I've been working here for a while now, but I've never had the chance to take any pictures.

Umbrella Market, a market that is just a stone's throw away but I have never had the chance to experience the atmosphere inside. At most, I just walk across the railway and look at it from afar, or just find something to eat around it in the evening.

This marks the first time we have collaborated... (Umbrella Market and we).

The first step into the market… hot, stuffy, narrow walkways because you have to walk on the train tracks. The sound of vendors talking back and forth (sometimes interspersed with complaints). Here, things sell well in the morning. Local people come to buy fresh food, with fresh vegetables and seafood available from start to finish. From the first feeling… which may have come because I was not yet familiar with the area… but when I really tried to stay in this area, gradually looking at the atmosphere around me, I began to see the postures of the people in the area more. The smiles that came when they saw the camera raised in front of their faces made me smile involuntarily.

As we slowly walk along the railway tracks, we will encounter a variety of emotions. From the starting point at the Mae Klong Railway Station, we will find groups of amulet enthusiasts setting up stalls to exchange amulets and engage in lively conversations.

Moving further into the heart of the bustling Rum Huap Market, we encounter a vibrant array of fresh produce stalls. From water spinach and acacia leaves to lemongrass and edible fence vegetables, a diverse selection of local greens awaits eager customers.

The crowd was fairly dense, but there was still enough space to walk past each other. On one side, there were street vendors selling fresh vegetables, while on the other side, there were stalls selling dried food and souvenirs, as tourists frequently visit this area.

Approximately half an hour before the train's arrival, the faces of those walking along the tracks began to change. Locals were gradually replaced by tourists, eagerly anticipating capturing the unique atmosphere of the market.

The station master's announcement echoed, signaling vendors to start packing their belongings and move them to designated areas. Umbrellas, once providing shade from the sun, were gradually folded away to make way for the train.

Amidst the excited chatter of tourists, the piercing whistle of the approaching train echoed through the air. Cameras were poised, capturing the anticipation in the atmosphere. Some held up their phones, snapping selfies and recording videos to preserve the memory. Others, caught up in the excitement, forgot to move out of the way, prompting shouts from vendors to regain their attention.

The long-awaited train slowly rolled in, showcasing its elegance and grace for the tourists to capture. The sound of the iron wheels grinding against the tracks was recorded on video.

The vendors began to move their goods back to their original positions, repeating this process eight times until half past two in the afternoon. This marked the final arrival of the train at the station, signaling the end of the bustling market's vibrancy.

I am actually a shy person, especially when it comes to taking candid photos of people. I am afraid of being judged or offending the subjects. However, during this market visit, I realized that simply photographing vegetables and fish would not capture the true essence of the place.

To capture the essence of the market, I must photograph the vendors. However, I am apprehensive due to the intimidating voices of some vendors. I wait for an opportune moment when they are occupied with selling their goods, hoping for a genuine smile. I avoid photographing them during transactions to prevent any reprimands. Some vendors are amiable and cooperate by smiling for the camera, while others require a stealthy approach. The撮影 process is a gamble: I must take the shot, even if it means risking their disapproval. If they notice, I offer a conciliatory smile. Some reciprocate, while others scowl and continue their business.

A different kind of fun, a different kind of challenge with photographing people, especially vendors. ^^

Getting there.... If you're really lost or have never been here before.... The easiest way is to... Mae Klong Railway Station. Once you arrive, just follow the train tracks and you won't get lost.
If you go at the wrong time, you'll find the Umbrella Market, not the Umbrella Closing Market instead.

Note: When visiting the Rom Hub Market, don't just get lost in taking photos. Consider buying some souvenirs to support local Thai businesses.

In conclusion, the journey was both exciting and thrilling, with both the train and the vendors providing a unique experience. However, the hot weather and crowded conditions may have impacted sales, and it is important to consider the vendors' perspective.