WAT u think? Photo

Photographer’s Note

Yes, this is WAT. Angkor Wat. Unbelievable to literally find hundreds of photographers and visitors lining up at the lakeside [on each side of this path] waiting for sunset. I would dedicate this post to skippy007 in Australia who hopefully will be my next target to meet in 2009 and ls7902/shevchenko in Kuala Lumpur whom I have met 2 weeks ago. I actually wished to post genocide photo but it is not appropriate to dedicate such a photo, so I choose Siem Reap as my 2nd post of Cambodia.

For people who have not visited this place, here is my story. 1st day of arrival in Siem Reap and we went straight to get USD40 3-day ticket [pay for 2 days, get 1 free day and 1st evening sunset is free] at the same time entering the temple ruins to see sunset which did not show. This blue hour of the main temple was what I got. Disappointing not to see sunset. Having seen and read a lot about this place is never the same as stepping my own feet on this temple. But at this time most people had already left. My photo was digitally taken at the checkpoint and printed onto the ticket pass. Most people arrive by bus, tuk-tuk, YES bicycles, some by motorbike rides or cars. Roads are being upgraded at the time of my visit.

Angkor Wat (or Angkor Vat) (Khmer: អង្គរវត្ត), is a temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation—first Hindu, dedicated to Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.

It is not a bluff to say hundreds up to 3000 peak visitors come to this temple relics to know more about the ancient history. I am glad I am one of them this year. I cloned a bit of distraction. Later I will post evening version of this temple. I found out later that they closed Angkor Wat at 6.00pm and chased all out, then re-open at 7.00pm with USD15 ticket for night lights on and you can shoot for 3 hours. 70-200mm sigma f/2.8 lens, iso200, FL135mm

belido, COSTANTINO, PaulVDV, mikele_pl, ChrisJ, skippy007, phwall, danyy, snunney, Longroute, lrw1966, stego, leo61, jusninasirun, fanni, dip, AiresSantos, jlbrthnn, TopGeo, adores, ls7902, danos, patdeph, JCG, Kielia, shevchenko, Cricri, azaf1, MLINES, pierrefonds, axiotea, Atousa, asajernigan trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

belido (18782) 2009-03-22 10:21

Hi Bill,

very clever low angle you have chosen. The use of the tripod was essential to bring all those lights out. Superb details and very good exposure. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos

COSTANTINO (24670) 2009-03-22 10:34

Hello Bill
I am one of them who has never visited this place..But according to your notes must be a very interesting place and the way you chose to take your photo is the best..Superb and attractive light details,an impressive shot,
well done from you with an excellent quality
bravo,have many wishes for a new week
Costantino

emka (25324) 2009-03-22 10:48

Hi Bill,

I think it is a very beautiful photo. But, is it the right place for sunset? I suppose that for the sunset you go to a hill somewhere. I remember that I was by the Angkor Wat early in the morning - to see sun rise behind the temple, and I was in February I think, so more or less at the same time. I had also such a ticket for three days. I am not sure how much it cost then. The first day we visited the various temple on scooters. It was such a great fun! Very nice light. i see there are some renovation works. And so empty it seems.

regards

Malgorzata

Miha2ou7 (5031) 2009-03-22 11:22

Hey Bill,

What can I say - an amazing place, and an amazing photo. Superb clarity and colors. The frame is just a bit big for me, but hey, nevertheless, great work.

Best regards.

Nicou (49247) 2009-03-22 11:31

Hello,

Très belle vue de ce temple avec les palmier, les belles lumières, cette perspective et cadrage, de toute beauté.

Bravo et amitié

Nicou

PaulVDV (5817) 2009-03-22 13:14

Hello Bill,
Beautiful with the lights and the palmtrees at both sides of the road leading us to the famous temple.
The blue sky and the green palmleaves bring more colour to the picture since the temples have mostly a dark colour.
Best regards, Paul

mikele_pl (2310) 2009-03-22 13:42

Hi Bill,

so many photos from Angkor Wat here on TE, yet every time I see it I feel my heart beat faster. This is the most spectacular building I have ever seen. Great idea for a low POV, makes the temple look even higher. Well done!

cheers
michal

BTW, is the top level open or still closed for construction works?

