Ancient growth at Angkor Wat, Cambodia!
Jan, 2018Views
418
Likes
Awards
Chatter Award
Elite
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Top 10 rank
Top 30 rank
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
A small, private tour in Cambodia of the Tonle Sap area of Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and surrounding areas brought us ultimately to stunning Angkor Wat, the ancient 12th century vast Hindu temple complex created for the Khmer empire! It was hard to imagine the physical achievements of perhaps the most advanced civilization at that time. 800 years of sophisticated temple ruins before us and rounding a corner into an exposed chamber was the incongruous vision of this spectacular tree! It must have been centuries old.Time
The small, private tour we were on was conducted during the midday heat so no special early morning or late afternoon lighting opportunity presented itself.Lighting
The only positive to evolve from an unwanted midday sun was the ability to capture the textures of these ancient trees that sprouted over the many decades in these ruins!Equipment
I used a Nikon D200 SLR on that trip with a 55-200 mm zoom with no tripod, nor flash. A walking tour in a somewhat grueling midday sun in Cambodia eschewed extra equipment and weight, let alone a camera bag!Inspiration
The juxtaposition of the old and the new! Ancient centuries old ruins of Angkor Wat slowly being swallowed up .....and in some cases almost “strangled” by ancient growth was TOO stunning to resist! Have traveled the world and never seen anything quite like this.Editing
Did no editing, post-processing with this image. Thinking back on it I might be tempted to add a touch of saturation but didn’t. I wanted the natural progression of hues from the upper part of the tree in the blue sky to the almost dark, dank cellar-like quality at the tree’s roots to remain as I saw it.In my camera bag
Probably contrary to most photographers, I purposely try to bear the least amount of equipment and weight as possible. I really strive to travel light! I since have traded in my Nikon D200 SLR and upgraded to a Canon EOS 5D Mark III with an EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens for all-purpose versatility. The image stabilization afforded by the lens obviated the need for a tripod. I also have a prime 50mm F/1.2 lens for special situations. I carry on me the top of the line IPhone 11 Pro Max for indoor shooting where many other cameras, especially tripod sane not allowed....temples, churches, cathedrals, etc. I always have a couple of filters: neutral density and a circular polarizer. I don’t carry a tripod but do have a very lightweight foldup monopod, If needed. I have a flash attachment but rarely need it except for fill flash needs.Feedback
My best advice is to have fun because yo will develop an eye to see more, especially at different angles! AND, the best advice from any photographer when asked, “what is the best camera to use?”.....the one on you! ALWAYS have one with you even if only a camera phone to capture what you otherwise would have missed!
