portraits of cambodia

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Singapore | Thursday, August 12, 2010 | flickr photos

I have never had any formal training in photography, but it is everything to me. My dad gave me my first camera and it has become part of me. Photography has taught me to observe different parts of myself, open new windows in my vision, challenge my ideologies, and is a constant reminder of the importance of the present and the power of images and art.

I am young and do not possess fantastic technical skills but i have an insatiable drive to learn. And there is no better way to learn than through observation and experience, which is what I feel this scholarship will offer. I believe that photography is an art form of the heart and i literally 'feel' my photos even before i take them. My sense of endeavor coupled with a personal connection to my subjects, show in my photographs and will make me a worthy candidate for this learning opportunity.

Bhutan is a way of life, that is dear to my heart, and it has been to calling me for a long time. I was supposed to travel there in March 2010. I had done all my research and planned home-stays but unfortunate circumstances at home did not permit my travel.

I recently went to Cambodia with my father and had an amazing time with him. The country is so rich with culture, heritage and emotion, which I tried to capture with my portraits. There, I ended up shooting the photos I am submitting for this scholarship today. I think I am finally ready for Bhutan, and this learning opportunity is what I was meant to wait for, and it’s finally the right time to arrive.