Photographing at Rice Harvest

Appears in

Published 1998

About

Early one morning, well before sunrise, I climbed into our old blue pickup truck and headed out of the city of Chiang Mai. It was early November, the middle of sticky rice harvest, and I hoped to be in the fields as the farmers first arrived. It was lovely to be driving, as the roads were almost empty and the air was cool, almost cold.

It was still dark by the time I arrived, but people had already begun to gather in the fields. I parked my truck and walked over to join one small group huddled around a fire, everyone rubbing hands together to stay warm. The day, like every other day this time of year, would be sunny and warm, but for now the fire was a welcome sight.