I was walking in this small village adjoining Tonle Sap Lake, where I made this image.
The village was a long line of houses on either side of a unmetalled road. The road was a raised mud-bank, while the houses were built on stilts to keep the water out during the high season. This place also served as a gateway to several other dwellings that are built fully over water, without road access. These monks were on their way to one such place on Tonle Sap Lake. They were getting in to boat driven by the boatman, but it rook a bit hop,skip and jump over other boats to get there.
This article appeared in October issue of Terrascape magazine, where I write a column on photography. Read all the earlier travel photography articles on India Travel & Photography Blog.
Sometimes, being open to possibilities lets you discover (and photograph) a whole new world that you would have otherwise missed by a whisker. We often travel in search of beauty, staying alert to see and capture new places and cultures. But more often than not, we tread the beaten path as we follow guidebooks, accept itineraries or simply go by what is well-known.
About a month ago, a Tuk Tuk driver in Battambang, Cambodia, invited me to try out something else. He said, “let’s go on a small adventure; I will take you to the rural interiors and we will visit families practicing traditional occupations for a very long time”. I wasn’t really prepared for this. When someone stranger, whose credentials are unknown to you makes such offer, you are more likely to decline than accept. For some reason, my sixth sense said ‘let us go,’ and I agreed to his idea. What I saw and experienced next day with the Tuk Tuk driver was just the kind of things I was looking for, but never knew whom to ask.
Sunrise over the well-known Angkor Wat temple is a much photographed spectacle. On a morning when the air is still–it typically is–the spires of the temple reflect perfectly on a tank overlooking the edifice. If the clouds add to the drama, a superb show can be expected from the morning sun.
The photographer who first made this image and put an effort to publicize this must be a proud man. Every day, especially in the peak season, a thousand people land up in front of the lake with a hope to see and photograph the sunrise. When I was in Cambodia last week, I dutifully joined the crowds in putting my stamp on this much-photographed, much-visited and much-appreciated image of sunrise over Angkor. Cliched it may be, but can’t be missed or ignored.
Here is a collage of three images of reflection of Angkor Wat’s temple spires. First one was made well before sunrise, when a few stars were still flickering in the sky. The second one was just before sunrise, and the third one during sunset hours when you don’t have to jostle with 999 more photographers to claim your space.
And here is a photograph that might just discourage you from trying this morning adventure! Remember, this photograph only shows people to the right of me. To the left is an equally strong crowd waiting for the sun to show up.
The sunrise hour is so popular with visitors that a few restaurateurs nearby now offer chairs to people who arrive early. You can buy a coffee and get the chair complementary, or just pay for the chair! Enterprising!!
