Rupert MS England | Photographer

"Rock n' Roll Thai Guy" Pai, Thailand 2010

2011-11-11T12:54:00.005+01:00

Pai is a sleepy tourist town in Northern Thailand, close to the Myanmar border and within the region known as the Golden Triangle – once notorious for its illicit opium trade. One lazy afternoon, I noticed a local musician sporting one of the coolest tattoos I had ever seen. Fortunately he allowed me to take a few photographs. My idea was to create a thoroughly modern portrait that paid homage to renaissance portraiture. To achieve this, I chose cross-processing; a technique that results in high-contrast and golden-green skin tones.

"Coches Americanos de La Habana #7" Cuba 2007

2011-08-10T04:06:00.005+02:00

This is one of a series of old American cars snapped in the streets of Vedado, a colourful neighbourhood of Havana. The photographs are in fact a result of being cashless in Cuba for over a week. In terms of international ATMs and credit cards, the Island is entirely off the grid. So, for the first time in seventeen years, I decided to use traveller's cheques. Unfortunately, my luggage, along with the counterfoil for the cheques, was temporarily lost en route from the Bahamas. I (illegally) changed what money I did have into local Cuban currency and barely survived on local produce. I had little option but to walk the streets, shooting people and cars. All the photographs I took during that time were very nearly lost in an attempted mugging; luckily I managed to hold on to my camera.

"Motorcycle Mechanic's Door" Bali 2008

2011-07-18T11:13:00.002+02:00

"Woman Nursing with Family" Havana, Cuba 2007

2011-07-15T03:42:00.006+02:00

Walking along a particularly broken-down street in the Vedado neighbourhood of Havana, I passed a door that was slightly ajar. Naturally inquisitive, I glanced-in to see a mother nursing her baby. Stopping quickly, I greeted her in Spanish and gestured to my camera. The woman smiled and nodded her head. Delighted at the permission to shoot, I slowly pushed open the door and was greeted by the extended family. A few seconds later, the Dalmatian walked into frame, completing the portrait of a typical Havana family.

"Huddling Woman, Cat & Shadow" Cairo, Egypt 2007

2011-07-14T12:55:00.003+02:00

This street scene, shot from the balcony of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Cairo, seems to tell a mysterious tale. A closer look reveals the profile of a woman huddled in a blanket, wiping her nose with a tissue. The long shadow of a man in a hat lurks ominously nearby. The ginger cat, basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun, completes this story of everyday existence.

"Man with Newspaper" Lisbon, Portugal 2009

2011-07-11T03:21:00.002+02:00

"Fordsburg Pigeons" Johannesburg, South Africa 2007

2011-07-08T05:26:00.007+02:00

When I was living in Johannesburg, I frequented an inexpensive framer near the Oriental Plaza, on the outskirts of downtown "Jozi". On a nearby street, I noticed that an unusual number of pigeons were always perched on the telephone wires or strutting along the pavement. Upon investigation, I noticed that it was because the birds were being fed. I walked toward a flock, pecking at crumbs. Slowly, I got closer, composing my shot – then I rushed toward them, firing fast, knowing I would capture the beat of their wings as they rose to safety. In terms of the grade, the intention was to express the dark heart of Jo'burg. A notoriously dangerous city that does, in fact, possess a beautiful soul.

"Clothes Shop near Jericho" Jordan 2007

2011-07-06T04:37:00.006+02:00

"The Scrap Yard at Giza" Egypt 2007

2011-06-18T12:07:00.007+02:00

Off the proverbial beaten track, I discovered this bizarre sight; a junk yard within a kilometre of the world's oldest tourist attraction. For me, this photograph epitomises the state of humanity today. In the background is the ultimate achievement of our ancient forefathers. In the foreground is a symbol of the modern age; the invention that propelled us forward. Now as we begin to realise that our very progress may also be our inevitable downfall as a people, we look to slow our advancement; to return to the simpler life of past generations. But sadly it seems that we're already too late. Like this car, our one and only beautiful planet may be broken beyond repair.

