Portfolio of environmental portraits all of which were shot on assignments for various editorial and corporate clients. Some of these clients include:
American Express (AMEX) Malaysia
Ericsson
The New York Times
Forbes Magazine
The Discovery Channel
The Guardian
Johnson and Johnson
CIMB Bank
Deloitte
Price Waterhouse Cooper
UMW Aerospace Malaysia
Lafarge
Portfolio of images all shot on assignment or commissioned for clients’s relating to industry and energy. Some of these clients include:
Mott Macdonald
Salini Italy
Lafarge
Sun Edison
Ericsson
Johnson and Johnson
Veolia
Siemens AG
Rapid Kuala Lumpur
DBKL/Associated Press Content Creation Division
During the few days that I was in Limpopo province in South Africa to cover this story I felt that I had barely scratched the surface. I was with Protrack, the oldest anti-poaching unit in South Africa, to try and understand what was happening on the ground.
I was in small town at the edge of the Kruger National Park. It felt like an outpost town. The centre of town was a crossroad, and there was a railway line running though it. While we were chatting in the Protrack office a new batch of volunteers arrived. All fresh faced and young. First order of business? Get their heads shaved. First day of school!
During our chat I learned that on the black markets of Southeast Asia, rhino horn is worth more than gold, cocaine, and heroin. I learned that the horn is so valuable that merciless poachers and criminal gangs will stop at nothing to obtain the horn, and that violence and gun fights with poachers are an almost daily occurrence out here. First day of school indeed!
I came to learn that the anti-poaching units are often out-gunned and out-manned in the bush. The Protrack anti-poaching teams rely on extensive bush tradecraft, teamwork, training, and a deep intelligence network for support.
Over the next few days I would meet “Vincent”, not his real name. He reminded of Vincent Hanna, Al Pacino’s character in the film Heat. Always busy and alert, always looking around asking questions, investigating, snooping around, and working 5 cell phones, seemingly all of them at once. A walking intelligence network. Through Vincent I understood the importance of that intelligence network. He got results! His leads lead to arrests!
The bush is unforgiving. Everything there wants to kill you. A paradox of sorts. Rangers protecting the very wildlife that wants to kill them. Poor dusty towns on the edge of the park are a universe away from the luxury resort style game reserves dotted around the park. Its these dusty towns that the poachers call home, the same dusty towns that many of the Rangers call home. A paradox of sorts.
To Zain, Shaene, Crowy, Mark, Tumi, and “Vincent”. Thank you. Thank you for taking me to the bush, sharing your stories and experiences, and thank you for teaching this Engelsman about spoor and mootoo.
“What a few days that was hey!.”
Kingdom’s Edge ONE represents a small part of my journey to simply document daily life in the Thai deep south and along the Thailand/Malaysia border. A largely forgotten low intensity conflict has been on-going in Thailand’s deep south since 2004, with little to no coverage in the media. This lack of coverage sparked my curiosity and from that begin an eight year journey which culminated in my first book being published in 2016.
I must give massive gratitude to the following people. Madaree Tohlala, Najib Ibn Ahmad, Bree Jehloh, Dr Chis Joll, Hadi Wijaya, and Sabri Musordi. Thanks for bringing me into your lives, sharing your families, your floors, and your food. For showing me how to see the deep south when I was only looking.
If you wish you can explore more about this project HERE
Since becoming embroiled in conflict in it’s far south region the Thai state has become increasingly reliant on a bewildering array of paramilitary organisations. They often work alongside and in parallel to the regular military and police. The largest armed force in the south is a civilian militia, the Village Defence Volunteers. Poorly trained, isolated and vulnerable, they are often unable to protect themselves and their weapons, let alone their communities. Militants have stolen the guns of hundreds since the conflict began in 2004. The army has also tripled the strength of the paramilitary “ranger” force in the South since violence surged in 2004, despite its well-deserved reputation for brutality and corruption. It has made some reforms, particularly in screening recruits, since the 1980s and on the whole is a more professional force than twenty years ago, but serious problems with discipline and human rights abuses remain.
