Idol Work for Busy Hands

During my coverage of the death of Thailand's King Bhumibol, I had the chance to wander the streets of Bangkok, purely looking for pictures. I can't describe how wonderfully soul-nourishing it felt to be able to explore a different culture with no photographic brief beyond pleasing imagery. One such wander found me in a district of the City that specialises in the sale of religious idols of every size.

Some of the stores have a strict "no photography" policy but a wander around the back streets soon finds workshops and spray-rooms where the workers were happy to show off their handiwork.

The law in Thailand forbids visitors from taking any statues of Buddha from the country without an export licence if the figure is over 12cm tall. While many just stuff the idols into their luggage and have no issues, those wanting to have a larger-than-life golden God in their back garden may have to jump through a few hoops.

Anyone looking for the facts, may struggle to get a definitive word on the rules but some sites seem to explain the rulings on the export of large Buddha idols from Bangkok.

Working as a press photographer in London, it's so rare to be photographing something entirely alone as a high percentage of assignments are photo-calls or are events that many outlets wish to cover. Having the absolute luxury to wait for the moment, find the angles and just relax into an idea is something that I plan to never take for granted.