Travel

Freelance photojournalism is rewarding but inherently risky

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Freelance photojournalism is rewarding but inherently risky: photographers face physical danger, legal exposure, digital threats, and long‑term psychological harm; mitigation requires training, insurance, local networks, and disciplined safety protocols.

Quick guide — key considerations, clarifying questions, decision points

  • Key considerations: personal safety, legal status, digital security, mental health, and financial protection.
  • Clarifying questions to answer for planning: Will you work alone or with a fixer; do you have hostile‑environment training and insurance; can you secure rapid evacuation and medical support?
  • Decision points: Choose assignments that match your training; invest in HEFAT (hostile environment and first aid), digital security, and reliable local contacts; decide acceptable risk vs reward before deployment.

Common dangers and what they mean

  • Physical harm and death. Photojournalists are exposed to gunfire, explosions, and crowd violence; historically, dozens of photographers have been killed while working in the field.
  • Kidnapping and detention. Freelancers lack institutional backing and can be targeted for ransom or political leverage; arrests may lead to long detentions without consular access.
  • Legal and bureaucratic risk. Working without correct visas, permits, or press accreditation can result in fines, equipment seizure, or deportation.
  • Equipment theft and loss. Cameras and lenses are high‑value and make you visible; losing gear can end a trip and create financial strain.
  • Digital threats. Unsecured devices and communications expose sources and material to surveillance, hacking, or evidence seizure.
  • Psychological trauma. Repeated exposure to violence and suffering increases risk of PTSD, depression, and burnout; trauma‑informed practices are essential.

Practical mitigation (what to do)

  • Training: Complete HEFAT and trauma‑informed safety courses; these teach risk assessment, emergency first aid, and psychological resilience.
  • Insurance and legal prep: Buy kidnap & ransom, medical evacuation, and equipment insurance; register with your embassy and carry legal documents.
  • Local networks: Hire vetted fixers and translators, coordinate with local journalists and NGOs, and establish check‑in protocols.
  • Digital hygiene: Use encrypted comms, full‑disk encryption, strong passwords, and secure backups; compartmentalise sensitive files.
  • Operational discipline: Wear low‑profile clothing, limit time in hotspots, plan exit routes, and avoid predictable patterns.
  • Aftercare: Build access to counselling and peer support; rotate out of high‑stress assignments to recover.

Risks, trade‑offs, and actionable steps

  • Risk: Training and insurance cost time and money; trade‑off: they dramatically reduce life‑threatening exposure and financial ruin. Action: budget safety into every assignment and refuse work beyond your training.
  • Risk: Working with fixers increases dependence and cost; trade‑off: they provide local knowledge and protection. Action: vet fixers through trusted networks and pay fairly.
  • Risk: Digital security can slow workflows; trade‑off: it protects sources and your material. Action: adopt simple, repeatable encryption and backup routines before deployment.

Bottom line: Freelance photojournalism demands more than courage—it requires preparation, training, and systems to protect your body, your sources, and your mind. Invest in safety before you chase the story.

Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G and 85mm f1.8G : a comparison

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Both lenses are excellent; the 85mm f/1.4G gives the smoothest bokeh and the shallowest depth of field, while the 85mm f/1.8G delivers nearly the same image quality for far less weight and cost—choose the f/1.4 for ultimate portrait look, the f/1.8 for value and portability.

Quick guide

  • Key considerations: bokeh quality, wide‑open sharpness, autofocus speed/noise, weight, and budget.
  • Clarifying questions: Do you shoot mostly tight portraits or environmental headshots? Do you need the absolute shallowest DOF or a lighter, quieter lens for long sessions?
  • Decision points: Pick 85mm f/1.4G if you prioritise creamy bokeh and maximum subject separation; pick 85mm f/1.8G if you want excellent optics, lower weight, and better value.

Comparison table

Attribute85mm f/1.8G85mm f/1.4G
Max aperturef/1.8f/1.4
Typical weightLighter; easy to carryHeavier; more substantial
BokehSmooth, very goodCreamier, more painterly
Sharpness (stopped down)ExcellentExcellent
AF speed/noiseFast and quiet (AF‑S)Good, depends on generation
Best useEveryday portraits, eventsHigh‑end portraits, editorial work

Optical performance

Sharpness: Both lenses become very sharp by f/2.8–f/4; the D800/D810 will reveal differences, so technique matters. Wide open the f/1.4G can deliver a softer, more painterly look that many portraitists prize, while the f/1.8G tends to be a touch crisper and more forgiving wide open. Bokeh and rendering: the f/1.4G generally produces smoother highlight roll‑off and creamier backgrounds, but the f/1.8G renders pleasing, natural separation at a fraction of the cost.

