Cambodian "Cheese" Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is not an unusual sight to an Asian, but has an element of humor to the Western Mind. We think of monks meditating alone in some far off monastery. But monks playing tourist? It's a little out of a westerner's stereotype of a monk. Here, monks join the tourist crowd at one of Cambodia's most revered temple ruins--Preah Vihear. The temple is most easily approached from the Thai border, and is known by the Thais as "Khao Prah Vihan."

2009 note...
I'm lucky to have been to this amazing location at least four times--before being closed off by border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, in which there have been soldier casualties.

Every true lover of ancient ruins in this part of the world hopes for a speedy solution to the political crisis hanging over this magical World Heritage location, so that we can enjoy it in person once again.

InasiaJones, Wanda1, Caterpillar has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

InasiaJones (20703) 2007-05-22 10:55

Hi John and welcome on TE!

Great introduction with this monks shot playing the Trekkers... So you’ve been to Khao Prah Vihan; As you probably already know, there is very few images of this temple on this site and it’s interesting to see the landscape surrounding this mythic place.

I like the view that you’ve caught, but I wish the horizon would have been, well, horizontal. Also, the little piece of rock on the left side is a little bit disturbing.

As your first critic, I hope you understand the goal of this site and constructive comments are here to make us improve our technique. I will post you a workshop, to apply what I’m talking about.

Best regards,

André

[workshop] [compare] +

Buin (38258) 2007-05-22 12:38

Hallo John!
A beautiful and indeed a funny photo - I can't see a trace of "cheese". These orange clothings really are eye-catchers and give a wonderful contrast to the greenery around. Very well seen!
Welcome to TrekEarth, hope to see more of "JCD"!
Greetings from Germany!
Frank

Wanda1 (11015) 2007-05-23 9:07

Hi John,
A great shot, well seen! I like the contrast between the monks and the scenery. I wanted to go to this temple on our trip to Cambodia but it was simply to far for the amount of time that we had to see everything else. A nice image.
Regards
Wanda

Senk (2033) 2007-06-01 3:23

Hi John
nice pictures I like the color

sothy81 (8540) 2007-06-04 6:10

Hi John,

A very nice capture of daily life from Cambodia. Modern clashes traditional way of life among monks. Very nice colors and exposure. Well done

Looking forward to seeing your next few best.

PS: I got your mail. Thanks for your nice comments. I am glad that you have visited Cambodia. If I have a chance to visit Thailand I will let you know.

Greeting from Phnom Penh,
Sothy