I must give massive gratitude to the following people. Madaree Tohlala, Najib Ibn Ahmad, Bree Jehloh, Dr Chris Joll, Hadi Wijaya, and Sabri Musordi. Thanks for bringing me into your lives, sharing your families, your floors, and your food. For showing me how to see the deep south when I was only looking.
You can explore more of my work from the Thai deep south HERE
Portfolio of images all shot on assignment or commissioned for clients’s relating to industry and energy. Some of these clients include:
Mott Macdonald
Salini Italy
Lafarge
Sun Edison
Ericsson
Johnson and Johnson
Veolia
Siemens AG
Rapid Kuala Lumpur
DBKL/Associated Press Content Creation Division
Photography by Richard Humphries
Text by Gerry McDermott
Thailand’s Insurgency express runs from the city of Hat Yai to the border town of Sungai Kolok. The journey takes seven hours. It passes through lush green rice fields, pristine jungle, and rattles and wind’s it’s way along the low lands of the Titiwanggsa mountain range. It also passes right through the conflict zone of the Thai deep south. Security is heavy on board the train. Despite this the train is always full with colourful locals.
I must give massive gratitude to the following people. Madaree Tohlala, Najib Ibn Ahmad, Bree Jehloh, Dr Chis Joll, Hadi Wijaya, and Sabri Musordi. Thanks for bringing me into your lives, sharing your families, your floors, and your food. For showing me how to see the deep south when I was only looking.
This article was published in The Diplomat Magazine on 23/05/2023
You can read the full article and text HERE
Kingdom’s Edge TWO represents a small part of my journey to simply document daily life in the Thai deep south and along the Thailand/Malaysia border. A largely forgotten low intensity conflict has been on-going in Thailand’s deep south since 2004, with little to no coverage in the media. This lack of coverage sparked my curiosity and from that begin an eight year journey which culminated in my first book being published in 2016.
I must give massive gratitude to the following people. Madaree Tohlala, Najib Ibn Ahmad, Bree Jehloh, Dr Chis Joll, Hadi Wijaya, and Sabri Musordi. Thanks for bringing me into your lives, sharing your families, your floors, and your food. For showing me how to see the deep south when I was only looking.
I you wish you can explore more about this project HERE
In southern Thailand, day labourers can be seen working incredibly hard to fell rubber trees. These trees are a vital part of the local economy, producing furniture and other products, mostly in Hat Yai city. Many of the day labourers who are felling these trees come from impoverished backgrounds and are seeking work to support themselves and their families. Despite the physically demanding nature of the job, these workers display impressive stamina and dedication to their work. For their work in the old rubber plantations of the Thai deep south day labourers like these would earn around US$10 per day.
The economy in the Thai deep south has been shattered since a low intensity conflict erupted there in 2004. The conflict has affected all social classes, but it has hit the low income earners and the rural poor especially hard. Traditional sources of income in agriculture and fishing have all but dried up. Also the price of rubber has plummeted in the last decade leaving rubber plantations, such as this one, all but abandoned. With little or no chance of the rubber industry picking up in Thailand’s deep south plantation owner’s are left with little choice but to clear the land of their old rubber tress. The old rubber trees go on to be used in the furniture industry mostly in Yala city or as far away as Hat Yai city.
At the farthest edge of the Kingdom of Thailand, pressing against the border with Malaysia, are the three provinces of Patani, Narathiwat, and Yala. Since 2004 the Thai state has been embroiled in a low intensity conflict. Facing shadowy group’s of Islamic insurgents, bombings, shootings, and even beheading have become an almost daily occurrence. Despite pouring massive amounts of men and arms into the region, and millions of dollars spent there seems to be no end in sight for Thailand’s forever war.