Autofocus, handling, and build

AF system: Both are AF‑S designs (built‑in motor) and work well on modern Nikon bodies; the f/1.8G is typically lighter and quieter, making it easier for long handheld sessions. Build and balance: the f/1.4G often feels more substantial and better balanced on larger bodies, which some photographers prefer for controlled portrait work.

Price, value, and real‑world use

Cost vs benefit: The f/1.4G commands a premium for its shallow DOF and build; the f/1.8G is widely praised as an excellent value that covers 90–95% of real‑world portrait needs. For event shooters or photographers who carry a kit all day, the f/1.8G often wins on practicality and ROI.

Risks, trade‑offs, and actionable steps

  • Risk: Buying the f/1.4G for its shallow DOF can lead to missed shots due to narrow focus; Action: practice precise focus, use single‑point AF or back‑button AF, and stop down when needed.
  • Trade‑off: Heavier kit vs subtle image nuance; Action: rent or test both on your body to judge real differences in your workflow.
  • Budget risk: Paying for marginal gains; Action: if you shoot long sessions or need portability, favour the f/1.8G for the best cost‑to‑performance ratio.

Recommendation

If you want the ultimate portrait look and can live with extra weight and cost, choose the 85mm f/1.4G. If you want nearly identical image quality with lower weight and much better value, choose the 85mm f/1.8G.

Rediscovering Nikon DSLRs That Still Deliver

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Quick guide and decisions to make

  • Key considerations: Do you prioritise resolution and cropping or low‑light headroom and tactile handling?
  • Clarifying questions to frame the post: Which primes do you favour; do you shoot more daylight or night street work; is portability or ruggedness more important?
  • Decision points for readers: Choose a primary body for the job (high resolution vs low light), keep a consistent RAW workflow, and match prime focal lengths to your shooting style.

Why these bodies matter

  • Nikon D810 delivers 36.3MP full‑frame resolution and a wide ISO range, making it ideal when detail and cropping latitude matter.
  • Nikon D300S is a rugged DX workhorse with 12.3MP, weather sealing, and reliable handling—built for deliberate street work.
  • Nikon D700 brought full‑frame ergonomics and low‑noise files in a compact body, with ~12MP that many still prize for tonality and handling.
  • Nikon D800 introduced 36MP full‑frame resolution that rewards sharp glass and careful technique.
  • Nikon D3S remains a low‑light specialist with exceptional high‑ISO performance and professional durability.

Lenses and setups

  • Core approach: Use high‑quality primes; the glass defines look more than megapixels.
  • Recommended focal lengths: 35mm for context; 50mm for natural perspective; 85mm for portraits and distance; use short tele on the D800/D810 for tight editorial crops.
  • Sample kits: D300S + 35mm f/1.8 for light, fast street; D3S + 50mm/85mm f/1.4 for night; D800/D810 + premium primes for high‑detail work.

How limitations shape style

  • Lower megapixel bodies encourage decisive composition and embrace of grain as aesthetic.
  • High‑resolution bodies change your workflow: sharper technique, steadier support, and premium glass become essential.
  • Low‑light specialists let you capture moments others miss, expanding creative possibilities after dark.

Practical tips and workflow

  • Expose for highlights and protect midtones on older sensors; shoot RAW and apply selective noise reduction.
  • Keep ISO conservative on D300S/D700; use D3S for high‑ISO freedom.
  • Maintain lens care and a consistent edit style to preserve camera character.
  • Let lenses lead: prime rendering, micro‑contrast, and bokeh shape the final image more than sensor specs.

Risks trade‑offs and actionable steps

  • Trade‑offs: Older bodies lack modern conveniences (Wi‑Fi, fastest AF, greatest dynamic range). Action: pick one body as your daily driver and a second as a specialist to avoid workflow fragmentation.
  • Noise and recovery limits: Older sensors have less headroom. Action: expose carefully, bracket when possible, and use modern denoise tools selectively.
  • Value vs needs: If you need cutting‑edge AF or extreme high ISO, consider supplementing with a modern body; otherwise, invest in sharp primes and technique.

Closing thought Paired with high‑quality primes, the D300S, D700, D800, D3S, and D810 form a versatile, characterful system that rewards intentional seeing: the lenses you choose and the way you shoot will define your voice more than the newest sensor.

Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall

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Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall is one of Phnom Penh’s largest and newest shopping complexes, opened in September 2022 along Street 271. It offers a mix of international and local brands, dining, entertainment, and leisure facilities, making it a major lifestyle destination in Cambodia’s capital.