"Boy with Sunglasses" Havana, Cuba 2007

2011-06-14T06:07:00.002+02:00

"Stickers on Sign" Lower East Side, New York 2007

2011-06-13T10:03:00.003+02:00

The Lower East Side of New York has a very special kind of wallpaper. Composed of spray paint, permanent marker, ink, stencils, stickers, homemade posters and more, this layer of guerrilla communication is what gives the area its artistic soul. You could say it's created by our need for self-expression; our desire to leave a mark; or simply to advertise a brand on the cheap. Whatever it is, without it, New York would not be the inspiring city that it is.

"Cabbages near Holy Lake and Volcano" Bali, Indonesia 2008

2011-06-03T18:06:00.004+02:00

On a road trip around Bali, I was determined to find the soul of the Island – off the tourist track. This photo was taken at Danau Bratan, a large lake – surrounded by densely forested mountains – in the ancient crater of Gunung Catur. For a long time, I drove around the water through an enchanting landscape of vegetable and flower farms. When the road ended, I parked the car and walked until I happened upon this delightful scene with its backdrop of lake and volcano, topped by cotton-candy clouds. Of course, I never thought I would find soul in a cabbage patch!

"Liberty in the Mist" New York 2007

2011-05-31T13:24:00.003+02:00

Back in the day when immigrants would arrive in New York by ship, the first sight they would see is Lady Liberty. In 2007, on a 3-month sabbatical in "Gotham City", I was fortunate enough to be able to stay with a wealthy school friend in Battery Park, an exclusive neighbourhood on the southern tip of Manhattan Island. In search of the American dream, my friend had risked everything; putting his life-savings into a single platinum deal – which paid off handsomely. He is now one of the most successful platinum dealers in the United States and this is the view from his apartment. For some, Liberty has been kind.

"Man Smoking Cigarette" Isfahan, Iran 2010

2011-05-26T06:55:00.004+02:00

In the hours leading up to this shot, I began wondering why on earth I had decided to travel to Iran. My days on the road are generally measured by the number of photo opportunities. Up until this time, I had not had much luck. I was beginning to feel mentally isolated, wishing I had chosen a beach holiday in Thailand instead. Upon entering the bazaar of Isfahan, my mood changed. Iranians are incredibly hospitable people and, when asked, are happy to pose for a photograph.

"Mother, Daughters & Jesus" Havana, Cuba 2007

2011-05-23T09:23:00.002+02:00

"Coches Americanos de La Habana #8" Cuba 2007

2011-05-18T05:11:00.002+02:00

"Man in Hyde Park" London 2011

2011-05-14T06:34:00.002+02:00

"Nile from a Bridge" Cairo, Egypt 2007

2011-05-11T04:33:00.002+02:00

"iKasi Afternoon" Welkom, South Africa 2011

2011-05-10T09:02:00.002+02:00

"Man on Underground" London 2008

2011-05-06T10:31:00.002+02:00

"The Old Cigarette Smoker" Isfahan, Iran 2010

2011-05-05T10:18:00.003+02:00

"Sleepy Dogs" Bali 2008

2011-04-19T09:42:00.002+02:00

"Son Walking Mother on 55 St" New York 2007

2011-04-18T08:35:00.006+02:00

On a late afternoon in Midtown Manhattan, I was touched by this scene. An elderly woman, who looked like a typical New Yorker, very slowly crossed the street. A man, her son (or perhaps her toy-boy), kept her snail's pace a meter behind. At that moment, I wondered what she had seen, the changes she had witnessed, what kind of life she had lead? Whatever her path, it was wonderful to see that she still had someone by her side.

"Walking the Tube" London 2008

2011-04-16T06:24:00.002+02:00

Often I compose a shot and wait for a subject to walk into frame. In this instance, I noticed the delightfully graphic nature of a pedestrian tunnel on the Underground. I placed my camera on the metal pipe joining the handrails and put my finger on the trigger. (I almost only ever use an available surface as a tripod – it also makes for unexpected angles.) When a crowd had passed and this solitary commuter walked toward me, I opened the shutter and made the most of the available light.