I must give massive gratitude to the following people. Madaree Tohlala, Najib Ibn Ahmad, Bree Jehloh, Dr Chis Joll, Hadi Wijaya, and Sabri Musordi. Thanks for bringing me into your lives, sharing your families, your floors, and your food. For showing me how to see the deep south when I was only looking.
You can explore more of my work in southern Thailand HERE
When my Thai friend Titiwan asked me if I would like to photograph her son Ping being ordained into monk-hood at a temple and monastery just outside Bangkok, I naturally accepted the kind invitation.
The ordination ceremony, or Buat Nak, is a very important rite of passage for Thai males. Buddhism is an integral part of Thai culture. Thais believe that when a man turns 20, he should be ordained and enter a monastery for a period of time to study dharma, the teachings of the Lord Buddha. This tradition is considered to be a great act of religious service as well as a significant merit making occasion for the ordained’s family. It is a way for Thai men to express gratitude to their parents for raising and nurturing them.
In the bustling city of Bangkok, where the skyscrapers reach for the heavens, and the cacophony of traffic fills the air, my friends son is about to embark on a profound and transformative journey. Deeply spiritual and seeking a higher purpose, he made the decision to be ordained into monk-hood at a revered temple in the heart of this city of endless layers.
The temple, a serene oasis amidst the urban chaos, feels to me like a beacon of tranquility and wisdom. Its ornate golden spires and intricate carvings invite solace and enlightenment. Several Monks clad in vibrant saffron robes bustled about, preparing for the sacred ceremony. The air was thick with incense, its fragrant tendrils weaving through the temple's intricate architecture. As the early morning sun cast a gentle glow over the temple courtyard, Ping, now wearing a simple sarong has his head and eyebrows shaved by one of the Monks. Locks of hair fell to the ground, which is mother Titiwan, collected and kept. The first stage of his journey now complete.
Ping, now dressed in plain white robes giver to him by his mother, is approached by a senior Monk, his warm smile reflecting the wisdom acquired through years of devotion. With a voice filled with kindness, he guided Ping through the rites and rituals, explaining the sacred significance of each step. Ping listened intently about the ancient traditions he was about to embrace. His his mother and grandfather, dressed in traditional attire, stood by his side, their eyes filled with a touch of melancholy. Ping then showered them with flowers and offerings, acknowledging their guidance towards this commitment he is about to make .
Ping then stepped into the main hall of the temple, where rows of monks awaited him. The air hummed with a palpable sense of spirituality as he knelt before the revered abbot, his eyes downcast in deference. The abbot, a figure of wisdom and serenity, began the ordination ceremony. He chanted ancient verses, invoking blessings and imparting wisdom to the young man who had chosen this path of enlightenment. It is believed that with each step of the ceremony, Ping will shed his worldly attachments, symbolically letting go of his former self. After the ceremony was complete he was given his new garments, the iconic saffron robes, and it is believed that the weight of his previous life has now been lifted.
As the ordination ritual concluded, Ping emerged as a newly ordained monk. With shaven head and bare feet, he walked with newfound grace and humility. The temple bell tolled, signalling the culmination of a deeply transformative journey. His mother and grandfather stood by his side to offer their blessings and pay their respects to the newly ordained monk. I could see how Ping’s family, overcome with a mix of emotions, embraced him, their tears mingling with joy and pride. Ping’s days as a monk then began, a life dedicated to spiritual growth, mindfulness, and service to others.
The Lim Kor Niew goddess festival is held every year in Saiburi town, in Pattani province. The festival takes place on the 15th night of the waxing moon of the third month according to the Chinese calendar, or 15 days after the traditional Chinese New Year. The Goddess Chao Mae Lim Kor Niew and ten other deities are taken on a procession through Saiburi town. The small deities are carried through the town in chariots on the shoulders of devotees while firecrackers are let off all around them. The chariots are then dunked into the sea off Saiburi then carried back to the temple. Once at the temple the chariots are paraded back and forth through pyres of fire in front of the shrine before carried back to their resting place in the temple. The day is finished with eating, drinking, and Chinese opera and Menora performances.
