Thai Smiles

Thai Smiles, 

brought to you by Melanie Jade &

 Portrait Equality.

Patong Beach is located on the middle Eats coast of Phuket, which is an island off Thailand.

The trip was booked to relax and enjoy the culture. With the help of Portrait Equality, it became a personal and enriching experience for us and the Thai locals we met. Through the program Jay & I took to the beaches and the jungles with a Fuji instax mini Polaroid camera. Taking photos and interacting with the locals, it became the highlight of our trip!

 Many people living in less privileged societies are forced onto the streets to beg for food and money. The sad truth is that due to gangs and crime, many of these poor folk are forced to give up what charity they receive. When I took the photo of this tiny girl at Patong beach, she was so happy to see a small picture of herself, she dance and her Mother laughed.

This is the Marina in old Phuket Town. It's clear that many people live in these small shanty shacks, and fish for a living.

 Even in some of the most developed areas of Phuket, the life of a local is simple and traditional. This fellow told us of his farm that he tends to each night. All to prepare this mobile stall for Fruit sales on the street each morning-afternoon.

FantaSea, Phuket.

It wasn't just the locals that had their portrait taken! This is me, Melanie, having my portrait taken in Traditional Thai dress. For a small amount of Baht, (Thai currency,) I was dressed in this traditional style clothing by Thai ladies who then took my portrait in a traditional royal setting. And I was able to take their portrait also, and give it to them as a thanks.

Siam Elephant Trekking village:

This is a home to the people running an Elephant trekking safari in Siam, Phuket. They are ancestors to the tribes that originally brought the Elephants to the island. Each elephant is trained by keeper from a young age, and they are partners for life, growing a close and string bond over their lifetime together.

This little man was very surprised to see his face appear on the white negative. We didn't have much time with him, but the smile that came after these photos was priceless.

Traditional Thai boats, at Phi Phi islands, 

in the Gulf of Thailand.

Below is our guide for the Elephant Trek. He didn't speak any English but was happy to take our photo for us, many times along the trail. I offered to take his portrait with the Fuji Polaroid after the Safari. His reactions was fantastic, he was laughing with glee and showed his portrait to all his fellow Elephant riders.

There were many other portraits captured and given back to theirs owners during our visit to Phuket. This last trendy guy, we met on Patong beach, toward the end of our trip. He worked with the Parasailing adventure group on the beach. I managed to grab a great portrait of him in his tie-dyed shirt and the rainbow parasail taking off behind him.

Thumbs up to Portrait Equality and Fuji film!!

Please visit the Portrait Equality website!

Also visit:

Melanie Jade ~ Portrait Equality Photographer Profile

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