Thai photographers offer thanks to their teachers and their cameras on a huge gear altar
Nov 30, 2016
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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This has to be one of the strangest images I’ve seen for a while. Somebody kneeling at a table littered with cameras, lenses, drones and other photography related equipment. At first it appears to be some sort of photography cult that worships camera gear. Like a form of extreme GAS. But that’s not quite what this photograph represents.
It was posted to Facebook by Witsanu Deetuam. As I understand it, in Thai culture, respect is is vitally important. This respect is regularly shown to teachers and educators who positively benefit their lives. Also the tools which have the same result. In this case, the cameras that allow them to participate in the act of photography, and earn an income from it.
They are thanking their teachers for what they have learned, and they are thanking their equipment for helping to keep a roof over the heads of their families and food on the table.
If our translation is correct, it’s a very interesting and fascinating custom. I suppose it’s something many of us do in our own small way, at least toward those who have helped us learn and grow on our journey, if not the equipment itself. But I’ve never seen such a display of thanks and respect so large and open before.
If I have understood the situation incorrectly, or you have any more background information on the scene above, please do feel free to correct me below.
Can you spot your favourite piece of kit on the tablet? How do you show thanks and respect to those who have helped you on your photographic journey? Let us know in the comments.
[Thank you Thomas & Sirinun for assistance in translation]
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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8 responses to “Thai photographers offer thanks to their teachers and their cameras on a huge gear altar”
It’s cultural. In India they have a workplace day. Where you place garlands at your workplace, or your tools or vehicle if it helps to earn and say some prayers. Think of it as a thanksgiving of sorts.
Good culture.
Reading the good Lubow biography of Diane Arbus, although she took courses with Berenice Abbott and others, she always thanked and attributed success to Lisette Model. Model, when asked about that, noted that she’d had many students in her classes, they all had the same lessons, but Arbus was the one who made it to the top.
excellent idea. May move there to enjoy these caring people.
Wow! Huge camera collection here and very nice and informative post .
Interesting trends! I think, everyone need to respect his profession by soul.
Very Good! one should respect his profession and related tools.
This respect is really awesome between teachers and educators. We should always say thanking our teachers for knowledge.