My wife is Swedish. But of far more significance is that she comes from an island in the Baltic Sea. Gotland. Her family roots run deep on that island. Multi-generational afternoon coffee and cake visits are the norm. Late afternoon swims in the icy salt-free Baltic sea, bicycle rides along dusty roads between corn fields, late summer barbecue evenings. Time spent with aunties and uncles, and cousins and even more cousins. Gotland family.
At 2:38 p.m. on May 12th 2008 a massive earthquake measuring 7.9 magnitude struck Sichuan province in China. In that moment 87,000 people were either killed or went missing. Entire schools, apartment buildings, and homes instantly collapsed trapping thousands of people beneath the rubble. In the aftermath 4.8 million people were left homeless or displaced.
In Thailand’s deep south region, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, there exists a rarely known tradition that is deeply rooted in the hearts of the local people. This tradition is none other than bullfighting, a spectacle that has captivated the local community for generations. Every month, on the first Saturday of the month, in a small village nestled amidst lush green fields and rolling hills, just outside the southern Thai city of Hat Yai, a bullfight takes place.
Bull fighting is a traditional rural based sport in the deep south in which two muscular bulls are pitted against each other in a ring, and spectators bet on the outcome. Alongside bull fighting, gambling is also a popular activity in southern Thailand. Thai’s from all walks of life love to gamble! Thai’s love to gather around the gaming tables, play card games, and make bets. Bullfights and tournaments are organised throughout the region, and winners sometimes take home significant prizes. Despite the fact that gambling is illegal in Thailand, many locals consider it a harmless and fun pastime.
On the day of the fight the atmosphere at the small arena was buzzing with excitement. Spectators had flocked to the bullring, a small open arena surrounded by wooden barriers with the spectator area covered with rusty corrugated metal sheets.. The stands were filled with locals, no farang here, all eager to witness the spectacle that was about to unfold. This adrenaline-fueled spectacle is a major event in the local community where it takes place. The fierce competition of the bulls and the anticipation of the crowd make this sport a thrilling experience. Throughout the fight the shouting and yelling the crowd, who seem to be all men, is loud and almost rowdy. The chain-smoking of cigarettes relentless. As is the constant backward-forward almost secretive hand and finger gestures between the audience and the bookies who take the bets.
The bullfights also serve as a reminder of the region's agricultural roots. The bulls are revered as symbols of strength and vitality, integral to the livelihood of the local farmers. By showcasing the bulls' prowess in the arena, the villagers pay homage to their tireless work in the fields. For the local community gathered here the bullfighting represents the unbreakable bond between humans and animals, a symbiotic relationship that had been the cornerstone of their community for centuries. They believe that the bulls were treated with utmost care and respect throughout their lives, and in the arena, they are given the opportunity to display their natural strength and grace.
Jakarta. Indonesia's capitol city. It is an asian metropolis and megacity of almost 11 million people. It is one of the oldest cities in Southeast Asia and has one of the hottest luxury property markets in the world. The urban poor live in “kampong’s’ next to the social elite living in exclusive high-rise apartments. The city is growing upwards and outwards at astonishing speed. Jakarta now covers an area of more than 400 square km’s of what was once lush coastal plains and forested hills.
In the bustling port of Pattani in Thailand's deep south region, where the salty scent of the sea mingled with the toil of countless fishing boats, a harsh reality lies behind the milky tea coloured waters. It was a reality of exploitation and harsh working conditions endured by the fishing workers who labour tirelessly to bring seafood to the tables of people around the world.
