Wedding Khmer Style Photo

Photographer’s Note

After 1.5hour first morning sunrise shooting at Angkor Wat temple complex, I wandered around and came across this couple have a wedding photography session. You will see that none of them were looking at me. The bride was looking at her official photographer but the groom was looking at another outsider. So what should I do, shout for attention? No, I just took it easy and be the neglected photographer :)

I saw a few groups of wedding ceremony shooting at Angkor in the morning. Looks like this is the most favorite location for wedding photography. I would not mind the superb backdrop of the temples, they are really good for the colorful wedding dresses.

This one is official Khmer style of wedding tradition wear. And that is the main purpose I posted this picture. It was hot and the light was harsh, so I doubted why they came here during this time. To me, I think this looks better than South Korean wedding dresses.

You have to remember that I only saw film cameras used by Cambodian photographers. The latest model I saw by the more experienced Cambodian photographer was Nikon F50. Here, the official photographer [he was young!] was carrying an old Canon film camera and directed the couple to do this and that. If I knew the language I would like to ask him why putting the couple in harsh and strong sunlight for shooting! They really charged very cheap for a wedding.

Edited and prepared this photo for TE while inflight 2 weeks ago. Hope no mistakes on it.
2009:03:05 10:24:31, ISO200, FL160mm, sigma70-200 f/2.8

axiotea, parbo, leo61, Rooster_kool, JudyR, TopGeo, Isabelle, papagolf21, phwall, BWJ, Floydian, siolaw, dareco, mustafatavsiz, azaf1, fanni, skippy007, shevchenko, riclopes, paura, bobocortis, lrw1966, gunbud, AiresSantos, pierrefonds, danos, cfreire, JCG, Kielia, Cricri, zeca, Charo, jusninasirun has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

scalerman (25787) 2009-05-11 11:56

Bill: and the jungle birds adorn themselves in the finest royal plumage. A fine image - and a telling note. regards, c

leo61 (43830) 2009-05-11 12:00

Hi Bill!
A good double portrait of this happy couple,taken from a good low POV and angle.I like the sharpness at their faces and ceremony dresses and the contrast with the nice blurred background.
Regards,leo

Rooster_kool (843) 2009-05-11 12:13

I can aswer the questions for u. Those photographer are not the pro at all. They have learn from each other. As u mentioned that u see only old film camera, yeah u r so right. Only at few Pro studios, the photographer will use DSLR. The important why they shoot photo during the harsh sunlight, the answer is the break time during Khmer wedding they need to shoot it fast and go back the ceremony to continuing their event. The dress u see is just one of budget wedding clothes. They need at least 10 clothes from the start till the end of their wedding ceremony.

JudyR (903) 2009-05-11 12:14

Fascinating photograph.... the simplicity of the man and the extravagance of the woman. I wonder..... Judy

bracasha75 (22431) 2009-05-11 12:45

Helo Bill
............and i wish then all luck of this world and many childern!!!!!!!
You was on right place at right time
TFs
Cheers,Braca

TopGeo (22279) 2009-05-11 13:13

Hi Bill!
A good double portraits Are a particular moment of life the two new and this you the picture constitute their good nuptial gift I liked the details the colours the frame!
compliments
Georgios

papagolf21 (56811) 2009-05-11 14:34

Bonsoir, cher Bill,
Quitte à me répéter, l'intérêt majeur de TE est bien ce genre de composition. Mieux comprendre les us et coutumes de chaque pays. Apprendre pour enrichir nos esprits et éviter les a priori où les vieilles images !
L'image est de toute beauté à l'instar de la robe !
Amitiés.
Philippe

phwall (5711) 2009-05-11 16:13

Hi Bill,
Lovely portrait of this young couple, he looks handsome and his bride is beautiful. The matching colours of their clothing compliments their union. I thought Ma's comment was most interesting.
Very nice work.
Cheers
Peter

BWJ (1777) 2009-05-11 18:57

Hello Bill,
I like to see traditional dress. The photo is beautiful with gorgeous colors and sharp details. Thank you so much for the information in the note.
Kind regards,
Betty

Floydian (30970) 2009-05-11 22:00

Hi Bill,

A lovely pose, two souls found each other and hoping to be together for the rest of their lives. Both look very sweet and very young. Their pink/purple clothings are beautiful, especially that from the woman. Wonderful details, great sharpness. I also like your framing a lot, brings out the two in front and put all focus where it must be...great shot.

