We all dream about traveling the world but not many have committed to that vision like Walter Astrada has.
The Argentinian photographer, who has been working as a photojournalist for about 20 years, is on the journey of a lifetime as he travels the world on a motorbike, documenting his experiences in stunning black-and-white shots.
Walter, a three-time winner of the prestigious World Press Photo prize, has already spent the last 10 months on the road on his Royal Enfield motorbike, traveling through Europe, Central Asia, Russia, Mongolia, South Korea, India and Myanmar.
An eagle hunter in Uglii, Mongolia. Photo: Walter Astrada
He’s made a pit stop in Bangkok as he hosts an exhibition and five-day workshop for aspiring photojournalists.
After that he plans to travel around Asia for another year before making his way to the Americas and Africa.
Walter, who is funding his incredible journey through his workshops and sales of his photographs, told Coconuts he had decided to stop in Bangkok as it was a place he could rest and recharge after months of being on the road, while he still works and prepares for his workshops.
“Bangkok is a nice city, there are a lot of things to do here and it’s a good place to recharge,” he said.
Young people in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: Walter Astrada
The photographer said he was enjoying visiting and traveling around countries at his own pace, comparing it with his previous experiences of working in several countries but not having the time to see all the sights.
“Once I spent four months in India for work, and I didn’t see the Taj Mahal once!” he laughed, confirming that he had finally visited the famous mausoleum on his recent travels.
The Taj Mahal, Agra, India. Photo: Walter Astrada
“I’ve seen beautiful places on this journey – Turkey, Mongolia, India and Myanmar in particular. I’ve also enjoyed meeting local people. What’s interesting is that you can sometimes be in an amazing place and the people don’t necessarily like you, but sometimes the place is less interesting and the people are wonderfully friendly.”
Walter explained that he had chosen to do the trip alone as he felt it was easier in many ways, and that traveling with other people would change his interaction with the people he met and countries he visited.
“You need to be comfortable on your own and adapt to different situations, and not expect the country to adapt to you.
A mother walks with her son in Sary-Mogol, Kyrgyzstan. Photo: Walter Astrada
“I’ve not really been lonely as I prepared myself mentally for the journey. Sometimes you can be traveling across a big expanse of land where there are no people. But even if you are in a busy city with lots of people you might not speak the language and not be able to communicate with them.”
He said he had decided to shoot in black and white for two reasons: the first was practical, as he could worry less about the color saturation and available natural light, and the second was to give his photos a common theme.
“If you look at my photos, they look almost similar, like they were taken in one place or in one country. Although obviously the people look physically different.
“I like to think that it shows that the world is one.”
The photographer explained he felt much calmer and more relaxed since he had begun his epic journey, explaining that he was free to spend more time in countries he enjoyed and able to adapt his plans if needed without rushing, unlike travelers with more restricted schedules.
A groom rides a horse in Bilugyun Island, Myanmar. Photo: Walter Astrada
“Once I had to stop in Osh in Kyrgyzstan for 15 days waiting for a spare motorbike part. It was very annoying but I thought ok, I’ll just have to wait.
“But when I was in Uzbekistan I met an Estonian biker who had crashed his bike and only had one week before he had to return home, he was really stressed.
“Luckily I don’t have that stress anymore.”
Walter’s exhibition takes place this Friday at Cho Why, beginning at 6.30pm. Entry is free.
The five-day workshop begins on March 14. The course fee is THB18,000. For more details and to book your place, contact Walter on wastradaworkshops@gmail.com.
You can also follow Walter’s journey and buy prints on his website.
FIND IT:
‘The Journey’ by Walter Astrada, March 11
Workshop: Craftmanship of a Reportage, March 14-18
MRT Hua Lamphong