"Budapest Street Scene" Hungary 1994

2011-04-11T10:36:00.003+02:00

This photo was taken on slide film during a month-long journey around the former Eastern Block countries when I was 22 years old. Countries like Hungary were very slowly emerging from the dark days of communism and dictator rule. Buildings were dilapidated, streets were in a state of disrepair and most vehicles were barely roadworthy. I feel that this shot captures the era; the grain of the film adding to the overall ruination of Budapest at that particular time in its long history.

"Old Woman Smiling" Yazd, Iran 2010

2011-04-10T13:21:00.001+02:00

"Peter & Annetta" Colesberg, South Africa 2009

2011-04-02T05:29:00.001+02:00

"Ladyboys on Balcony" Phuket, Thailand 2008

2011-03-30T14:28:00.003+02:00

On a late Sunday afternoon, as I was leaving my hotel in Patong (known for its crazy nightlife), I noticed a pair of scantily clothed ladyboys on a nearby balcony. When I gestured to my camera, they quickly went inside. I was somewhat irked not to have gotten a photo but my disappointment was short-lived; they soon returned – naked – to give me an impromptu show in the soft light of dusk. I only managed a few shots before they disappeared, the one in panties cheekily flashing her butt cheeks as she left the scene.

"Cairo Rooftop Garden" Egypt 2007

2011-03-30T06:51:00.001+02:00

"Man with Coat" Lisbon 2010

2011-03-29T06:29:00.001+02:00

"Girl Posing" Manila, The Philippines 2009

2011-03-29T06:26:00.003+02:00

From 2009-11, I served as a regional creative director based in Singapore. Almost every month I would travel to different countries in South East Asia to oversee the production of television commercials. The Philippines was one of the places I visited quite often. On one of my trips, I befriended a taxi driver who invited me to his house for a weekend barbecue. Of course, his neighbourhood in Manila was a far cry from the exclusive "Green Belt" of downtown Makati (and the luxury of my hotel suite). While I was fairly taken aback by the living conditions of the average Filipino, I was also in awe of their spirit. For a nation that continually endures financial hardships, social issues, political corruption, as well as annual natural disasters; it is truly humbling to experience the uplifting energy of a people whose attitude is nearly always sunny-side-up.

"Granddad and Grandson" Havana, Cuba 2007

2011-03-27T17:17:00.001+02:00

"Easter Sunday in Harlem" New York 2008

2011-03-26T07:48:00.001+01:00

"Crying Girl" Cappadocia, Turkey 2007

2011-03-24T12:08:00.001+01:00

"Graffiti on the Great Wall" China 2008

2011-03-24T12:06:00.011+01:00

We all dream of visiting certain places. However, the reality of the destination is seldom what we expect. In the early days of my travels, I would often be disappointed; the photos I had seen were either dated or the photographer had chosen to focus on the clichéd view. It was this very disappointment that became my inspiration. It made me want to properly document reality of the world – as I see it – even if the truth does not make for the happy-holiday postcard shot. Here is decades of graffiti left by the countless human beings who have visited our only structure visible from space.

