Working class portraits: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract

This collection of 56 portrait photographs documents Chiang Mai's working class natives. The series highlights the significance of blue collar labor workers in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand. Subject's framed in their natural work environment strive to create an enriched appreciation and respect of Chiang Mais hard working labor class. The black-and white photographic series documents a diverse selection of working class occupations with an emphasis on waged and salaried labor. Professions in the portraits include farmers, construction workers, delivery men, street food vendors and first responders. Chiang Mai's unique landscape and working environment compliments each photographed labourer to further add characterization and personality to each worker. This study documents and archives traditional contemporary working class groups such as unskilled labourers, artisans and outworkers. This contemporary photographic collection preserves and chronicles the northern Thai working class as it is seen today. Digital black-and-white photography is the media of choice throughout the series; A Nikon D810 camera, a Nikon D610 camera, 24-120mm zoom lens and 50mm fixed lens were used to capture the exhibited images. Small post-processing adjustments to light and value was used via Adobe Lightroom version 3.4 and additional edits were done when necessary by using Adobe Photoshop version 22.0.1. Minimal photographic manipulation was applied throughout the series to maintain the integrity of the subjects photographed. The research concludes that the spectrum of professions amongst the Chiang Mai working class is strikingly vast and that each photographed individual is absolutely significant and contributes to Chiang Mai's unique northern Thailand culture and community. Working Class Portraits: Chiang Mai, Thailand represents a contemporary perspective on working class conditions, individuals and environments in Chiang Mai and aids in making the labour class more visible and appreciated.