any infor, hints and tips for angkor wat?

anyone have any tips for angkor? it doesnt have to be places/locations to shoot, just helpful advice that may save me money, time and hassle. cheers,

I have been to Angkor 2 years ago,ancient temples forest(as in the

movie Indiana Jones) It's a magnificant place! Bring lots of films

and all your lens!There are really a lot to shoot! Try to stay for at

least 2 days if possible, then you can see the sunrise and sunset,

it's marvelous! Also, there's a pond on the front left of the big

temple(I forgot the name, you won't miss it) You can get some really

nice pictures by shooting at the shadow of the temple in the pond.

There're also hundreds years old silver trees with their huge roots

penetrating all around the temple, it may be a good idea to use your

super wide here to show the power of nature! Have a nice trip!

When I went a couple years ago, Angkor Wat was crawling with people

(by Cambodian standards, anyway) around sunset. If you're like me

and you hate having a bunch of tourists in your photos of

architecture, be sure to bring a tripod and a strong neutral density

filter. That way you can do a 5-sec exposure and make them

all 'disappear'.

-sparkie

 

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Don't forget your insect repellant and sunscreen. You'll need both.

I was in Ankor Wat late March and I have also posted some photos with

many feedback. Pls check the threads.

 

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Bring lots of film you normally shoot, both wide and tele lens would

be ideal. Try to travel light as weather is very hot and humid. Get a

tour guide with car at least for first day. You can then know where to

go the next day. Pick a reasonable good hotel as you need plenty of

rest after a hard day out.

 

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Pls contact me if you need further information.

Enjoy your trip!

I respectfully disagree with Tim Tan about the tour guide with car

idea. I had one and the mode of transportation was both confining and

the guide annoying. The guy had pretty set ideas on what was tourist

and photo-worthy, and when you are taking your time taking the sights

in, or scoping out photo opps, the last thing you need is a guy

hanging around wondering when you are going to move on. Much better,

I learned to have one of the guys on motorcycles ferry you around,

and to use your guidebook.

 

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I recommend both the lonely planet and the insight guidebooks, but

best of all, get a coffee-table type book on Angkor architecture-you

will then have an idea of what is important to you...

 

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It is quite hot and humid, so take along a hat, and avoid synthetic

photo bags, like the J803 I took along. Do figure on wide angles, and

a little fill flash-the shadows are harsh, and the perspectives

cramped.

 

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Pace yourself, and loiter a lot. It is easy to get templed out,

especially if you have a guide marching you through the sites.

 

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Take along some black and white film, and don't forget to visit the

more outlying temples, and check out the paddy field scenery.

 

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At the Angkor temple itself, Sunday evenings are really nice and

colorful, as the local population picnics along the banks of the moat.

 

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Oh, and lastly, do be kind to the many land mine amputees you will

see, many of them children. Rural Cambodia is desperately poor and

don't let anyone fool you that these people are 'scamming' you.

I second Mani about children in Cambodia. They'll break your heart. Be

kind to them and buy something, even if it's a dollar.

 

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If you are going now i can tell you that it is very very hot, not humid

though. The paddy fields are all dry now, and can be quite dusty. The

moat around Ankor Wat it self is also rather dry. But the sky is

something to die for if you like deep blue. Don't even need a

polarizer. You do need a wide lens, more than 28, a 21 will be very

nice. I took along a 180 and i was glad i did.

 

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Forget about car and guides. A motorcycle and a good guide book is all

you need. Useful to get an idea from coffee table books before you go.

 

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Just remember, be kind to the children. They'll break your heart.