From Berlin to Bangkok: An Interview with Frankie Casillo

Introducing Frankie Casillo, the original 'Friends of Fotoclub' We met Frankie during the very opening week of Fotoclub BKK back in 2019. A passionate film photographer and member of the Berlin Street Photography Club at the time, he now leads Safelight Berlin, one of the largest film labs in Europe.

In 2019, Frankie led our first official fotowalk, sharing his technique and style in street photography. This event remains one of the most memorable days for Fotoclub BKK. We were fortunate enough to document it, and you can watch the highlights on YouTube 

Between 2019 and 2024, we kept in touch, sharing thoughts and projects throughout the years. The pandemic posed challenges and delayed our collaborations, but our connection remained strong.

We told Frankie about this article and asked him to share some of his 2024 photo essay and thoughts from his revisit to Thailand. All the pictures here were developed and scanned at Fotoclub BKK, our beloved film processing lab in Bangkok, Thailand. Enjoy this special feature and get inspired by his incredible journey!

1. What inspired the selection of these specific 9 images for the photo essay? Can you share the stories or emotions behind some of them?

Every time I come to Thailand, I mainly focus on the streets, particularly in Bangkok, where it naturally happens as I cruise the city. But I always have a plan in mind or something that I want to document during the journey. Like in 2019, it was the private in-house Femme for Femme domination session by Mistress Simone Siren. You can check it out here: https://www.frankiecasillo.com/Wet-Messy. This time, it was part of my interest and research into combat sports, with the focus, of course, on Muay Thai and K1. I find it fascinating from every point of view—the fighters, the crowd, and everything that surrounds this growing business. There is also something so primordial that we all share that I’m definitely trying to capture. I’m currently working on the Berlin and German scene, but I’ll be back to Asia soon.

2.  How can readers stay connected with you or explore more of your work? Could you provide details on how they can reach out to you?

Of course, as usual, you can find me on Instagram or contact me through my website. But if you want to just hang out, you can always pop by Safelight Berlin.

3. Could you share your overall impression of Fotoclub BKK and discuss any specific experiences with the club that have significantly influenced your photography?

the hub not just for photographers but for everyone who belongs to the community. I was there the first time and met Jate during the opening week of Fotoclub; it was just the perfect time and place. It’s a must-go.

Frankie Casillo

https://www.frankiecasillo.com

https://www.instagram.com/frankiecasillophoto 

FotoclubBKK we're not just a lab #ร้านล้างฟิล์มที่ไม่ใช้ร้านล้างฟิล์ม #FotoclubBKK