Photos: My Scholarship entry - Angkor Wat Pilgrimage

dougshobbrook — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 15:05:00 GMT

Hi my name is Doug Shobbrook, I have recently returned to Australia from a year working in Cambodia with the NGO 'Harvest Cambodia'. While in Cambodia I had the opportunity to witness and photograph some amazing events such as the annual pilgrimage to Angkor Wat (one that few westerners get to see). Most days however, I would find myself on a dusty rural road with a camera in hand, making pictures as the sun dipped below the horizon, creating the most beautiful 'golden hour'. My particular area of interest is in photographing environmental portraits. I've had an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in the Khmer culture and earn the trust of my subjects, many of whom have never had their photo taken before. The travel photography scholarship would allow me to apply my skills as an photographer in a completely new and challenging environment. I believe this coupled with the mentorship of Jason, would allow me to create some new and beautiful work, while at the same time continuing to build my photographic education. I am a passionate and driven photographer who would love the chance to once again immerse myself in a new and visually exciting culture. Thank you, Doug

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

dougshobbrook — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 23:19:04 GMT

My name is Doug I am writing to you from Siem Reap, Cambodia.

This is a special place for me as my wife and I work here training young Khmer teachers in a rural village school.

I believe that professional photographers such as Jason have valuable gift. They have the ability, through their images to give a voice to communities and organisations that are often unheard of. Communities whose voices deserve to be heard.

Through my photography, I've tried to give a voice the rural Cambodian community that we support. I still have much to learn. If I were given the opportunity to work along side and learn from Jason and the National Geographic Team I would use the skills I develop to shine the spotlight on other needy communities and organisations here in Cambodia.

It is my dream to bring professional photographers to Cambodia and for them to form the connections and have some of the amazing experiences that I have been so fortunate to have. I want them to meet the people working so hard to re-build this beautiful country. I want them to hear their stories, to document them and most importantly share these stories with a global audience.

Khmer for a day

Photos: My Scholarship entry - Angkor Wat Pilgrimage

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited