new Model – Ink

Sawadee Khrap

Introducing “Ink”   Maybe you’ve seen him around  Jontiem Beach ! Great model and super nice guy.

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I have been toying with the idea of putting a password-protected area around many of the images I post, making them available only to those who post comments – but the last post of Tom’s photos drew 5 comments so I will not burden you guys with this inconvenience – but please try to post comments so I know someone cares and wants to see more of the great local Pattaya young men.  That’s my inspiration – beyond the boys that is.

 Devil

Ciao

More of Tom’s shoot

Sawadee Khrap

As follow-up for those who asked, here’s a few more shots of Tom.

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Hopefully more to come when he approves.

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Didn’t get many comments asking for more posting of photos – maybe no one is watching – maybe I need to post a private link so only the ones who comment can see all the photo taken and approved by Tom from this shoot and others to come – any ideas?

Ciao

Dinner with friends

Sawadee Khrap

Just had a great dinner at “Thai Kitchen-Jontiem” with a couple of friends – Chris, visiting this 20120818_185126last couple of weeks from Europe, and Khun Wut who works at X-Men Bar here in Jontiem.

And we were discussing the cost of going out  (the dinner, the movie, the drinks,  etc,) but here that cost is just a pittance from what we would have to spend if back in our home countries.  On a retirement income it”s possible to do so here and not break the bank.

And if your like me, elderly, or should I say older (much older) it would be almost impossible to have anyone younger than 50 consider going out for dinner or an evening.  I don’t really relate to the geriatric crowd ( yesterday I couldn’t spell it – today I are one ), but prefer to be with a younger group.  I also like to think I still have something to offer and enjoy helping or sharing my experiences in business and life with those who possibility could use some help.  It all here in Thailand.  Young or older are invited and sit at the same table – all ages are respected – but of course the oldest gets the check – but here, that’s acceptable too.  Going out on a date is possible and affordable – what more could you ask for.

Chris is now on the plane, going home – hope you had a great time here and look forward to seeing you next time you come to visit.

Ciao

We need underground wiring

Sawadee Khrap

Want to be a “LineMan” here in Jontiem ?   20120810_161448-I don’t envy their profession here.  These guys were installing new optic lines for TrueVision down ThrapPhaya Rd in Jontiem,

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I was having a early dinner at “Thai Kitchen” just across the street and just had to get some shots using my cell phone.   20120810_161459

 

It was about  4PM and 31C / 87F  this day  – not really hot by Thai standards, but not conditions I would want to work in – Even through I had a fan on me, I was still sweating just setting there having dinner.

They were pulling for an entire city block – a lot of cable. When they were finished pulling, they then coiled it into a pile so they could continue the next day. My hats off to you boys – now that’s working.  Can you imagine this wiring mess in San Francisco, or these working conditions – Oh ya, not sure but I think laborers make about 300 Baht a day = $10 US

Ciao

Teaser – Preview

Sawadee Khrap

Just had a friend come over today and we did some images (500 or so) – Here is a teaser – I’m doing the post-processing now and will need to get his permission to post more  images of this young man- if he agrees I’ll post images based it on the number of comments I receive – posting more if your interested.  Let me know.

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Ciao

Diversity

Sawadee Khrap

Here are a couple of diverse techniques. IMG_6478-Edit-Edit

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I love the photo of the little boy from the refugee camp, great shot of determination, climbing obstacles.  More of a outline and cartoon effect but I think it adds a degree of importance to the shot.  And the second is a painting effect utilizing greater brush stroke definition than the ones I did before. 

Sunday I went to my first meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club and plan to go back next week – Sunday’s meeting had a nature photographer (ian Frame) showing his work – great presentation of macro work in the insect world.  The club is also trying to re-spark their Photo Group and for it I volunteered to present some information on using Lightroom and Photoshop.  We’ll see what happens and post later.  

In addition there is also a Pattaya Expats Club  meeting at the same time each Sunday – not sure who broke from who, I’ll get that info and let you know.  I’ll try to attend this group in a couple of weeks.