The Pattani fishing port sits at the mouth of the Pattani river and the Gulf of Thailand in Thailand’s deeps south. It is the largest port in southern Thailand. At it's busiest times it employs hundreds of workers, many of them migrant workers from Burma and Cambodia, although all of the ships calling into the port are Thai owned. The fish stock from the vessels supplies markets as far away as Bangkok. The fishing industry in southern Thailand has suffered in recent years due to economic factors, environmental issues, and indeed the ongoing conflict in the deep south as well as the COVID 19 pandemic.
Many fishing workers face exploitative conditions, trapped in a cycle of debt bondage. Lured by promises of better opportunities, they have taken loans from unscrupulous middlemen to secure their jobs. These loans came with exorbitant interest rates, chaining the workers to a life of indentured labour. Their wages are meagre, barely enough to cover their basic needs, let alone repay their debts. They toil for long hours, enduring fatigue and exhaustion, yet their labor remains undervalued and under compensated. They are caught in a system that seems designed to keep them trapped in a cycle of poverty.
At the end of each gruelling day, the fishing workers return to cramped and squalid living quarters, their bodies aching and their spirits dampened. They huddled together, seeking solace and strength in the shared experiences of their fellow workers.
The 2013 Lahad Datu incursion was a military conflict in Lahad Datu District, Sabah, Malaysia, that started on 11 February 2013, lasted until 24 March 2013. The conflict began when 235 militants, some of whom were armed, arrived by boats to Lahad Datu from Simunul island, Tawi-Tawi, in the southern Philippines. The group, calling themselves the "Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo", were sent by Jamalul Kiram III, one of the claimants to the throne of the Sultanate of Sulu.
Kiram III stated that their objective was to assert an unresolved territorial claim of the Philippines to eastern Sabah. Malaysian security forces surrounded the village of Tanduo in Lahad Datu, where the group had gathered. After several weeks of negotiations and deadlines for the intruders to withdraw, and prompted by the killing of Malaysian police force members, the security forces launched a major operation to flush out the militants. At the end of the standoff, around fifty-six militants were killed, together with six civilians and ten Malaysian security force personnel. The rest of the militants were either captured or escaped back to the Philippines.
Cargo boats birthed at the small jetty at Luang Prabang in Laos. Plying their way to and from the capitol Vientiane when the river is high. These cargo boats carry all and sundry. The boats are owned and run by members of a single multi-generational family. even tiny babies are on board with them. Everyone onboard has a job and a task. Cooking, cleaning, loading, unloading. Everyone pitches in.
Luang Prabang is a beautiful and charming old French colonial town on the Mekong river.
I completed this photo essay as part of my final assignment when I attended The Work Shop Asia Photography Workshop in Laos in 2006 with Jack Picone, Steve Coleman, and the late great Philip Jones Griffiths.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010. The winning bid was announced by FIFA president Sepp Blatter at a media conference on 15 May 2004. South Africa, which had narrowly failed to win the right to host the 2006 event, was awarded the right to host the tournament.
Campaigning for South Africa to be granted host status, Nelson Mandela had previously spoken of the importance of football in his life, stating that while incarcerated in Robben Island prison playing football "made us feel alive and triumphant despite the situation we found ourselves in".
I travelled all over the country during the tournament. Photographing wherever I went from the perspective of a travelling fan. It was a fantastic opportunity, as I had never been to South Africa before, to see and experience so much of the country had to offer.
Diepsloot, Afrikaans for "deep ditch", is a densely populated township north of Johannesburg in Gauteng province, South Africa. It was established as a transit camp in 1995. Diepsloot is generally described as a notorious settlement full of crime, violent protests and unpredictability.
Diepsloot township is inhabited by people from different tribes, cultures, traditions and nationalities, many of whom have no educational background or a skill asset which they can use to find employment.
The lack of education or skill set may be due to material deprivation, lack of security, and the absence or dysfunctional needs such as water and sanitation infrastructure development. The above-mentioned factors have a detrimental effect on employment opportunities towards Diepsloot dwellers as employers cannot hire people without a basic education or skill set and come from a community that is generally described as violent and full of crime.