As a Bangkok photographer who has embraced videography, I’ve discovered that combining these two visual mediums can create a powerful and immersive representation of this vibrant city. The fusion of still photography and video allows for a dynamic storytelling approach that captures both frozen moments and fluid motion, offering viewers a multi-dimensional experience of Bangkok. Today, I’ll share my techniques for blending these two art forms to create compelling visual narratives.
My day begins at dawn, as the first light breaks over the Chao Phraya River. I set up two cameras side by side on sturdy tripods – one for video and one for stills. This dual setup allows me to capture the same scene in both mediums simultaneously, providing options for how I’ll present the sunrise in my final piece.
For the video camera, I set up a time-lapse sequence, taking a frame every few seconds to compress the gradual lightening of the sky into a breathtaking few seconds of footage. Meanwhile, with my still camera, I wait for those perfect moments – when a boat crosses the frame or when the light hits the water just right – to capture high-resolution images that can be used as striking standalone shots or integrated into the video.
As the city awakens, I move to the streets of Old Bangkok. Here, the challenge is to capture the energy and character of the neighborhood in both stills and video. I use a camera harness that allows me to quickly switch between my video camera and my still camera, ensuring I don’t miss any fleeting moments.
For video, I use a gimbal to create smooth tracking shots that follow the flow of life on the street. These fluid sequences will serve as the backbone of my narrative. Interspersed with these, I stop to capture still images – a vendor arranging their wares, the intricate details of a temple facade, or a candid portrait of a local resident. These high-resolution stills can be used in various ways in the final video – as establishing shots, as overlays, or in dynamic transitions.
One technique I particularly enjoy is creating cinemagraphs – still images with subtle moving elements. For example, I might capture a still frame of a busy street corner, but allow the fluttering of a flag or the blinking of a neon sign to remain in motion. This blending of still and moving imagery creates a mesmerizing effect that draws the viewer’s eye and adds depth to the visual story.
As midday approaches, I head to one of Bangkok’s vibrant markets. Here, the interplay between stills and video becomes even more dynamic. I use my video camera to capture the overall bustle and energy of the market – the movement of people, the exchange of goods, the preparation of food. These sequences provide context and atmosphere.
Then, I switch to my still camera with a macro lens to capture the details that might be lost in video – the texture of exotic fruits, the vibrant colors of spices, the intricate patterns of textiles. In post-production, I’ll use these high-resolution stills to create slow panning shots (often called the “Ken Burns effect”) that allow viewers to appreciate these details in a way that video alone might not allow.
For capturing portraits at the market, I employ a technique that combines still and video. I’ll ask a subject’s permission to film them for a short sequence, during which I’ll also trigger my still camera to take a series of high-resolution images. This allows me to capture both their movement and expressions in video, as well as crystal-clear portrait shots that can be used as overlays or transition points in the final piece.
As afternoon turns to evening, I make my way to one of Bangkok’s rooftop bars to capture the sunset and the city’s transformation into its nocturnal state. Here, I set up another dual camera rig – one for a day-to-night time-lapse video, and another for capturing still images at regular intervals.
The video time-lapse will show the gradual change in light as the sun sets and the city lights come to life. The still images, taken at wider intervals, will capture specific moments during this transition – the golden hour, the blue hour, and the first twinkle of city lights. These high-resolution stills can be used as establishing shots in the video or as spectacular standalone images.
As night falls, I head to the bustling streets of Chinatown. The neon-lit streets and busy night markets provide a perfect backdrop for experimenting with long-exposure techniques in both still photography and video.
For stills, I use long exposures to capture light trails from passing vehicles and the blur of moving people, creating dynamic images that convey the energy of Bangkok at night. For video, I use a similar technique, but with a variable neutral density filter that allows me to adjust the exposure on the fly. This creates dreamy, motion-blurred footage that I can intercut with my sharper, traditional video shots to create a sense of the frenetic pace of nightlife in Bangkok.
Throughout the day, I also capture snippets of slow-motion video. These can be used to create smooth transitions between scenes, or to highlight particular moments – the flip of a wok in a street food stall, the splash of a boat on the river, or the flutter of prayer flags at a temple. When integrated with still images, these slow-motion sequences create a beautiful contrast between frozen moments and fluid motion.
Back in my studio, the real work of blending these different visual elements begins. I start by creating a rough cut of my video footage, establishing the overall narrative flow. Then, I begin to integrate my still images in various ways:
1. As establishing shots: High-resolution stills make perfect scene-setting images, allowing viewers to take in the details of a location before diving into the motion of video.
2. In dynamic transitions: I use techniques like push/pull transitions or parallax effects to bring still images to life as I move from one video sequence to another.
3. As overlay elements: Stills of details or portraits can be overlaid on video footage to add depth and context to a scene.
4. In split-screen effects: I sometimes divide the frame, showing video on one side and a series of stills on the other to contrast different aspects of a scene or location.
5. In “living stills”: By animating elements of a still image – like making clouds move or water ripple – I create a hybrid between photo and video that can be deeply engaging.
The key to successfully blending still photography and video lies in finding the right balance. Each medium has its strengths – video excels at capturing movement and the passage of time, while still photography allows for appreciation of fine details and creates iconic, memorable images. By thoughtfully combining the two, I aim to create a rich, multi-layered portrait of Bangkok that engages viewers on multiple levels.
Music and sound design play crucial roles in tying everything together. I carefully choose a soundtrack that complements the rhythm of both the video sequences and the still image transitions. Ambient sounds recorded on location are woven throughout, adding authenticity and depth to the audiovisual experience.
As a Bangkok photographer who has expanded into videography, I find that this blended approach allows me to capture and convey the essence of this dynamic city in a uniquely compelling way. It enables me to showcase both the broad strokes of Bangkok’s urban landscape and the minute details that give the city its character. The interplay between frozen moments and flowing motion mirrors the city’s own character – a place where ancient traditions and rapid modernization coexist in a constantly shifting balance.
For those looking to experiment with blending still photography and videography, here are a few key tips:
1. Invest in versatile gear that allows you to switch quickly between photo and video modes.
2. Always be thinking about how your still images might integrate with your video footage.
3. Experiment with techniques like cinemagraphs and “living stills” that blur the line between photo and video.
4. In post-production, don’t be afraid to get creative with how you integrate stills into your video timeline.
5. Remember that each medium has its strengths – use stills for detail and impact, and video for movement and atmosphere.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, the combination of still photography and videography offers exciting possibilities for visual storytelling. It allows you to capture the multifaceted nature of Bangkok – or any subject – in a way that neither medium could achieve alone. With practice and creativity, you can create rich, layered visual narratives that engage viewers and provide a deeper, more nuanced portrayal of your subject.