At the end of July I spent a few weeks in Northern Loas to photograph the 2014 catalogue for Rustic Pathways, a US company offering worldwide travel and service programs. In Luang Prabang, Na Som, Nong Kiaw and other rural parts of Laos, I was lucky to see and do some amazing things in what is truly a wonderful country. These are just some images that I shot during dead times… They won’t probably make the final catalogue edit, but I like them just as well.

Recently I photographed the 2nd National Debate Tournament in Myanmar for OSF/IDEA, an international NGO which aim is to promote democracy and discussion among disadvantaged youth. Here is a selection of images from the tournament.
I don’t want to pass any judgment on the political/economic change in Myanmar and on wether the life of ordinary Burmese is really improving during this chapter of the country’s history (you can find some great insight on what is happening in Myanmar in Nic Dunlop’s new book, ‘Brave new Burma’). Nonetheless it was quite startling to see how engaged, interested, and thrilled these young people were to be able to openly discuss and trade opinions on topics that were taboo until not long ago. At least the mood seems to more positive and less bleak and fearful, but only time will tell wether real, meaningful change is taking place alongside.

The full set of pictures from Kelly and Fabiene’s wedding will be online in the coming weeks. Here’s just a picture I took while the bride was getting here hair and make up done at Chalachol in Bangkok. It’s the first time I used my Fuji X-Pro1 to shoot a wedding and it did a great job. I’m still not sure I would feel comfortable to shoot with only this camera, for the reasons several other people have pointed out, but in terms of discreteness and image quality I love this camera and the results it lets me achieve.

Kelly and Fabiene came to the Watermark for some pre-wedding photos. I’m sure it will be a great party on April 13th!

Many would argue that the former Lao royal capital of Luang Prabang has somehow followed the fate of other UNESCO towns in Southeast Asia, acquiring over the last decade a Disneylandesque atmosphere. I recently spent a week there leading a photography tour and workshop and there is certainly some true to that. However, for those willing to take some time to explore the back roads, there are still many rewarding opportunities. Off the beaten track and away from the main temples, life still slowly unwinds very much unchanged from the past, and the setting at the confluence of the Mekong and the Kan rivers is still one of the most gorgeous in the region.