My name’s Ruben Teshmar and I am a filmmaker and photographer from Germany. I worked in Special Effects for movies like 1899 – Netflix Series, John Wick 4 and most recently Dune Part 2. I also worked in the lighting department on several German movies. I also shot several short films by myself as a Cinematographer, which is my passion when I get the opportunity to do it. My only current project is my exhibition at Verde in Bangkok, a black and white exhibition called SOS – Shapes or Silhouettes which I’m very proud of. Also, the food is really amazing there!
David - When did you first come to Thailand & what initially brought you here?
Ruben - I came on the 13th of December 2022 (my brothers birthday) to Thailand straight from Dune 2 Set to get some vacation. Thailand was on my list for long time, so this was my opportunity to do it, I had the money and the time to finally fulfil my dream.
David - What made you stay/ leave?
Ruben - Very simple, Love! I met a girl, she’s also a Farang here but lives here since 10 years already.
David - Were you photographing before or was it something you picked up after arriving here?
Ruben - I only took pictures when I was travelling, so very occasionally but I was never aware of street photography, or anything related to that field. That was something I picked up after I decided to stay here. I literally had nothing to do when I moved to Bangkok, so I wanted to keep my mind and myself in the field, and that is when I bought my first digital camera, a second hand Fuji X-T30. So I got out on the streets on a regular basis to photograph the streets of Bangkok according to my lens.
David - If you were photographing previously did Thailand change the way you approach photography?
Ruben - Before I came here I seldomly took pictures, I was very shy to take pictures, especially of strangers. Most of the pictures I took were more like holiday photos with my old Minolta XD7 and that was it. So the way I approach street photography and my style has changed massively. I am still developing my methods and my subjects I want to freeze in time.
David - Is there any challenges that you face as a photographer unique to Thailand?
Ruben - Not really. Thai people are very open to photography and very relaxed in general. If someone does not want to be photographed this person will tell you politely.
David - What small thing, (on a daily basis) inspires you most during your time here?
Ruben - Good question, I would say it’s the people and their way of life. For example, I am doing a photo series about public transportation in Thailand, which is not released anywhere yet because I am still on it and I don’t know when it will be finished. And of course the daily struggle of the thing called life, that is a big part of my daily inspiration. There is a lot of diverse people roaming around in Thailand.
David - Is there something perhaps larger or more poignant that you took from your time here?
Ruben - The kindness and the warmth of the people of Thailand. The Mai pen rai mentality, which has two sides of the medallion, but there is always two sides no matter what it is.
David - What makes this country so fascinating to photograph for so many people?
Ruben - I think for someone who comes from outside Asia, especially Bangkok can be overwhelming in some sense. I guess it is the chaos that makes it so interesting, but it’s a kind of organized chaos with a sense of respect and kindness. I don’t know about the others but for me it’s that.
David - Is there a certain location here in Thailand that you hold dear to your heart?
Ruben - Almost everywhere I have been yet! You can always find beauty when you look close enough. Thailand is just one of the most beautiful countries in the world I would say.
David - Please share a photographic technique or philosophy, a tip for someone reading this.
Ruben - Be patient! You do not have to buy the latest camera on the market with the most expensive lenses on the planet. Your skill and your view of things counts more than the tech you buy. If you take a photo of someone in Thailand and this person sees you, take the photo, smile, bow a little bit and everything is good. And always challenge yourself.
David - A question I always ask is what relationship do you have with the viewer and how does that affect you when shooting?
Ruben - None whatsoever, I take photos for myself. Of course, it is nice if someone out there loves your photos, but I do it for myself not to please some people on Instagram. There is only one real exception right now and that is my current exhibition at Verde Art Café and Restaurant in BKK. I tried to find photos that suit together as whole, people take their time in front of an A2 print which has a completely different impact. And of course, when you shoot something for a client, you really have to care about it, but right now I am not doing that, but in the future, I hope I will.
David - Please share a sentimental photo from your time here and what makes it sentimental to you.
This is a photo of a man from Khlong Toei, he kind of represents many people from Bangkok. I asked to take a photo of him without using words just small gestures and he agreed, he seemed tired of life, but he smiled at me after I took the photo. So somehow, I cheered him up by taking a photo of him and in return he did the same to me, it’s still one of my favourite portrait photos I have ever taken so far.
David - Bonus “Gear Talk” question, what equipment do you use and how does that help with your photography?
Ruben - I am using an old Fujifilm X-T2 with old analogue Zeiss and Minolta lenses, since I only had an analogue camera before I was used to pull focus by myself and I like it. You learn a lot more doing it by yourself rather than relying on the autofocus
I got a Minolta 28mm f3.5, Minolta 55mm f1.7, Minolta 135mm f3.5, Zeiss 35mm f2.4, Zeiss 50mm T2.8 and a Zeiss Jena 58mm f2.0. and a broken Minolta 50mm f1.7 which I should get to repair because it’s a nice one. But my favourite so far is the 55mm. It has beautiful Bokeh, straight lines, nice flares and it’s fairly sharp.
As for the X-T2, I love the way that I look down on my cam and can see all my settings at once without any screen and I love the output of that sensor paired with my lenses it’s a steady setup for me. It just gives me the old timeless analogue look I love. When I am grading a movie I always try to make it not look too digital and the same I do with my photos.
Ruben and I connected through Fujifilm Thailand on Instagram last year and I loved how he was capturing more of reality of Bangkok. We have talked at length about cinematography, photography and bonded over our love of old glass and cinema. I encourage everyone to check out his website rubenteshmar.com and watch his shorts especially Harold und Pinter. His personal work is as impressive as his IMDb. He also has a photobook available to purchase through Amazon, Hanoi In A Nutshell. I think of him as a world-class cinematographer and wonderful photographer. Who knows if the stars align, you may see something from us both in the future!