This image was born from the unexpected beauty we discovered during Bangkok’s seasonal floods. Rather than viewing the rising waters as an obstacle, we embraced them as a canvas for creating visual poetry about resilience and contrast. The crystal vase – a family heirloom with its distinctive geometric pattern – became our protagonist, while the vibrant Thai orchids served as a symbol of enduring beauty amidst challenging circumstances.
We arrived well before sunrise, scouting a flooded soi where the water depth was perfect – deep enough to create the floating effect yet shallow enough to safely position our equipment. Using a specialized floating platform hidden beneath the water surface, we stabilized the vase while maintaining the illusion of it naturally drifting. The technical challenge came in capturing both the delicate details of the orchids and the environmental context; our Sony A7R IV paired with a 35mm f/1.4 GM lens provided the perfect balance of sharpness and dreamy bokeh.
As the sun crested the buildings, we had precisely twelve minutes to capture the ideal light – that magical moment when the golden rays simultaneously illuminated the orchids from behind while creating dancing reflections on the water’s surface. Each ripple became an intentional design element, with our assistant gently disturbing the water at carefully timed intervals to create concentric circles emanating from the vase.
What makes this image particularly meaningful is its celebration of Bangkok’s duality – a city that transforms even its challenges into moments of unexpected beauty. The flood waters, typically viewed as an inconvenience, become a mirror reflecting both the physical city and its indomitable spirit. Like the orchid that continues to bloom regardless of its circumstances, our beloved Bangkok finds ways to reveal its beauty even in the midst of seasonal disruptions.