📌 Key Details

  • Location: Yothapol Khemarak Phoumin Blvd (Street 271), Chak Angre Leu, Khan Mean Chey, Phnom Penh. Roughly 7 km from Wat Phnom.
  • Opening: Soft opening on 12 September 2022.
  • Size: Covers 160,000 m² total area with 58,000 m² of leasable retail space.
  • Parking: Capacity for 1,970 cars and 540 motorbikes.
  • Facilities:
    • 4 floors of retail outlets
    • International and local fashion brands
    • Food court and restaurants
    • Movie theatre
    • Cafés, souvenir shops, and convenience stores

✨ Why It Matters

  • Lifestyle hub: Designed around the theme of “Everyday Discovery”, the mall combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in one space.
  • Economic impact: Represents Chip Mong Group’s expansion into large‑scale retail, boosting Phnom Penh’s modern consumer infrastructure.
  • Accessibility: Easy to reach without crossing rivers or requiring special transport; direct parking available.

⚠️ Considerations

  • Competition: It joins other mega malls like AEON Mall Phnom Penh, intensifying competition in Cambodia’s retail sector.
  • Traffic: Located on a busy boulevard, congestion can be an issue during peak hours.
  • Cultural shift: Reflects Cambodia’s rapid urbanisation and changing consumer habits, but may overshadow traditional markets.

✅ Summary

Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall is a landmark retail and leisure destination in Phnom Penh, offering scale, convenience, and modern amenities. For residents and visitors, it’s both a shopping centre and a symbol of Cambodia’s evolving urban lifestyle.

🔺 Three Lenses, Three Ways of Seeing

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A philosophy in glass and focus

I don’t choose lenses for coverage. I choose them for character. Each one speaks differently. Each one sees differently. Together, they form a triangle — not of focal lengths, but of editorial stance.

📍 Clarity — NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

This is the lens I reach for when I want truth without embellishment. It’s sharp, democratic, unpretentious. It doesn’t romanticize the street — it respects it. In Phnom Penh’s quieter corners, it sees what’s there and lets it speak. No blur, no drama. Just presence.

🌫️ Atmosphere — NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

This one is softer. Wide open, it breathes. It doesn’t chase sharpness — it leans into ambiguity. I use it when I want mood over detail, when the story lives in the shadows. It’s the lens of dusk, of memory, of things half‑said.

🎯 Focus — NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8D / f/1.8G

These are my scalpels. They isolate. They clarify. The D version has grit — mechanical, tactile, full of history. The G version is quiet, refined, surgical. Both let me pull a face from the crowd, a gesture from the blur. They’re not just portrait lenses. They’re editorial tools for saying: this is what matters.

🧭 The Triangle

Clarity. Atmosphere. Focus. I move between them depending on the story. Sometimes I need the sharpness of truth. Sometimes I need the softness of ambiguity. Sometimes I need to isolate a moment and hold it still.

This triangle isn’t about gear. It’s about ethics. It’s about how I choose to see.

Sharpness Performance – Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G

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Centre sharpness — it’s one of the defining strengths of the Nikon AF‑S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G.

🔍 Centre Sharpness Performance

  • Wide open (f/1.8):
    • The lens delivers excellent sharpness in the centre of the frame, even at maximum aperture.
    • This makes it ideal for portraits where the subject’s eyes and facial features need to be tack‑sharp while the background melts away.
  • Stopped down (f/2.8–f/4):
    • Centre sharpness improves further, reaching peak performance.
    • At these apertures, the lens produces crisp detail suitable for studio work or environmental portraits.
  • Comparison to edges:
    • While the centre is impressively sharp, the edges and corners are softer at f/1.8.
    • By f/4–f/5.6, sharpness across the frame evens out, though the lens is clearly optimised for centre performance.

🌍 Why Centre Sharpness Matters

  • Portraiture: Ensures the subject’s eyes and facial features are rendered with clarity, anchoring the image.
  • Street Portraits: Allows you to isolate a face in the crowd with precision, while the background remains softly ambiguous.
  • Symbolic resonance: Technically, it’s about optics — but metaphorically, it’s about focusing on what matters most while allowing the rest to blur.

✨ Key Takeaway

The Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G is celebrated for its centre sharpness wide open, making it a reliable portrait lens. Its optical design prioritises subject isolation and clarity, which is why it remains one of Nikon’s most popular affordable primes.

The notion that using the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G for street photography is “cheating.”

