I have never gotten to shoot as much portraits in my life as I had in Mandalay, Myanmar. This was my first and I felt so happy and thankful after this trip.  Back when I was in Bhutan, my camera was not a pro cam so the quality wasn't good ( totally REGRET), when I was in Cambodia, I was too focus on voluntary work and didn't bring my semi-d. The chance only came round this time.

I don't think if you go any any advanced, first-world country you will be able to photograph people so free and easily just by saying hi! And by portraits and faces I meant that the subject is really looking at you. When you are in a foreign country which don't speak the same language, it's hard to get them to smile at you right??? Note to myself to remember to slot in portraits whenever I visit any countries in the future.

Myanmar, a land of smiles. Filled with friendly, down to earth locals who are ever so nice, sincere and honest. This country has just opened up to tourism 3 years ago, so everything is still pretty at it's infancy. However there were still plenty of tourists there ( just none from China yet. Perhaps they will 'invade' there one day too... but then again no shopping so...anyways. I divert.)

Before this, I didn't thought that shooting portraits was so powerful. But on this trip I met many pro photographers and saw their awesome captures of people - portraits and movements. Their photos are very inspiring. Really. I have been bombarded by too many people who post their OOTDs and selfies when travelling, I too have become narcissistic and have forgotten the power of just shooting faces of locals.

Juggling to put myself in the picture, capturing scenery and capturing the locals within a short time frame was simply hectic. Fun but tight.

So I am doing up this posts on the faces of the locals and scenery of the beautiful place ( + me at times). Nothing else. Hope you like it. I wish we can do something to Empower the locals better in terms of being financially independent.

Day 1

By the way we flew direct to Mandalay via Silkair in just 3 hours 20 mins. Upon landing we were in a chartered vehicle heading first to U Bein Bridge.
 

U Bein Bridge-
World's longest wooden bridge at 1.2km, built along the Thaungthaman Lake.

Walking feels shaky and hmmm many thoughts went through my mind while I walk and fight the walking space with everyone else. I wonder if the bridge undergoes maintenance? Will the planks break under all the weight someday? ( Or rather will the planks break under my weight as I walk??!  >.<) 

I have no time to worry because time is precious and I have to capture the sunset. 

Different timings brings about different colors of the sky. 

As you can see, there are many tourists. U Bein Bridge is lovely for sunsets and every tourists know that. You can choose to admire the scenery by taking a boat ride from down under.

Awesome.

Kids having meals after the walk.

Day 2

Taking a boat involves some serious business as it involves many plank-crossing skills.
Heading to Mingun

Locals simply jump across the decks. Small feat for them.Tourists walk planks and had our hands held by locals. 

Tnasferring goods.

Walking with slippers and crossing such terrains, I think I will fall flat on my face if I were not wearing shoes.

Here's a new friend! My sister- the assistant tour guide, Swe. 

Everyone wants to take a shot of her.

We have reached the shores of Mingun

Hi to the ladies. Yes, that's Tanaka. 

You can see it on every female in Myanmar. Tanaka is used for beauty and sun protection benefits and is all natural as locals prepare them by grinding the tree barks, no preservatives. 

Greeted by tons of locals trying to peddle their ware and here's my young local guide in Mingun.

These 3 novice monks were the models for us that day.

They were so cute. Only child monks can go around with tourists to be photographed by tourists to earn some money. Adult monks are forbidden to do so.

Thank you for the smile.

Mingun Pahtodawgyi- the unfinished world's largest Buddhist Stupa (50m in height) containing the remains of King Bodawpaya. No entry inside. But this is a magnificent sight.

The lovely locals. Every so friendly.

These young faces are awesome. Young and lively.

Hsin byu me pagoda- a magnificent white pagoda built in 19th century by King Bagyidaw, in memory of one of his wives. This is the Taj Mahal of Myanmar.

Streets outside of Hsin byu me pagoda

 Mingun Bell- World largest hanging bell, was built as a complimentary to Mingun Pahtodawgyi

Heading on to next location.

Shwenandaw Monastery- Golden Palace Monastery, finest Myanmar wooden architecture, located near Mandalay hill. Known for the carvings of Buddhist myths on the wall.

World largest book, with pages carved out in stone (Kuthodaw pagoda) is a Buddhist Stupa.

These individual stone caves each holds 1 page of the largest book which translated to ancient buddhist scriptures. There are 729 of such stupas on the ground.

Okay last stop for the day.

Shwe Kyaung monastery.
This is a scenic monastery especially with the young monks as the subject. Perfecto. Too bad there were too many of us, so it's a bit hard to take photos :) 

Silence is Gold. Be quite when you are there.

OKAY!! This concludes Part 1 of my wonderful experience in Myanmar. I hope you love the pictures so far! Can't wait to share more with you so Stay Tune for my upcoming posts!!
Do leave me a note or contact me if you wanna share your experience with me. I would love to hear from you :D

Cheers!!