SC's random travels

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Malaysia | Sunday, October 17, 2010 | 5 photos

I wondered whether entering a series of photographs that portray the children of Cambodia would be considered clichéd.
It is easy, I think, to fall into that particular trap when the subject is one that can easily evoke pre-conceived notions or ideas.
But one of the things I am trying to learn is to not only take a truthful photograph, but to also see – and show – the truth through the lens. And I hope that is what shows in the following pictures.
I work a fair bit with photographs, and photographers, in my job as a journalist, and over the years, have come to develop an appreciation for the patience, attention, creativity and focus it takes to get those few “perfect” shots.
Although I’ve practiced taking lots of photos – occasionally for work, but mostly during my travels – I still have far to go in terms of perfecting technique and my photographic eye. Here’s where I hope that getting this scholarship will kick up my learning curve a notch, or several.
As learning is best done by doing, I look forward to not only assisting Jason, but also applying what he teaches me along the way.
And honestly, who wouldn’t want an opportunity to go to a country that has a Gross National Happiness Index? The chance to explore and record a country that is still quite off the beaten track, and is still so naturally and culturally intact is one I’m very much looking forward to.
I’ve had the privilege of making a difference in people’s lives through my articles, but words are limited to those who can understand the language they are written in.
It's my hope that by improving my photography skills, I will be able to reach a wider audience, and maybe, make a bigger – and better – difference in the world.
And while anyone can take a photo, it's my aim to be considered a real photographer.