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📸 Why Some Might Call It “Cheating”

  • Distance & Detachment:
    • An 85mm lens lets you stand further back, avoiding the intimacy and risk of close‑up encounters.
    • Critics argue street photography should be about immersing yourself in the flow of public life, not sniping from afar.
  • Portrait Bias:
    • The lens isolates subjects with shallow depth of field, producing images that look more like studio portraits than candid street shots.
    • Purists say this shifts the genre away from its documentary roots.
  • Aesthetic Control:
    • With creamy bokeh and sharp subject isolation, the 85mm f/1.8G can make almost any scene look “artful.”
    • Some feel this undermines the raw, chaotic authenticity that defines street photography.

🌍 Why It’s Not Cheating

  • Street Photography Is About Vision, Not Gear:
    • Henri Cartier‑Bresson used a 50mm; Garry Winogrand often shot wider. But the genre has never been bound to one focal length.
    • What matters is the decisive moment and the photographer’s intent.
  • Different Perspective:
    • An 85mm lens compresses space, offering a unique way to frame gestures, expressions, and interactions.
    • It can highlight individuals within the crowd, turning anonymity into intimacy.
  • Practicality:
    • In places where close interaction may be culturally sensitive or unsafe, longer focal lengths allow respectful distance.
    • In Phnom Penh, for example, using 85mm could let you capture warmth without intruding.

⚖️ Advantages of 85mm Street Work

  • Subject isolation and expressive portraits.
  • Quiet SWM autofocus — discreet in public.
  • Lightweight and portable compared to f/1.4 primes.

📊 Comparison: Nikon 85mm f/1.8D vs 85mm f/1.8G

FeatureNikon 85mm f/1.8D (1994)Nikon 85mm f/1.8G (2012)
Focal Length85mm85mm
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/1.8
Optical Design6 elements in 6 groups9 elements in 9 groups (modern coatings)
Autofocus SystemScrew‑drive AF (requires motor in camera)Silent Wave Motor (SWM) built into lens
Manual Focus OverrideNoYes (M/A mode)
Minimum Focus Distance0.85 m0.8 m
Diaphragm Blades7 straight blades7 rounded blades (smoother bokeh)
Weight~380 g~350 g
Build QualityMetal/plastic mix, solid feelPlastic barrel, lighter, not weather‑sealed
Filter Size62 mm67 mm
Release Year19942012

⚠️ Disadvantages

  • Less context — backgrounds blur, reducing environmental storytelling.
  • Risk of voyeurism if used without engagement.
  • Narrower field of view makes spontaneous wide scenes harder to capture.

✨ Conclusion

Calling the 85mm f/1.8G “cheating” in street photography reflects a purist mindset that equates authenticity with proximity. In reality, it’s just another tool — one that shifts the genre toward street portraiture, where clarity and ambiguity coexist. The ethical weight lies not in the lens, but in how you use it: whether you engage, respect, and frame responsibly.

Tokina AT‑X 24‑70mm f/2.8 PRO FX: A Lens Built for the Demands of Real Work

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🌍 Why This Lens Matters

Every photographer knows the 24‑70mm f/2.8 zoom is the backbone of a professional kit. It’s the lens you reach for when you need versatility without compromise — wide enough for landscapes, tight enough for portraits, fast enough for events. Tokina’s AT‑X 24‑70mm f/2.8 PRO FX steps into this arena with confidence, offering a blend of durability, optical quality, and thoughtful design.

🔑 Standout Features

  • Focal Range: Covers everything from sweeping 24mm vistas to intimate 70mm portraits.
  • Constant f/2.8 Aperture: Reliable exposure and shallow depth of field across the zoom range, perfect for low‑light and subject isolation.
  • Optical Quality:
    • Crisp centre sharpness at f/2.8.
    • Edge performance improves when stopped down.
    • Natural colour and contrast that hold up in demanding conditions.
  • Autofocus: Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) delivers fast, quiet, and accurate focusing.
  • Manual Focus Clutch: Tokina’s signature system lets you switch instantly between AF and MF by sliding the focus ring.
  • Build: Solid, weather‑resistant construction with a reassuringly professional feel.

🎯 In the Field

  • Portraits: Smooth bokeh and sharp rendering make subjects stand out.
  • Events: The focal range and AF speed handle dynamic environments with ease.
  • Landscapes: At f/8–f/11, detail across the frame is crisp and reliable.
  • Low Light: The constant f/2.8 aperture keeps you shooting confidently indoors or at dusk.

