon sun.
    Hua Lamphong station concourse with the arched roof, stained glass windows and historic trains

    Train times

    I have included here the departure and arrival time of some of the trains still using the station as published on the State Railway of Thailand website. I’ve not included some very early morning trains. As you can see and as you might expect there are frequent commuter trains arriving in the morning and then again leaving in the evening. Having trains in the station or arriving and departing usually provides opportunities to take some interesting photographs.

    Wrapping up

    Hua Lamphong isn’t just a place to catch a train; it’s an experience. It’s a place where the past and present collide, where the promise of adventure hangs in the air, and where the simple act of waiting becomes a moment to observe the vibrant pulse of Bangkok life. It’s still a gateway, a meeting point, and a grand old monument that continues to dominate the heart of Thailand. As such, it’s a rich environment for photography. For those seeking a taste of authentic Bangkok, a visit to Hua Lamphong is a journey in itself and deserves to be part of any city itinerary.

    As always if you find any errors in this post I would be very grateful if you would drop me a comment below.

    Best wishes
    Derek

  • Long Exposure Photography

    Long Exposure Photography

    Introduction

    In this post I will outline the steps in taking a long exposure photograph and give suggestions for what makes a suitable location, like the one above in Koh Samet, Thailand. Basic equipment needed is a camera with a Bulb Mode (usually labelled B), remote shutter release switch, tripod and some ND filters. Let’s dive straight in!

    Procedure

    • Auto focus picture and compose.
    • Switch off autofocus to lock the focus. 
    • In Av mode set ISO 100 and required aperture.
    • Take a test shot and note the exposure time.
    • Switch to Manual mode and apply the exposure settings from the test shot.
    • Use a phone app like NiSi Runner (or the table below) to estimate the ND filter needed to give the required exposure time (see the table and notes below).
    • Attach the ND filter(s).
    • If the required exposure time is less than 30s then in Manual mode:
      • Increase the shutter time by same number of stops as the ND filter.
      • Take the photo with remote switch.
    • If the required exposure time is greater than 30s:
      • Change to Bulb mode.
      • Take the photo with a remote switch.
    Table showing ND Filter values versus exposure times

    Using the table: if the test exposure time is 1/30s and you require 30 seconds then in the first row go down from 1/30s to 30s then across to the left and you see will need an ND Filter Stop of 10.P3

    Notes

    If the light is changing, check the test exposure time with a phone app like Lux. A time of around one minute is usually suitable but down to 30 seconds or maybe up to 2-3 minutes might be needed. A degree of trial and error is usually required. You may find reference elsewhere to using long exposure noise reduction for very long exposure times if this is offered by your camera however I’ve never found this to be necessary and in any case it doubles the length of time for taking the photograph.

    Another suggestion you might find when using a camera on a tripod is to switch off image stabilisation if your camera or lens has it. Again I’ve never found this to be necessary. Finally, it is suggested to fit a view finder cover and taking long exposure photographs. I always forget to do this and I haven’t found an issue with the photographs I take.

    What makes a suitable location?

    Piers extending out into the sea are always good. The older the better. Finding them deserted can be a problem which usually entails a very early start or a very late one. Rocks and boulders also work well as do boats beached at low tide as long as there’s some water around them. If you live in or near a city with waterfronts or riverfronts, then a nighttime long exposure shoot can look spectacular.

    Wrapping up

    If you have not tried this technique before, I hope you get as much enjoyment from it as I did. If nothing else you get plenty of time to relax while taking the photographs and also plenty of exercise hiking around coastlines looking for suitable subjects.

    As always if you find any errors in this post I would be very grateful if you would drop me a comment below.

    Best wishes
    Derek