Each Thursday I will be posting one of Jeffrey’s photographs from around the world for people who have subscribed to my blog via email or RSS. It’s my way of saying, “Thank you for your support and interest in what I’m doing.” I hope you enjoy this image and the brief story behind it.
Behind the Scenes: It’s 1982 and dense golden light bathes the streets of Bangkok, Thailand. Jeffrey is in the city photographing the 200th Anniversary of this vibrant and complicated capital. As he walks through the downtown area at dawn, he spots a large hand-painted movie poster about to be erected for American Gigolo.
The billboard, laying on its side, is a visual feast, and the perfect backdrop for creating an image that represents the often-unusual contrasts found in East meets West moments. Jeffrey composes his photograph then waits until two monks begging for morning alms walk into his frame, capturing their curiosity as they stand face-to-face with American heartthrob, Richard Gere.
Squint and turn your head sideways and you can almost see Gere’s resemblance in this Asianized version. If not, you may need to squint a little more!
This photograph was created with a Nikon FE camera, a Nikon 24mm lens and Kodachrome 64 film.
It has been published several times, acquired by private collectors, and has even caught the attention of Richard Gere.
Look for my next regular THEN and NOW post on Tuesday! And as always, I’d love to hear from you. Leave your comments or questions and I’ll be sure to reply.
Thanks for being a loyal follower!
PS: More of Jeffrey’s Thailand images can be seen by clicking on this link: THAILAND.
The name of your blog caught my eye . . . And the photos, etc., will keep me coming back. So glad for the She Writes connection
So glad you stopped in and checked out my blog. And yes, She Writes is wonderful. I only wish I could figure out how to get the badge on my blog. I think it’s incompatible with WordPress, but I’ll at least be listing it on my resource page when I have a chance to update it. Looking forward to seeing you again and getting to know you.
Fabulous, very surreal and yet as real as anything…
Well said…surreal, but real. I like that!
Becky, what a colorful contrast! Did Jeffery ever have schooling in this art form, or is it all a God given gift? Amazing . . .
No, he didn’t have any formal schooling in photography. He was just born to “see” and create. Most interesting is that he got his degree in biochemistry and clinical pharmacology and was doing cancer research before he became a photographer. I never imagined a scientific mind could also have such a a creative mind. He’s one of those lucky ones though.
Oh, I remember that movie! I kind of like the Asian version of Richard Gere!
I like any version of Richard Gere! :- ) I especially like what he’s doing for Tibet. His acting isn’t bad either.