With the rise in travel blogging and constantly developing photographic technology, it can sometimes feel like your photos will never compare to those which you see online. However, with a little insider knowledge, this need not be the case. We\u2019ve contacted some of the world\u2019s most talented travel photographers who not only have expert knowledge on how to make impressive landscapes appear as beautiful through the lens as they do the retina, but who have also photographed Cambodia extensively.<\/p>\n
Here they share their exclusive top tips on how to take amazing travel photos in Cambodia.<\/p>\n
Make the most of the natural light<\/h2>\n
You\u2019ve probably seen the photos of Siem Reap basked in the sunlight or silhouetted against a fiery sky. The ancient gateway to Angkor Wat is probably the most-photographed landmark in the whole of Cambodia, and is sure to provide some incredible shots. But, as photographers emphasise, timing is key.<\/p>\n Professional travel photographer Peter West Carey says:<\/p>\n \u201cTake advantage of the morning quiet and beautiful light just after sunset as often as you can. It is a great way to see a city awaken and to have nice contrast and clarity in your photos.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Sunrise is indeed one of the finest times to photograph various locations in Cambodia, with bold, striking colours that make the architectural details of the country stand out.<\/p>\n He says that timing photography trips for an hour or so before sunset can also make for beautiful photos:<\/p>\n \u201cThese are the times when the sun\u2019s light lends itself to wide angle landscape images without washing out the colours.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n In this soft light, everything from people to places appear to glow from within, giving an ethereal feel to images. If you\u2019re out during the middle of the day, make the most of the intense sunlight that throws subtleties into relief.<\/p>\n Peter adds,<\/p>\n “Go for the intricate details you will find; from local carvings to the faces of new friends you will meet. If you\u2019re looking for great shots of the temples, wait out the midday sun if you can and you\u2019ll be rewarded with saturated blue skies to contrast the orange colours and structures you find.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Many photographers share this enjoyment in using different kinds of natural light to enrich their photos. As Am\u00e9lie Gagne from Mostly Am\u00e9lie points out:<\/p>\n “It\u2019s no secret that the best time to take photographs is sunrise and sunset.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n However, it\u2019s not just for the lighting that she loves taking her camera out early in the morning. Am\u00e9lie adds:<\/p>\n \u201cI once woke at 2am to hike up a mountain to photograph the sunrise over a volcano. Not only did I have the place all to myself, I was also able to witness the shape of the volcano slowly emerge from beneath a thick shroud of mist \u2013 a truly magical sight.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The key is to get your timing right. In fact, Jessica Wright of Bon Traveler says that her number one tip for great travels is timing. She advises budding photographers,<\/p>\n \u201cWake up early to beat the crowds, and get the post-card moments. During sunrise and dusk, the light is golden and even, making it my favourite time of day to take photos.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n On the other hand, as Am\u00e9lie points out, guesswork will not suffice:<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure you know what the actual sunrise time is and plan to be there at least half an hour earlier so you can scout the area and pick the best vantage point.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n You don\u2019t have to have complete professional knowledge to take incredible photos of a holiday in Cambodia. Nor do you need the latest kit. What is important is learning a little about how to use what you have to its maximum potential. Whether this is remembering to take a panorama shot of that beautiful rainforest scene on your smart phone, or using a tripod with your DSLR to ensure clarity in a long exposure shot, do that little bit of research before you leave to make every photo you take the best it can be.<\/p>\n If you are a travelling photographer and have the professional kit to hand, Am\u00e9lie recommends that if you\u2019re looking for \u201cthose coveted blurry backgrounds\u201d, using the \u2018aperture priority\u2019 setting on a digital camera can be a good idea. She says,<\/p>\n \u201cIn \u2018A\u2019 mode (or \u2018Av\u2019, depending on your camera manufacturer), you decide the ISO and aperture yourself and the camera will select the shutter speed required to achieve correct exposure.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you have a little more understanding of your settings and aren\u2019t on a time constraint to get each shot, you can also go into full manual mode and customise the ISO, shutter speed, white balance and many other factors to make your photos look exactly as you desire. As Am\u00e9lie explains,<\/p>\n \u201cThe ability to change the aperture is important because a lower number (or \u201cf\/stop\u201d, eg. f\/2.7) means that the depth of field will be shorter and you\u2019ll get those blurry backgrounds you\u2019re after. This is an extremely powerful tool to compose a harmonious photograph and easily blur out unwanted or distracting things in the background \u2013 especially effective for portraits.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Using aperture priority mode or manual mode to change these settings can really give your images that smooth, professional look.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re really looking to get a certain shot perfected, you may choose to visit a certain site more than once. If this is the case, it can be a good idea to get a pass to certain attractions to save time and costs. For example Angkor National Park offer a one day pass for $20, but a three day pass for $40 and a seven day pass for $60. Therefore, if you think you\u2019ll be making more than one trip, paying in advance can be wise. As Roel.me explains:<\/p>\n \u201cIf you purchase your pass after 5:00 PM on any day, you can get a free sunset viewing at the temples that day as you are not required to activate the pass to do so.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Also, it is worth considering how much equipment you want to take. Cambodia is very hot for much of the year, and carrying a lot of heavy kit can be draining \u2013 especially with all the steps to be climbed! It\u2019s important to ensure you can keep balance, because these ancient, unaltered sites don\u2019t provide handrails. But one thing you should bring is a camera cleaning kit, because Cambodia can get a little dusty!<\/p>\n Many people don\u2019t like being taken off-guard with a photo, but this is especially so in certain cultures. When you are in Cambodia, be sure to ask locals whether you can take their photo before you do so, explaining why you think they\u2019d make a great subject. Most people in the area speak good English, so have a chat \u2013 connections make for comfortable subjects, which means better photos. This is something that must be remembered when photographing nuns and monks, who often ask for a small donation into their charity box in return.<\/p>\n Although some forward-planning can give you the best chance of getting the shot you want, every photographer will emphasise that it is often the images you don\u2019t expect that are the most powerful. So allow yourself some artistic license, and keep a keen eye out for potential photo opportunities at all times.<\/p>\n Am\u00e9lie shares her experience of realising this:<\/p>\n \u201cI went to a Buddhist temple in Cambodia once to photograph the architecture, but this group of young local girls kept dancing around me and were very much in the way! That is, until I decided to make them the main subject of my photo. Have an open mind. Consider what\u2019s already in place.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n![\"angkor](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/angkor-wat-by-day.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTiming is key<\/h2>\n
![\"sunrise](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/angkor-wat-sunrise.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nResearch the technical details<\/h2>\n
![\"lizard](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/lizard-by-temple.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPlan your trips<\/h2>\n
![\"visitors](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/visitors-climbing-temple.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAsk permission for portraits<\/h2>\n
![\"cambodian](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/cambodian-monks.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDon\u2019t wait for the right shot<\/h2>\n
![\"monkeys\"](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/monkeys-hugging.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nShare your shots with the world<\/h2>\n
![\"Cambodian](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/cambodians-on-bike.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"brochure_btn\"](\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/brochure_btn.png\")
<\/a>Book an escorted tour of Cambodia\u00a0with the UK’s leading Asia Experts, Wendy Wu Tours. Our fully inclusive\u00a0tours visit all the major sights of Cambodia\u00a0for an unforgettable holiday.<\/strong><\/p>\n