How to get the perfect photo or not?
Heading off to Cambodia to explore Angkor Wat, your aim, to get a photo that looks like it needs to be in Nat Geo (*dream). But there is one problem, you and everyone travelling there have the same idea. Ta Prohm has become so popular that they even build a small ‘platform’ to pose on so that you can get the same tree in your viewfinder that was in Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie.
So how did we get it right to capture Angkor Wat and some of the surrounding temples without anyone in them? Here are a few of my Angkor photography tips.
Well, there are a few things we & you might want to try:
Angkor Photography tips:
1. Go before everyone else
Easier said than done.
One of the most popular activities is to experience the sunrise over Angkor and it was on our list as well. We thought arriving well before the sunrise would give us a perfect spot. Oh, how wrong we were. It seems like everyone else had the same idea.
So…
2. Scout the area
Every single person who came to view the sunrise tried to squeeze themselves in front of the pond, all to get the same postcard picture. Just thinking of standing behind them, even with my length, seeing Angkor Wat over a wave of smartphones and selfie-sticks is definitely not what I had in mind. So we made our way to the side of the pond. Here we had space all to ourselves until a few others moved over too. I think the end result is as spectacular as it would be from the front and different, something I always try to achieve.
3. Go at different times
There are so many temples to choose from, we looked at the ones that might be a bit further to drive to, or not so popular (see tip 7).
But if you want to see the famous ones, why not go when most people return to their hotels for breakfast after viewing the sunrise over Angkor. Our hotel, Cambana d’Angkor Suit, packed a lovely breakfast for us and our driver. This paid off as the more popular sites were less crowded at that time (this might depend from day-to-day).
4. Ask your driver
If you have a savvy driver they will know which places are less crowded. I did research on the sites we would like to go to, gave our driver the list and he told us which we needed to stop at first. Contrary to most we went in a different direction. Our driver was booked through our hotel.
We wanted to see Banteay Srei but thought it might be too far, but our driver suggested we take the drive after lunch, it was so worth it. Absolutely beautiful and I think I got some of my best pictures there, as it was later in the afternoon and the colours were just awe-inspiring. On our way back we stopped at Banteay Samre were there was literally almost no one as everyone was at the popular sites for sunset. It was so enchanting to walk around while the sunrays were dancing around the beautiful reliefs.
5. Wait and take it in
Sometimes you will arrive at a site and the first thing you see is ‘the busses’ or crowded parking area/street and you know with that amount of people that there is no way you are getting a good photo with no one in. This is the perfect time to sit somewhere and admire what is in front of you, take out your pocketbook and read up a bit or sit and sketch. The busses will soon move on to their next stop. This will also give you time to plan your next shot.
6. Get creative
If it is just impossible to get a photo due to the number of people, my second last Angkor photography tip would be, get creative with the angles. Hide the people behind you or those you are taking a photo of, or just shift your position, even from a lower vantage point.
7. Last but not least
There are so many beautiful temples, not all are as famous and might be a bit more challenging to get to, but so worth it. Phnom Krom is one of them, located 12km SW of Siem Reap, the opposite direction of the rest. You will need to climb a 140m hill which includes some steps, but has the most spectacular views.
FYI: extra tip
Read up and know the rules
So, you are packed and ready to explore Angkor Wat, but there are just a few things you need to know.
Here are a few, but not limited too.
- Read and follow the signs.
- If an area is marked ‘no entry’ do not enter, most likely it more for your safety, remember these are ruins that are hundreds of years old.
- Always ask for permission before taking a photo of someone.
- When you arrive at the temples you might be approached by children either selling or begging. Please don’t cave in, this only encourages them to skip school. Most of the time a firm “No” will do. You can rather do a bit of research and donate to a recognized charity.
- Know the proper etiquette & customs for Cambodia. Read up.
- Don’t touch someone’s head.
- Don’t point with your feet and remove your shoes when entering a temple or someone’s house.
Remember to do your research, read up, not only one site/blog but look at official tourist site of countries too.
Enjoy the beautiful country and I hope you find these Angkor photography tips useful, leave a comment below if you have any other tips you would like to share?
xxx
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*Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are my own
Research sources:
https://www.tourismcambodia.com. (n.d.). Do’s and Don’ts in the Kingdom of Cambodia. [online] Available at: https://www.tourismcambodia.com/tripplanner/essential-information/do-s-and-don-ts-in-the-kingdom-of-wonder.htm [Accessed 1 May 2019].
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