Street Portraits and Tattoos
Part of my very incomplete Thai Tattoo project. Tattoos have always intrigued me, from childhood until now. I love to hear the various reasons for a person getting one or the different meanings behind the images. A persons tattoos can tell an interesting story about who they are. I’ll be adding to this project and create a new section when I visit Thailand again.
Mike Pratt Photography Blog 
I too am intrigued but tattoos. Great shots!
Thank you Robyn! The Thai tattoos are especially intriguing as they hold so many different meanings.
Another thing in common Mike, I have always been fascinated and intrigued by tattoos. I actually have been working on a project as well where the main focus is tattoos. I am hoping to display this work within the next few months. Great post!
Excellent Nicole! I look forward to seeing your images! Will you be showing them in a gallery as well?
It is great how open most people with tattoos are to getting their photo taken on the street. I also have tattoos, so perhaps that makes a difference.
Yes, my plan is to have them displayed in a local gallery…still researching on that.
I know what you mean. I have a tattoo, got it 10 years ago. I always wanted others…but I never rushed on them because I wanted to be sure of what I wanted. Believe it or not only last year finally knew what I wanted my other tattoos to be! It’s a precious decision. :)
Great images, Mike.
And I agree – tatoos can really tell a story about people. I have one too… But not as good as these ones.
Thank you Malin! I also have tattoos – several including a large one on my forearm. Are you planning to get another?
I only have one on my left upper arm (Native American feathers). I got mine when I was 18 back in 1989 … but he who tattooed me wasn’t very skillful, so it’s not nicely done. Unfortunately I have not dared improving or getting another one because of allergies…
Great images Mike and very impressive tattoo art! Some people need to wear their stories on the outside. It can be very spiritual in my view.
Thank you Allison! Yes, they probably spent many hours deciding on what to get and many more getting the work done. In Thailand, certain tattoos have special significance, so definitely on the spiritual side of things.
Haha that 2nd guy is the best!
He has such a vibrant smile! Was really happy to show me his tattoos!
I’m actually from Thailand :D I think a lot of people believe that their tattoos can protect them from attacks and stuff, and probably, like what you said, spiritual reasons too. Awesome pictures though!
Thank you Earn. That’s great you’re from Thailand! :)
My wife is Thai also and we try to get back there each year. Where area are you from?
That’s really awesome! I grew up in a northeastern city called Ubonratchathani, but our family go back and forth between there and Bangkok :) I haven’t been home in almost two years, which is kinda sad :(
Hopefully you can get back home to visit :) At least with modern technology, you can keep in contact easier with Facebook, Skype, etc.
I haven’t explored that area of Thailand too much. Next time perhaps! Was going to go back this year, but decided on a couple of other places, so 2015.
I love this collection! So vibrant! Although I don’t have any tattoos, I do appreciate their beauty specially when done artistically and beautifully :)
Thank you Cathy! As tattooing has been around for thousands of years, there is also a great deal of historic and anthropological information to be gained from researching them. C’mon, you should get one! ;)
Perhaps one day :-) I’m have nothing against them. I am simply too fickle to own one ;-)
Interesting shots. I suspect tattoos can be very meaningful, and people are pleased to show them off.
Thank you. Yes, I think (for the most part) people who choose to get tattoos will have a specific reason for getting them.
super cool pictures :)
Thank you!
Great idea Mike, I’m a big tattoo lover myself. Although I don’t have one it’s been on my mind to get one for many, many years. Great shots!
Fascinating topic! Great shots
amazing, great job, a lot of awesome tatoos, fascinating!