A Personal Note

It was before my photography days—around 2009 to 2010. Walking through Chelsea in New York City,
I stumbled across a sign for a book opening in front of Sundaram Tagore Gallery.
The poster immediately drew me in. It was titled Elegy: Reflections of Angkor,
and the photographer was John McDermott. I walked inside and looked at the full-size prints of his photographs.
I was completely fascinated. The experience left a lasting mark and likely planted the photography bug in me for good.
I ended up buying the book—which felt quite steeply priced at the time—because it completely enamored me.

Flipping through those pages, and eventually reading 11 more books and several research papers,
launched me on a fascinating journey.I bought my first serious camera,a Canon 5D Mark II,
and set out to learn how to use it. That pursuit took me to ancient ruins and historical sites like
Hampi, Badami, Mahakoota, old temples in Kerala, and various other locations across India.
Yet, Angkor Wat remained an elusive destination. Every time I planned a visit, something fell through,
eventually culminating in the pandemic delays. Finally, a persistent desire helped me scratch that eleven-year itch
and make the 31-hour journey to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Here are some highlights from the trip. While I captured many more images over
three weeks—much of it documentary work covering the temples—I have left those out to spare viewers on Pbase.
Instead, I am sharing the frames I feel hold distinct photographic value.I hope you enjoy them.

Please feel free to reach out, share your comments, or leave critiques.

Vijay


" Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure"
Rumi