Built for post-social permanence, not platform.
DRobertsPhoto’s next evolution: a multi-discipline endeavour comprising cinematic storytelling, a singularly curated photographic monograph and creative manifesto led by technical and cultural fluency — blending socio-geographic documentary with an exploration of David Roberts’ personal heritage.
The project consists of boots on the ground fieldwork, organically developing concepts and geographic reconnaissance over multiple years, with tone benchmarks set over multiple editorials; distilling the core ethos and message from previous works such as Simple Nothings and Soul of the Planet. Discover Temples of Thailand focuses on spotlighting authentic, rural temples situated outside the touristic gaze, deeply embedded within the communities they service. Temples are not just shrines to devotion but church, community centre, playground, garden, concert hall, grain storage and often school, orphanage, crematorium and far more than one would expect. Temples also embody the dualistic nature of Thailand, and Isaan especially. Whilst around the corner homes are made from breeze block and wood, temples stand ornate in reflection; even the adjacent monastic quarters often stand in stark simplicity. This refined presentation is a pivot in subject, not in theme. Dissonance that mirrors the author’s anthropological lens remains front and centre — based on dual British-Thai heritage and international world-view.
Discover Temples of Thailand has garnered interest from TASCHEN, which reviewed the conceptual materials and deferred only due to scheduling — without critique or objection. Partnership negotiations with ZEISS progressed to formal terms but ultimately did not align with the author’s long-term goals. The author remains open to institutional support, provided archival permanence is ensured. Interest from these parties demonstrates capacity at the highest levels of fine-art and technical photography. Production is proceeding with facilitation by Angelbird Technologies and collaboration with Dehancer Film Emulation on companion motion materials — both leaders in their respective fields.
Discover Temples of Thailand is currently in principal photography (scheduled to be executed Q4 2025 to Q1 2026).
Principal photography is currently undergoing a series of unprecedented issues from extended monsoons (five consecutive typhoons as of November 15th), rabies epidemic within rural areas, carbon pollution exceeding safety levels for extended exposure and personal health issues. These challenges are presented as they occur in the Field Reports below, but will be thoroughly explained shortly. The project is proceeding at a cautious pace and production is likely to be protracted.
Production Field Reports
Capturing the newly constructed glass temple, and the older historic structures, David Roberts documents the lives of the resident nuns, workers building a giant Yaksha statue, and a local boy guiding him inside the temple. Shot on a Sony α7RV with ZEISS Batis 2/40CF and processed in Adobe Lightroom
Documenting UNESCO World Heritage Site Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, David Roberts interrogates his Thai heritage, capturing ancient Buddha effigies, multi-era temples, and sandstone monoliths in the Isaan heat. Shot on a Sony α7RV with ZEISS Batis 1.8/85 and processed in Adobe Lightroom.
David Roberts explores Sino-Thai culture and local heritage in Isaan by capturing the monumental dragon landmark under construction at Chao Phu Ya Shrine in Udon Thani. Shot on a Sony α7RV with ZEISS Batis 1.8/85 and processed in Adobe Lightroom.
Awed by its craftsmanship and grandeur, David Roberts captures the monumental Chedi Pha Dang under construction atop the Phu Phan mountain ridge in Udon Thani, Isaan. Shot on a Sony α7RV with ZEISS Batis 2/40CF and processed in Adobe Lightroom.
David Roberts documents ongoing challenges presented by immersive fieldwork and independent ethical documentary work that is actively shaping progress on Discover Temples of Thailand. Shot on a Sony α7RV with ZEISS Batis 2/40CF and processed in Adobe Lightroom
Discover Temples of Thailand is supported by:
Please be aware that the assets below are preliminary pre-production materials.
They are not indicative of the final monograph, which will exhibit a higher level of continuity, refinement, production value, and editorial precision.
Sample pages from Visual Prelude to Discover Temples of Thailand
Graded with Dehancer Film Emulation Kodak Aerocolor IV 125 │ 65mm │ISO 50
Graded with Dehancer Film Emulation Kodak Vision3 50D │ 65mm │ISO 50
Graded with Dehancer Film Emulation Kodak Portra 160VC │ 65mm │ISO 50