This is probably one of the most photographed locations in the whole of Thailand, and understandably so.

Seeing that Covid-19 gave me a rate opportunity to visit the temple when it was almost empty, I decided to take videos of the temple to make a short presentation for tourism purposes.

On the first day I had some camera issues, which was a real shame because the clouds & lighting were just perfect, therefore I had to make a second visit a week later, but weather being unpredictable from one hour to the next I ended up with somewhat a gloomy sky, but I hope you enjoy the video anyhow.

The video was initially taken with a GoPro 8 mounted on a GoPro Chesty, and it’s not something I would recommend, perhaps it’s just how I walk or my heaving chest, or a combination of both, but the video was not stable and was pretty much unusable.

On seeing the problem I decided to research on getting a gimbal, little did I know that it would cost me two arms and a leg, seriously. I researched and searched, and finally found the most affordable option a Hohem iSteady Pro.

I also bought an attachment to hold my phone with, so I can “live-view” and control the GoPro through my mobile, but this proved to be a waste of money for a couple of reasons; 1. added weight of phone & attachment made carrying the equipment for long periods difficult, 2. drains the battery of both the GoPro and mobile phone quicker.

I had a funny incident walking into the entrance with my camera & phone on the gimbal, I was told that I had to remove the camera because it was a “hi-tech” equipment that hasn’t been authorized for use in the palace grounds. Her comment bewildered me, was she one of those authoritarian persons, or was she totally ignorant? After trying to educate her on my equipment for a good 2 minutes, I got tired of her nonsense and just walked straight in with her blabbing some bullshit as I moved through another guard controlled section. I was just waiting for another official to reprimand me on the “hi-tech” camera equipment, but no one cared, obviously they’ve seen GoPro’s and Gimbals before, WTF.

But that incident was on the 2nd day, on the first day I was shouted at a couple of times by officials for videography of military in full dress uniforms guarding the palace, that has to be the most absurd regulation ever…… if it is a regulation. Just imagine officials shouting at tourists from around the world that flock to Buckingham Palace.

Anyway, enough grumble, enjoy the video.