A lot is going on, getting my schedule filled again – relaxing on the beach is nice but the chairs are starting to make my back ache , so I also need to get back to my stretching exercises. – always something,

Ciao

Rimpa Lapin Scenic Bar & Restaurant

Sawadee Khrap

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Just got back from a great dinner and night out with a friend.  What a excellent place to go – try Rimpa-Lapin  on the way to Sattahip. Great food, wonderful view (I will go back and get some better shots – it was raining and I only had my phone camera).  Dinner for 2, drinks for about 600 Baht.

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This is the start of the sunset but then the rains came and blocked it completely – but still beautiful (camera phone panorama) and quite a view.  Thanks Aum.

Ciao

The Beach can be a scary place

Sawadee Khrap

Talking to Aod and some of the other boys – the beach can be a Aod and trollsscary very scary place.  Right now it’s Low, low season and most of the farangs have gone home, just the hangers on – not sweet pickings – so give us a break when you come to visit and remember what we have to go through during the LOW season.  Be generous.

Ciao

Peky’s Birthday Party

Sawadee Khrap

I really have to apologize – these are terrible photos – tried to get some night shots with my phone camera – took a few and then gave up   BUT it was a great evening – excellent food, great singers and a wonderful cabaret show at the finish.  All free, of course except for the drinks.  Peky’s Birthday at the “?” Question Mark bar in Jontiem.

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Alex was there with his b/f and Ted up top his usual tricks in his Irish hair and hat wig –  that’s Degs next to him.

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and Ton – a cute waiter at the bar.   We are going to do a photo shot later and should have some good images of him later.

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This coming Friday there is supposed to be a “PINK” party at Jontiem Complex and I promise to take the big camera and get some shots of the evening.

Thing are really slow here now during the rainy season and many such venues are planned to get the available customers.

I have to make sure to get some shots of the boys at each bar to give you a peek at the bevy of beautiful boys here in Pattaya, especially the  Jontiem Beach area.

Ciao

Aod stopped by

Sawadee Khrap

Aod stopped by yesterday and we had a little Photoshop fun.     Got some new photos and showed him the emails that you guys sent in US-Apt-Aod-1

about his  previous images  – he really liked them and says he looks forward to meeting you when you visit Pattaya next time and will send you a email back.  Be sure and look for him on Jontiem Beach.

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Ciao

Not a chortle or a guffaw–but truth

Sawadee Khrap

Here is another tidbit from Paul’s Sunday email.  Something we should all remember – you can even see this attitude on the beach – the longer the boys are here the lazier they become.

An economics professor at Texas Tech said he had never failed many students at one time except on the occasion when he failed an entire class. That class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said ok, we will have an experiment in this class on socialism. All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would be outstanding.  After the first test the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. But, as the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too; so they studied little. The second test average was a D!  No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around the average was an F.

The scores never increased as bickering, blame, and name calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.  All failed, to their great surprise. The professor then told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great; but when all the reward is taken away, no one will work to succeed.

Nothing could be any simpler than that….

Of course there is also a lack of possibilities for growth here to add to the problem – good jobs are scarce and wages are low, easier just to find a willing farang  -  but still when you receive something free it has little or no value -  iPhones, gold necklaces, computer, dinners – and so on. – nothing saved, spend today – just the same tomorrow or maybe dead , who know – just enjoy now.  Not an attitude to build a future.

Ciao

CS6 Oil Painting filter

Sawadee Khrap

Say hello to “Top”   and if you are in Sunee, look him up.

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This image is a combination of CS6 “Oil painting” filter and Bert Monroy’s technique.   I like the combination of the two effects.  I really like the brush effects from the oil paint filter – now to explore different settings – I think using varying brush sizes in different areas for greater emphasis using layers and masks would do the trick. 

Ciao

Dragon Effect–gritty, rough

Sawadee Khrap

I just love this effect – but I have a lot to learn about how to control it – some shots on the web using this effect are amazing – here’s my first attempt – Like it ???       Oh  Ya this is Eart again.

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I think I need to accent the contrast a little more to really bring out the shadows, wrinkles and contours -  but not bad for starter.

Ciao