Gerrit (37596) 2009-03-22 13:45

Hi Bill,
good POV and excellent light. The symmetry i9s obvious and at the same time broeken by the trees.
Verry good.
Regards, gerrit

scalerman (25827) 2009-03-22 16:26

Bill: I think the shot is superb - the note even better - this is interesting and timely news for a future SW Asian traveller. regards, c

ChrisJ (72276) 2009-03-22 16:36

Hi Bill

Interesting to see the scaffolding, which wasn't there when I visited. A good blue hour shot with mixed lighting sources & superb linear perspective. Tfs!

siamesa (14757) 2009-03-22 16:38

Hi Bill

This picture is marvelous. For me it is a magic and impressive place. I have read some literature about it and I have a dream (almost impossible) to visit it.
These palm trees look like our Carnauba palm trees. TFS
Abraços
maria

skippy007 (8205) 2009-03-22 22:05

Thank you Bill, Wat (what) can I say I'm lost for words, a superb image of this world famous temple & one that I will cherish. It is nice to know that while you are out taking photos my name sometimes creeks into your conversation even in Cambodia, although we have yet too meet I'm sure that occasion is not that far away. Love the photo, you know night shots are amongst my favorites, superb location, excellent colour, detail & light enhanced by a very informative & interesting note with that personal touch that you so well add.
Sincere thanks, Warmest Regards
Santo
PS
I apologies for not seeing it earlier but I guess as they say better late than never ;-)
Take care

phwall (6013) 2009-03-22 22:54

Hello Bill,
I get the feeling you may have had to hurry taking this shot. The symmetry in the composition is a little off and the image looks to be a little overexposed. The rich colours you normally capture aren't there plus there is a small blurry patch on camera right foreground. Is this where you cloned out the interruption??? The DOF isn't reaching through the shot and maybe it would have been better for you to crop from where the focus starts
Your POV using the low angle works well, the expanse of path leads into the shot and the temple dominating the skyline is fantastic.
I would love to visit this place, I envy you your trip there.
Warm regards
Peter

danyy (70671) 2009-03-22 23:24

Hello Bill,
les échaffaudages sont encore plus laids sur des bâtiments comme celui-ci, que sur nos églises. Il est temps qu'on ne traine pas avec les travaux même si ceux-ci sont souvent nécessaires.
Une belle ambiance semi nocturne avec de jolis éclairages chauds à l'intérieur.
Best regards.
Daniel.

snunney (38435) 2009-03-23 2:17

Hello Bill,
I don't think I have seen a night time composition of this complex on TE before. I like the point of view with the white lit path drawing the eyes towards the temple. Exposure is very well managed with good colours and sharpness. Thanks for sharing.

Longroute (11913) 2009-03-23 4:08

Hi Bill,

you had a good idea to shoot this photo at the blue hour, when all the other people were gone. It's an unusual and fine sight of this famous monument. the artificial light makes it more appealing. Well done,
Donato

carper (68400) 2009-03-23 5:06

I think it's very nice Bill
marvelous perspective, good composition, fine details, good point of view, very nice place, thanks for sharing. have a nice day.
regard jaap

lrw1966 (1632) 2009-03-23 9:32

Bill, Hi:

Marvelous composition, impressively presented. Wonderful notes, as well, thanks.

Larry

mauro61 (19052) 2009-03-23 11:17

ciao Bill,
costruzione affascinante per forme con una buona prospettiva.
Le luci danno un bell'effetto.
saluti
maurizio

stego (22516) 2009-03-23 12:19

Hi Bill,
What Angkor do I think? :D I think you did a great job finding an great and original POV of this place at a magical hour. The dim light is ore than enough to appreciate the monument but the artificial light give it another charm.
Regards, José.

rodgerg (28744) 2009-03-23 12:27

Hello Bill,

Very nice, very impressive, very interesting. An iamge rich in details very well collected. The POV very well selectd give a great prospect effect and too a pleasant symetric effect. Very good photowork.
Best regards,
Roger

leo61 (44344) 2009-03-23 12:32

Hi Bill!
A great one from this unique and fantastic place.I was there twice and I`ll return some day.
Your very low POV works great and gives good depth.Sharpness and colors are amazing and I like to see only two tourists.
A great shot!!!
Regards,Leo

