Phnom Penh, Cambodia

 We arrived in Phnom Penh yesterday evening after our drive from Siem Reap. Along the way we made several stops, including our "standard" spider photo shoot in Skun. Tarantulas were subjects of our photos and also tasty treats for Cambodian travelers. As usual, the hairy arachnids made some squeamish, but after some time, most group members warmed up to the creatures. Ruth was reluctant at first, but as you can see in the picture above she overcame her fear and even had some fun! 

 (photo © Henry Greene)

Today we visited Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21) and the Killing Fields of ChoeungEk. While at S21 Prison, we had an amazing stroke of luck and actually met, talked to, and got a tour of the facility by Chum Mey, one of only seven survivors of Tuol Sleng. We stood in stunned silence as he described his life during his incarceration.

Angkor Thom, Bayon

Apsara photo shoot.

Group Arrives Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Yesterday we arrived at Angkor Wat

Luang Prabang, Laos

Today we the morning procession of monks through the streets of Luang Prabang and in the afternoon, visited the local market and waterfalls 30km outside of town.

 

  

Arrival in Luang Prabang

Due to unusually low water levels on the Mekong, yesterdays' trip from Pak Beng to Luang Prabang was longer than expected, and shall we say; quite exciting! Mid-way from Pak Beng to Luang Prabang, our boat hit bottom, spun sideways and got wedged between some rocks. It's a long story, but ultimately, we were able to disembark, change to a smaller boat and continue our journey. It was a long and challenging day, but everyone remained cool, calm, collected and in good spirits. As the sun set, were all happy to arrive in Luang Prabang.

Cheers,

Karl

Pak Beng, Middle of Nowhere, Laos!

 We just arrived at the Luang Say Lodge in Pak Beng. Today the river was so low that we had to use an alternate, smaller boat from Huai Say to a spot about 3/4 of the way to Pak Beng. Along the way we stopped at a local riverside village.

 

Along the river today we saw many people fishing and panning for gold. The lower water levels meant that the shores of the river were in closer proximity, so we were able to make some nice images. Tonight we will photograph the cultural dance performance. At this moment I am sitting on the veranda of the hotel using the free wi-fi.....amazing, for where we are!

Morning on the Mekong & Longnecks Before Lunch

We had some fantastic light this morning at about 6:15 am prior to the sun cresting the horizon!

My favorite Longneck child. Her eyes are always pools of amazing reflected light!

After lunch we visited the border town of Tachilek Myanmar (Burma).

 

Sorry, again, no time to write much and we're off to Pak Beng in the morning. Will try to post more descriptions and images when we arrive in Luang Prabang, Laos, two days from now.

Arrival, Golden Triangle, Northern Thailand

6:00 pm bell ringing at monestary, northern Thailand

Tour guest, Henry Greene in action.

Wrapping up our Bangkok based shooting opportunities

Salt production facility on the outskirts of Bangkok where we are able to photograph workers "harvesting" the salt and transporting it by wheel barrow to a covered storage area. In order to properly expose the white salt, I used a bit of positive exposure compensation.

This is my favorite elderly woman at the floating market. She's been selling potstickers from a boat for as long as I can remember. I bring her a photo each year and she's always very appreciative.

This green Buddha head was for sale in the market place, so I snagged a short depth of field shot which included a shopper to give the image a sense of place.

I snapped this child making a photo at the Grand Palace in Bangkok...she was so engrossed in her picture taking that she never noticed me.

Three monks shopping Ayuthaya

Child waving from bus during a school field  trip day in Ayuthaya

Mauy Thai Kick Boxing at the Pink Panther, Bangkok, Thailand

Last night we photographed Muay Thai kick boxing at the Pink Panther Bar in Patpong, Bangkok. The action was intense. With ring side seats we all had great photo ops!

 

Between rounds a fighter gets doused with ice water

The match ended in a knock-out, with a powerful kick to the head.

Southeast Asia Photo Tour Group 2 Starts!

We are in Bangkok having a great time. Here's a shot from yesterday at the floating market. More images to come soon....