Regards,

Henk

siolaw (25838) 2009-05-11 23:38

Hi Bill
Although you say they look at some other photographers, the actually almost seem to be looking at you.. the wedding photo thief!
Anyhow, despite the brand of your camera (;D) you obtained great clarity of colors and superb sharpness... these fantastic clothes (and the beautiful girl) help also with a good dose of exoticism.
When we marry, can you come for the official photos?
Greetings from India
Laurent

dareco (17104) 2009-05-11 23:52

I find her wedding dress extremely interesting and beautiful. A beautiful portrait! Fabulous colors. TFS

Royaldevon (5944) 2009-05-12 1:28

Hello Bill,

You, as the neglected photographer, probably got the best shot!
A very fine double portrait!
The focus is sharp and the details of the fabrics and decorations are beautifully captured.
Although the sun was harsh, the shadows are not strong - although wow, look at those lashes!
I like this, Bill. A real taste of the East.

Have a good day,
Bev :-)

vincz (19045) 2009-05-12 5:50

Very nice image, so true, so charming and with so beautiful colours. Great one.

mustafatavsiz (224) 2009-05-12 6:03

Hi
I liked the colors and composition .But in my opinion ,your signature's place is wrong.
Regards.
Mustafa

carper (65768) 2009-05-12 9:33

very nice one Bill,
good portrait of this wedding, good quality job, well doned, have a nice day.
regard jaap

jmdias (19953) 2009-05-12 16:04

bill

very interesting portrait, they are very different of people getting married here in Brazil, where the white is the usual color for women and a guy never would use a pink cloth

I liked the way they are looking, in opposite sides, the light is perfect and the colors of their clothes and addornments are very beautiful. TFS

hugs

jorge

skippy007 (7361) 2009-05-12 17:05

Hello Bill, Another lovely portrait, this time a double, I read Rooster kool explanation, found it very interesting, I look at the contrast between the pretty woman & her elaborate dress & makeup, she is looking the other way, I look at the man very typically dressed in plain clothes ( we need very little to look our best :-)), I think he is looking at you & looking very proud. A love couple, dressed in similar colour & complimenting each other. A very nice, pin sharp image with the natural looking colours. Have you thought of doing wedding photography?
Regards
Santo

shevchenko (10110) 2009-05-12 19:22

Hello Bill,
Wow, amazing make up on the face of bride, attractive her beautiful costume and jewels, good manage of lighting and exposure, distinct outdoor wedding portrait, well done.
Ally

riclopes (33135) 2009-05-13 0:16

Very interesting note as usual, Bill. They look really nice in this traditional wear, quite exotic to my westerner mind. It's sweet the way they are holding hands. Excellent portrait, maybe just a bit tight on top of his head.
ricardo

paura (39418) 2009-05-13 4:33

Bill,
Very interesting scene here, showing the couple in a wedding clothes. Perfect photo technics. well done.

Regards

Paulo

bobocortis (14144) 2009-05-13 5:51

Hello Bill.
An excellent portrait of a couple, with delicate colors and perfect details of the dresses.
Best regards.
Bobo.

azaf1 (15547) 2009-05-13 9:03

Hi Bill

They look so happy, posing together. Excellent framing expression and above all a genuine report from a distant part of the world with all the local color. Really nice, my friend

Have a good day and TFS
Argiris

lrw1966 (1632) 2009-05-13 10:00

Bill, Hi:

Marvelous Portrait, wonderful done and impressively presented with excellent notes.

Thanks
Larry

luighi (4302) 2009-05-13 10:05

Hi my friend , otro excelente retrato para tu galeria .Increible nitidez , colores , texturas , perfectamente iluminada y sobre todo una gran transmision de cultura.Felicidades.
Saludos cordiales.
Luis

jurek1951 (26164) 2009-05-13 10:06

Hi Bill,
beautiful moment,great happinies.Beautiful double portrait.Well done,
Georg

gunbud (28181) 2009-05-13 18:18

Hi Bill,
Stunning capture of the happy couple just after their union was completed.
Very clear natural colors with the wonderful intricate details of their wedding dress so vividly seen.
Regards, Tom

dvlazar (6492) 2009-05-13 20:30

Very interesting to see the dress alone for a Khmer wedding. I like the ornate jewelery featured here, and it's interesting to see the colors they dress in for a wedding.
Thanks for that!
Dave

Gerrit (36325) 2009-05-13 22:39

Hi Bill.
I like his shirt.
Good crop and POV. Well realised portrait.
Regards, Gerrit

AiresSantos (42986) 2009-05-14 2:19

Wonderful view of this couple, dear Bill !
Impressive colours and details.
I like a lot the DOF and their expressions
TFS and greetings
Aires

anto95 (1820) 2009-05-14 5:14

Hi bill,
Wonderful light and colours, great contrast picture.
Antonello

pierrefonds (26691) 2009-05-14 5:28

Hi Bill,

You caught nicely the the happiness expression of the couple. It is well framed. The point of view is allowing us to see the details and colors of the clothing. The picture is clear and sharp. The light bhas a good effect on the colors. Have a nice day.