Silvio1953 (47087) 2009-03-23 14:21

Ciao Bill, wonderful dedication for our dear friends, splendid view of fantastc architecture in blue hour, great colors and superb light, bravo, very well done, ciao Silvio

jusninasirun (10891) 2009-03-23 17:57

Hi Bill,

I can see why you would love to visit Burma. WATs like this is also abundant in old capital of Siam, Ayuthaya. You have captured this image perfectly with the glow and blue sky making this immaculate.

Jong's Sigma looks good and sharp with correct color calibration as well. This is a good range for walkabout and will suit your landscape and portrait as well. I have seen Jon's post on portrait with her macro optics and really turned out nice.

Appropriately dedicated picture and may you have fun hunting pictures with Santos down under.

TFS and have a great day.
Jusni

fanni (9979) 2009-03-23 23:34

Hello Bill,
this is a beautiful view of the famous temple! I like the symmetry and the warm light inside and near it. Very pleasant natural colours!
I have never been and will hardly ever go to Cambodia, so I am simply enjoying what you and your camera saw there :)
Warm regards,
Elena

dip (13402) 2009-03-24 0:44

Hi Bill,
beautiful image of the famous temple,good point of view and excellent exposure,
informative note too,
very well done,
Greetings,
Dimitris.

AiresSantos (45840) 2009-03-24 0:45

Hi Bill
Great night picture with magnificent sharpness. Very well handled the light and framed the building
TFS and greetings
Aires

delpeoples (9552) 2009-03-24 5:54

HI Bill, a great night shot. Clever title too. The exposure and composition are excellent. TFS and have a great week, Lisa.

jlbrthnn (42645) 2009-03-24 8:28

Hello Bill,
One imagines this image of course the gigantism of these constructions. Architecture is always also astonishing. It is an good image in which lighting brings a pleasant and artistic element. The human presence is a good indicating element. Cheer.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

TopGeo (23419) 2009-03-24 10:58

Hi Bill! Even if it had difficulties it is a big moment you see no beautiful this architectural work a good reception and presentation
Georgios

batalay (22455) 2009-03-24 11:57

Hello Bill,

Astonishing place, and a remarkable photograph. The note also is first class, informing us both of the touristic aspects, and reminding us of the poignant tragic side of this nation.

Warm regards,

Bulent

adores (16181) 2009-03-24 17:04

Hi Bill!
Good exposure! I like the pov, the colours, the lights on and even the people around. Good moment! I'm also happy to see they are repairing it.

ls7902 (6638) 2009-03-24 20:46

Hello Bill,
Funny thing happened just now. After finishing the critique to this photo I tagged your note as being useful but my critique disappeared. Here we go again. Very nice early blue hour shot where the details and textures are clearly seen. I like the light colors and sharpness. The golden lighting from within and outside balanced & contrasted well with the natural. The range of focus from your chosen f/stop and FL is great. The left side of the bridge is sharper. You must be closer to the right side? Anyway, I think this is an amazing lens. When do you go to Australia? Have a great holiday and time there. BTW, I got my laptop and booked my flight for my next trip. Regards. Latiff.

danos (36328) 2009-03-25 0:44

Hello Bill,
nice the title of the shot as the same the shot,with the long entrance to creates depth in the scene.I like the artificial lights that make the scenery so different from the day's light.I visited Angor Wat last March,so my memories from this place are indelible. Well done.

Regards,Danos

jimkilgallon (0) 2009-03-25 4:08

Hi Bill
Cambodia is on my lists of destinations, however I will have to sit back and take in views instead like this shot. Top notch composition with beautiful blue hour lighting. Well done
Regards
Jim

patdeph (20048) 2009-03-25 6:51

hello Bill
you were there at a magic moment,when the sky is still blue,and the spot are lightened because it's just becoming darker!The golden colours created by the light are splendid,they give a very very nice contrast with the green and also give a great magical effect! Tour POV is splendid!One of the most beautiful photo of this temple!
Cheers
Pascale

JCG (27531) 2009-03-25 7:13

Hi Bill,

An unusual point of view and a fascinating part of this famous temple. Nightfall and light give a nice atmosphere and almost forget these scaffolds demonstrating however that this world heritage is the subject of much attention. Interesting photo as your note. Thank you Bill.

