Whats The Context?
Angkor Wat Temple Complex, aka Angkor Archaeological Park, is easily one of my favorite places to photograph anywhere in the world. The temples preservation, the people, and the culture all come together to create the perfect storm for a travel photographer. My good friend had never actually been to Angkor Wat despite living in Thailand his entire life. So we decided to grab a $40 flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap. This was during rainy season so the crowds were relatively sparse. The rains added another layer of character to the complex which I really enjoyed capturing.
What Was I Trying to Capture?
This specific shot was more of a right place right time kind of situation. I think everyone has a certain view of Monks. Partially created by western media. Monks represent a bygone era of simplicity and calm. So, when I saw these two young monks playing with a smartphone I was a bit surprised. Granted, I’ve seen monks at malls and electronics stores shopping quite a bit while living in Bangkok. But never while out and about on temple grounds. I was actually trying to capture them standing but couldn’t get an angle which showed the device. They started walking and the phone became clear and I think the image still works.
My Settings:
Hand Held or Stabilized: Hand HeldExposure: 1/320 sec at F/5.0Focal Length: 105MMISO: 100Lighting: Natural Light. Mid DayBody: Canon 7DLens: Sigma 24-105 F4 Angkor Wat Travel Tips and Guide: The Angkor Wat Temple Complex is located just outside of Siem Reap Cambodia. Where you’ll likely be staying. To be perfectly honest, there isn’t much going on in Siem Reap. It exists almost exclusively to serve tourism to Angkor Wat. Prices are a bit higher than other parts of Cambodia and the quality of food isn’t necessarily up to the regions standards. And be ready for a rough ride as the streets are terrible and extremely dusty/muddy depending on the season. With that said, you’re going to get some excellent accommodations and meet some great people.There are a few places I recommend you stay but two stand out. Borei Angkor Resort & Spa and Lotus Blanc Resort. Both excellent hotels and come in around $45. Angkor Wat Temple Complex is one of the few places I would highly recommend you hire a car/guide for the day. You can easily find them in Siem Reap. Either a car or a tuk-tuk will be on offer. TAKE THE CAR. Smoother ride, air conditioning, and not much more expensive. A registered tour company will charge you around $70 for a one day tour of Angkor Wat. This does NOT usually include the complex ticket which I’ll list below. You can find an independent guide/driver. Negotiate him down to around $40 for the day. DO NOT pay them upfront no matter what. I always treat my guides to lunch. Angkor Wat Temple Complex Prices are as follow:1 Day 37 $3 Days 62 $7 Days 72 $I recommend grabbing the 3 day if you’re looking to explore and do the sunrise visit. Personally, I explore two full days and I’m good. And don’t lose your ticket/id. The fines are around $100. Also, children under 12 get in free. So would you like to explore Angkor Wat? Have you ever been?