Pierre

parbo (11038) 2009-05-14 18:54

Hello Bill,

Your decision is excellent and I'm sure groom is enjoying his pose but most important part is what about the diversity at first hours;)

Excellent clarity and sharpness while their colorful costumes are eye catching. Congratulations.

Friendly Regards,

Ertugrul

axiotea (16309) 2009-05-14 21:41

Bonjour Bill
So you became the official photographer for Cambodian weddings ;))
although they were posing for the other photographers, it seems the groom was looking at you and I found successful this double portrait taken in a good light. The good sharpness allows also to see clearly the details and colors are nicely rendered.
Have a nice day
Marilyn

danos (33386) 2009-05-15 0:12

Hello Bill,
i lost this specific one pose of this just new marriage Khmer couple.The shot is very nice and the two ' shine' from happiness.The native photographer, i think that must be new in the photographic art and his camera equivalent with his earnings of these poor people of this country.Well done.

Regards,Danos

foozi (4735) 2009-05-15 5:17

Hi Bill,
this is really excellent. the venture is worth. The wedding is so special and the sharpness and gesture of the coupes are really superbs.
nice composition, I was wondering at the ornaments they wear.
harmonises very well.

regards,
Foozi

jhm (83446) 2009-05-16 1:44

Hello Bill,

I like this wonderful wedding portrait.
As well as composition are superb, my wife look specially to the lady her attire.
Excellent composition and nice presentation. TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

cfreire (11667) 2009-05-16 14:55

Hi Bill,
Beautiful portrait well composed with good management of colors and lights. The face expressions of the couple are natural and pretty. Exellent use of f/7.1. Well done. Regards, Consuelo

JCG (25757) 2009-05-17 7:02

Hi Bill,

A portrait of any beauty, you become a specialist in this kind of photograph… I like much the DOF and the quality of the image as well in the colors as clearness. The traditional clothes bring out well in this photograph. Beautiful photographic work and thank you Bill for the interesting note as usual.

With all my friendships and very good Sunday,

Jean-Charles

Kielia (8739) 2009-05-17 10:05

Hi Bill,
I totally agree to Beverley! This double portrait is excellent photo work, the colors are beautiful and I like this strong impression on the groom’s face. My compliments. Your note is also very interesting.
Warm regards
Harriet

Cricri (43822) 2009-05-18 8:27

Hi Bill
Voila une belle photo de mariage, un rose qui prime et plein de jolis détails, ce qui est plus particulier içi c'est qu'il ne vous regarde pas, ça donne un côté plus natuel on peut dire
Excellent cadrage
Friendship
cricri

zeca (20026) 2009-05-18 9:25

Very nice portrait, Bill. Good to see the lots of bride's details. Nice colours and excellent sharpness.
Regards,
Zeca

sagar (2307) 2009-05-19 11:55

Hi Bill,
A perfect wedding portrait!! The couple looks very contended and happy. The dress the lady is wearing is amazing!
Regards,
Sagarneel.

Charo (31877) 2009-05-22 17:20

Hello Bill,
This beautiful portrait of the couple on their wedding day. The details and colors are great and an excellent light. Good job my friend.
My best wishes for the weekend,
Charo

devimeuxbe (56406) 2009-05-24 9:45

Hi Bill
amzing portrait and good report on this khmer wedding. Your portrait is very sharp and well done
Bertrand

marietom (32108) 2009-05-28 14:06

hello Bill,

Joli portrait, de ce couple bien souriant, dans de très beaux costumes colorés.
Bonne soirée
Marie

jemaflor (39759) 2009-05-29 4:14

Hi Bill,
Good portrait, well taken, perfect light and colors well done.

stego (22484) 2009-06-03 13:39

Hi Bill,
Competing with the local wedding photographers, hem? :D
They are very lucky if they have any photo of their wedding so great as this one. Their colourful clothes, the perfect "pyramidal" compo and sharpness make it very attractive.
Regards,
José

jusninasirun (10213) 2009-06-15 1:39

Hi Bill,

The couple looks like the Siamese Opera that I used to watch during my very much younger days. I remembered sitting on the harvested field until the wee hour of the morning because the story line was so long-winded and yet very interesting.

Top class portrait and the details are so well established as one would expect from Bill.

Thanks for sharing and have a nice day.
Jusni