time and again, a photo from Siem Reab, West

Photographer's Note

The first time we visited Angkor Wat was about 15 years ago. Back then Siem Reap was a non-descript 1-street town with a handful of cheap guesthouses and, I believe, one bar (which we didn't bother to visit). To get to some of the more remote temples it wasn't easy to arrange transportation.

Things have changed. Siem Reap is a bustling tourist center with countless hotels, bars and restaurants catering for the masses of foreign tourists.

We knew. And we were afraid to come away disappointed by it all. But we weren't. The temples of Angkor Wat are as captivating as ever and by carefully timing your visit, you can escape the crowds. And, most importantly, in spite of the often demanding influx of tourists, the Cambodians remain friendly as ever.

Timeless beauty.

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This picture was shot within the main Angkor Wat temple itself.

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song title reference: Gillan

Royaldevon, danos, annjackman, timecapturer, gervaso, abmdsudi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Royaldevon (86480) 2013-09-18 6:15

Hello Benny,

What a charming, revealing note.
You are obviously sensitive to the people and their country.
This is a delightfully simple shot. Simple in its features but immense in its mood. This young monk is sharply detailed from his modest expression to his vivid attire. He stands out well against the subdued colours of the b/g which, though subdued, are full of interesting cultural carvings.

Have a lovely day,
Bev :-)

danos (110407) 2013-09-18 7:29

Hello Benny,
nice the portrait of the young monk in the Angor Wat,with his well lighted cloths,to contrast perfect with the dark backdrop.When i was there four yeas ago,they told us that is prohibeted to shot grenerally monks.

Regards,Danos

madhumita_roy86 (2344) 2013-09-18 9:37

Hello Benny,
very good shot of this little monk..
very good colour tones..
great clarity..like the BG....
good note..nice framing..
Tfs! regards,
Madhumita.

annjackman (23019) 2013-09-19 5:37

Hello Benny,
I was there last year and also photographed monks at this famous and impressive temple. Your picture is so beautifully simple with just the one boy in his bright orange robe against the grey/brown BG. I like his serious expression. First class quality.
Kind Regards, Ann

timecapturer (49288) 2013-09-19 6:30

Hi Benny
like this! A simple study that is both compelling and beautifully executed. I love the single bright colour in amongst the darker shades which adds to the appeal and wonder of this quality image. Stunning! Bravo!

Brian.

gervaso (28435) 2013-09-19 9:16

Hello, Benny!

The colors of the picture are great, with the orange of the typical clothes contrasting beautifuly with the dark background! You were lucky of having the opportunity of visiting this place before and after the change, it's a great experience! Wonderful composition!

abmdsudi (95869) 2013-09-19 10:53

Hi Benny
A delightful shot and truly magical place I like this a lot. The stunning saffron color grabs all attention against the detail of the ancient architecture. The clarity and tonal contrast really add to the quality of this shot. This is a gorgeous shot with timeless feel. Great works, Tfs
Best regards

Waylim (25436) 2013-09-19 14:27

Hi Benny,

Great to see you posting. It's been awhile.

Such excellent image, not much to adds, but just to show my appreciatioin. I love the expression of his face, he seems a bit sad and unsure of what the future brings? The bright orange rob set him off the background so wonderfully.

My Fav.

Way

Juzo (2151) 2013-09-20 4:24

Hi Benny,
The changes in Siem Reap must have been amazing...5 star hotels and then shanty towns literally on the doorstep.
Beautiful image, understated backdrop and bold colour for contrast. Excellent.
Cheers
Justin

Bartleby (13552) 2013-09-22 7:49

Hi Benny,
I do agree. Angkor Wat is a truly magnificent site. Excellent shot of this young monk with the recognizable orange cloth. A classic.

Philippe

mjw364 (1466) 2013-09-27 11:58

Hi Benny

I'm always mindful of the Sex Pistols line "a cheap holiday in other people's misery" when I think of Cambodia, probably because I also think of Holiday in Cambodia by Dead Kennedy's at the same time! My mind can be very random sometimes! I guess from your note though that the holiday's are no longer as cheap and the people are clearly not that miserable.

I like the composition here and the way you have contrasted the orange clothes of the young monk with the grey temple walls - it could almost be an example of selective desaturation but it is not, obviously.

Nice moment captured.