900 years later..., a photo from Siem Reab, West

Photographer's Note

.

Every morning, hundreds photographers and thousands travelers gathered here in the dark, ready to enjoy the sun rising behind the silhouette of Angkor skyline. In the solemn and tranquil atmosphere, I found a Khmer woman in my camera viewfinder. The others waited for her to get out of their view so they can photograph while I was in a hurry with the fear that I may miss her in my picture.

The woman collected garbage, first, to keep the place clean, and to sell to recycle station to earn the daily meal.

Built by Suryavarman II between 1113 and 1150, after 9 centuries, this supreme masterpiece of Khmer architecture creates a humble way for a person to survive.

Welcome to Angkor Wat.

.

sothy81, cliffchappell, sanalytis, TRASH, SamB, Ulishna, nicol_g has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

sothy81 (9646) 2007-01-16 8:50

Hi Thanh, this is another presenation of Angkor. With the presentation of the lady there, makes this picture more into a daily life scene instead. The sky on the background is also awesome. Also very sharp too. Well done. Sothy

mursaloglu (8682) 2007-01-16 9:05 [Comment]

Show Comment

cliffchappell (223) 2007-01-16 11:45 [Comment]

Show Comment

sanalytis (1634) 2007-01-16 11:56

Hi Thanh,

Very nice composition. Early morning at Ankgor is really special. I agree with cliff, the shot would be missing an important element without the lady.

Take Care,

Spiros

TRASH (0) 2007-01-16 13:14

I saw many photos taken of Angkor Wat, but this is the first one with a sense of humanity rather than a show-off of architecture or construction.
Thanks.

MQ

SamB (1948) 2007-01-17 3:12

Hello, Thanh--
Your sensitivity and consideration to the local people has paid off well... While the other photographers around you likely came away with boring, cliche pictures of the same Angkor skyline we've all seen hundreds of other times, you incorporated the local culture into the frame in a sensitive and interesting way. The angle at which she leans matches the angle of the right shore of the water, showing that more than an obstacle, she was a pivotal part of the composition that was thought long about.
Thanks for this one!
sam

nicol_g (859) 2007-01-17 16:18

Hi Thanh,
I appreciate much the way you made use of the renown Angkor temple to build up and convey a thoughtful message.
I like much how you composed the image, though you said you were in a hurry (for fear not to lose your 'subject') the picture doesn't give me this impression.
Good title ... to what extent the situation will be any different as the years are added to 900 ?