"The Young Pipe Smoker" Isfahan, Iran 2010

2011-03-23T09:00:00.001+01:00

"Xhosa Hut" Transkei, South Africa 2005

2011-03-23T07:23:00.001+01:00

"American Couple on Paradise Island" Bahamas 2007

2011-03-22T07:03:00.001+01:00

"Beirut Shorefront" Lebanon 2007

2011-03-21T16:12:00.001+01:00

"Man with One Cigarette" Bangkok, Thailand 2009

2011-03-21T12:18:00.001+01:00

"Domino Players" Havana, Cuba 2007

2011-03-21T12:13:00.001+01:00

"Havana Fashion" Cuba 2007

2011-03-20T07:41:00.001+01:00

"Boy on Bicycle" Yazd, Iran 2010

2011-03-19T08:38:00.001+01:00

"Farm Stall Gothic" Free State, South Africa 2006

2011-03-19T08:02:00.002+01:00

"Installation" Hyde Park, London 2011

2011-03-19T07:59:00.001+01:00

"Fishermen at Sunset" Bali, Indonesia 2008

2011-03-19T07:31:00.001+01:00

"Havana Man Enjoys Rum and Cigar" Cuba 2007

2011-03-17T11:51:00.001+01:00

"Approaching Storm" Free State, South Africa 2008

2011-03-17T06:29:00.002+01:00

South Africa is a big sky country and no more so than in Free State province – the farming heartland of the "Rainbow Nation". This photo was taken on the Old Wepener Road – a dirt track near Smithfield where I own a big old house, built in the early 1900s. Often I drive down the road and stop – just to listen to the utter silence broken only by the wind and the creek of an old metal wind pump somewhere in the distance. On this occasion, I came to a halt near a farm gate to watch an approaching storm. Quickly the skies turned from blue to grey as clouds gathered and moved toward where I stood. This is my attempt to capture that moment when light turns to darkness.

"Staff at The Pour House" Boston, USA 2007

2011-03-17T06:26:00.001+01:00

"Coches Americanos de La Habana #14" Cuba 2007

2011-03-16T15:36:00.001+01:00

"Istanbul Façade with Man" Turkey 2006

2011-03-16T14:34:00.001+01:00

"British Tourists on Subway" New York 2007

2011-03-16T13:51:00.001+01:00

"Woman in Maroon Socks" Vinales, Cuba 2007

2011-03-16T13:40:00.001+01:00

"Hyde Park Swans" London 2008

2011-03-14T17:58:00.001+01:00

"Coches Americanos de La Habana #1" Cuba 2007

2011-03-14T17:45:00.001+01:00

"Figure on a Beach" Transkei, South Africa 2006

2011-03-14T15:56:00.001+01:00

"Kyoto Street Scene" Japan 1999

2011-03-14T13:42:00.001+01:00

"Rastaman in the Bairro Alto" Lisbon, Portugal 2010

2011-03-14T12:22:00.001+01:00

"Subway Phone" New York 2007

2011-03-13T17:02:00.001+01:00

"Ladyboy Flashing Her Nipple" Phuket, Thailand 2008

2011-03-13T12:26:00.002+01:00

In December 2008, I took a trip to Phuket with the intent of documenting the transvestites and transsexuals who parade around the strip of bars at Patong. Like many who have lived in South East Asia, I am fascinated by their capacity to defy our perceptions of gender. One of my favourite bloggers remarked about this photo: "Here is a female with lip-gloss slathered generously, brazenly flashing her breast – while her awkwardly large male hand clutches a purse. And so we are forced to ask ourselves: is this permutation of the human form feminine or not?" The photograph (appropriately shot with a plastic-bodied Diana F+ toy camera) is in fact a double-exposure; the trails of colour at the bottom left are the lights of a go-go bar.

"Man with Extraordinary Nose" Isfahan, Iran 2010

2011-03-13T11:06:00.001+01:00

"Havana Woman Waiting" Cuba 2007

2011-03-13T09:39:00.001+01:00

"Emmarentia Bench" Johannesburg, South Africa 2010

2011-03-13T06:07:00.003+01:00

Having spent the first 19 years of my life in Johannesburg, I have a sentimental attachment to the largest city in South Africa. Anyone who has lived in "Jozi" will appreciate the terrifying electrical thunderstorms, the awe-inspiring big-sky sunsets and the magical golden light that illuminates the highveld in winter. Back for the 2010 World Cup, I took these photographs on a late afternoon stroll through the parkland near Emmarentia Dam. The colours stir memories of my childhood and unlock nostalgia. While it is heart-warming to contemplate the miraculous sociopolitical changes that have occurred in the last two decades, it is also comforting to consider how little has changed beneath a willow tree near a stream, in the profoundly beautiful country of my birth.

"Motorcycle Repair Shop" Isfahan, Iran 2010

2011-03-12T10:33:00.001+01:00

"Marley at The Rasta Durong" Bali, Indonesia 2008

2011-03-12T10:30:00.001+01:00