With all my friendships and with soon,

Jean-Charles

Kielia (9339) 2009-03-25 9:51

Hi Bill,
despite the fact that there is a little bit improvement needed (as already mentioned by Peter) did you manage to create a wonderful and totally different impression of this famous building. I also appreciate your excellent note. Great light and very pleasant colors. TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

shevchenko (10831) 2009-03-25 19:09

Hello Bill,
Interesting dairy of the journey, still abtained a colorful night scene with golden light shining from hidden lamps, distinct night shoot, well done.
Ally

Cricri (46323) 2009-03-26 10:08

Hi Bill
Superbe note!! un lieu qui mérite vraiment être visiter ( après les travaux:-) j'aime le POV avec la lumière sur les palmiers, belle et intéressante image
Good evening for you
cricri

azaf1 (15629) 2009-03-28 2:38

Unbelievably beautiful, Bill !

I wish I could see it with my eyes

argiris

MLINES (11351) 2009-03-29 23:56

Hi NBill, This is a fabulous and new POV of this majestic place. Well balanced and clear enough to see a lot of details. I hope to visit here one day, and your image makes the urge stronger. Good notes. TFS. Murray.

pierrefonds (28112) 2009-03-30 14:46

Hi Bill,

The path leads our eyes toward the Wat. The point of view is showing the details and colors of the architecture of Angkor Wat. The palm trees are framing well the path. The use of a tripod and of a slow exposure time gave a nice image. Well done, have a nice day.

Pierre

axiotea (17003) 2009-04-02 8:18

Hello Bill
Lucky for you most of the people have left which allowed you to have the famous temple without being disturbed in your framing. You made a good use of the tripod and I like the contrast between the Wat and the pleasant blue sky.
BTW, we did not make it to Siem Reap... ;)
Cheers
Marilyn

Atousa (3930) 2009-04-05 6:58

Salam Bill,

I think it is a great shot n a dreamy place..your chosen angle has been very good ..nice lighting n colors too..worth seeing n attractive..well done..thank you.
Best regards, A

asajernigan (15293) 2009-04-06 3:30

Bill,
This is a nicely composed shot with good balance and symmetry. The pathway lead the eye into the scene nicely. The lighting and colors are fine with nice sharpness and detail.
TFS,
Asa

dvlazar (6534) 2009-04-07 20:17

This is WAT I think - the temple is shot well here with light that Ive not seen on it before. It's not the daytime or sunrise shot we've become used to seeing.

Good work

Dave

Waylim (12653) 2009-04-08 21:24

Bill,
I like it, I know it's hard to really come up with a different POV or composition, there are so many photos of this place at anytime time of day, night, morning, rain...whatever condition you can think of, it's all been done. But somehow we all manage to come up with a little different variety of compostion and light. So it's always a joy too look at over and over again. I like this one without so many people in it, though the sharpness suffer a little due to the low light but still a very good image. I enjoyed it. Thanks Bill
Way

jemaflor (41393) 2009-05-18 11:39

Hi Bill,
Nice view of these famous lace, good effect with these light, well taken.

InasiaJones (21676) 2009-05-21 21:58

Bill!!!

Look at my gallery and check the date I have been shooting my orange monk... It's unbelievable, as we were there at the same time!!!!

I clearly remember these light installation all around the temple as I visited it for a 4th or 5th time, and although I ask a guardian what it was all about, they never told me there was a special admission to shoot this special event, as I would have been there as well...

So good for you Bill, you were there in perfect timing to take advantage of this special installation. These scaffolding were a bit deceiving from a photographer point of view, but it's good to see they are taking care of this landmark and future generation will be able to admire it as well...

I still can't believe we were there at the same time... we are only 6 billions people on the planet... :-P) Maybe we even pass-by each other or were eating at the same restaurant that night. Such a small planet.

Cheers!

André