Alex Macro - Photographic life

Myanmar - These red blossoms were out everywhere.

The river was low so no tourists to take out.

Myanmar - Rural scene.

Crumbling temples are everywhere. This was on an island and pretty quiet. If you came you got hassled. We talked a bit and I asked if I could take a picture. We talked a bit more.

This lady had a horse and cart. We were not keen but there are no other options. Bit of a trap but she was nice to her donkey. 

Bagan, goats.

This guy was collecting all the offerings for Buddha. Possessive is one way to put it. This is a second before he leapt at me! 

In the center of Mandalay is a crossroad. It's quite the busy spot. What I am sure few notice is that this guy presses the green button to change the traffic lights. He did not get why that would fascinate me and only posed momentarily.  

Myanmar is almost 90% Buddhist and practicing. Children are expected to learn at the monasteries at some point and can leave or stay. For the poor its a great way to educate and for the controlling powers a way to keep control. I am not burdened by religion and dislike the one-upmanship that goes hand in hand. Myanmar has some serious problems and not being inclusive is a huge part of that story. That said I am open minded and seem to be attracted to the rituals all over the globe. This is meal time and for a monk, that's a big deal. The procession was military in precision but it was the dog leading and then observing that got me. That and the one element of self-expression in their serviettes. I spoke briefly to the head monk that was overseeing the whole thing before taking a quick portrait. when I later looked at an LP I noticed the dog. Seems he does this every day and I felt a little foolish. This was a real tourist spot and these are nothing more than snaps.

I went back to Myanmar and this time got a driver to take us to different places. This was a marble Buddha factory just out of Mandalay. They keep the faces blank so the purchaser can choose the expression or likeness. I was tempted to ask how much a mini-me toting camera would be! The origin of the marble was unclear and in this country that probably means military controlled.  Ask no questions..... It looks hard work and health and safety is not something they have heard of yet.  

Bit of fun in Hoi An testing out the Godox A1. these guys mow you down every 2 seconds so I thought I would shoot the captive audience they provided. #touristtrap 

Hired a scooter and headed for the hills in Da Nang. There is a big lady Buddha on the hill but the bonsai captured my imagination. Quick clumsy play with the Godox A1. 

Why I love what I do. Most people miss these moments but for me they are what it's all about. Questions, not answers.

This in Nelhiou shot on the U Bein Bridge - Mandalay  . He spotted me taking his picture and came to say hi. I showed him the pic and he approved so we took a selfie!

A perfect little scene. Feels European in many ways.

Wheeled out for the tourists. I felt a little bit sick and quite a lot sad.

Few of the wonderful people we met.