⚠️ Considerations

  • Weight: At roughly 1 kg, it’s not the lightest option.
  • Competition: Goes head‑to‑head with Canon, Nikon, Sigma, and Tamron equivalents.
  • Flare Resistance: Respectable, but not class‑leading — careful composition helps.

📊 Comparison Table: Tokina vs Canon vs Nikon 24‑70mm f/2.8 Lenses

FeatureTokina AT‑X 24‑70mm f/2.8 PRO FXCanon EF 24‑70mm f/2.8L II USMNikon AF‑S 24‑70mm f/2.8E ED VR
Focal Range24–70mm24–70mm24–70mm
ApertureConstant f/2.8Constant f/2.8Constant f/2.8
Autofocus SystemUltrasonic Silent Drive (USD)Ring‑type USM (fast, silent)Silent Wave Motor (SWM) + VR
Special FeaturesManual Focus ClutchWeather‑sealed, pro‑gradeVibration Reduction (VR)
Build QualitySolid, metal barrel, pro feelPremium L‑series constructionRugged, weather‑sealed
Weight~1,000 g~805 g~1,070 g
Release Year201520122015

✨ Final Word

The Tokina AT‑X 24‑70mm f/2.8 PRO FX is a true workhorse lens. It doesn’t just mimic the big brands — it carves out its own space with robust build quality, a clever focus clutch, and reliable optics. For photographers who demand versatility and durability without paying top‑tier prices, this lens earns its place in the bag.

Note: I picked this lens up in excellent (pristine) condition in Phnom Penh today for the bargain price of $100 US.

Phnom Penh Wanderings: Friendship Beyond Fear

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🌍 Off the Tourist Trail

Phnom Penh is often imagined through its riverside promenades, temples, and expat cafés. Yet the city’s essence lies in the places foreigners rarely visit — the narrow lanes, bustling wet markets, and everyday neighbourhoods where life unfolds unfiltered. Many outsiders avoid these areas, guided by fear or unfamiliarity, but for me, wandering them has become a favorite pastime.

🤝 Encounters of Humanity

Each walk brings moments of connection: vendors offering smiles, children waving with delight, neighbours curious yet welcoming. Far from the imagined hostility, I find warmth and joy. The people are happy to see me, not because I am foreign, but because I am present — willing to share space in their daily rhythm.

🕊️ Reframing Fear

The absence of foreigners in these areas is telling. Fear shapes perception, but reality often contradicts it. By stepping into overlooked corners, I discover not danger but dignity, not hostility but hospitality. The narrative of fear dissolves into lived experience of trust.

✨ Lessons in Wandering

  • Authenticity: The richest encounters happen away from curated tourist zones.
  • Humanity: Warmth and friendliness are constants, even in places outsiders avoid.
  • Perspective: Fear blinds us to beauty; presence reveals it.

📸 Closing Reflection

Wandering Phnom Penh’s less‑visited areas is more than exploration — it is an act of trust. It reminds me that ambiguity and absence are not voids to fear, but spaces where meaning emerges. In the overlooked corners of the city, I find friendship, resilience, and the quiet joy of human connection.

In Cambodia, the simple act of offering a Khmer greeting — the sampeah — carries deep cultural weight. Whether you meet a child, an elder, or someone in between, pressing your palms together and bowing slightly is seen not just as politeness, but as a gesture of respect and friendship.

✨ I have noticed — that people light up when greeted in their own language — is a reminder of how small acts of cultural recognition dissolve barriers. It’s not about being fluent; it’s about showing you care enough to step into their world.

The Nikon D810 is a legendary DSLR

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The Nikon D810 is widely regarded as an extraordinary full‑frame DSLR, thanks to its 36.3‑megapixel sensor, superb dynamic range, and professional‑grade build. Even in 2025, it remains a strong choice for photographers who value high‑resolution stills, robust ergonomics, and versatility across genres.

📸 Key Features

  • Sensor: 36.3 MP full‑frame CMOS sensor (no optical low‑pass filter), delivering exceptional detail.
  • ISO range: Native ISO 64–12,800 (expandable to 32–51,200), offering clean files even in low light.
  • Autofocus: 51‑point AF system with 15 cross‑type sensors, reliable for portraits, landscapes, and moderate action.
  • Speed: 5 fps continuous shooting (7 fps in DX crop mode with battery grip).
  • Video: Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, with flat picture profiles for grading.
  • Build: Magnesium alloy body, weather‑sealed, designed for professional durability.

🌍 Performance in Practice

  • Landscape & studio: Extraordinary sharpness and dynamic range make it ideal for fine‑art and commercial work.
  • Portraits & weddings: Skin tones are rendered beautifully, with excellent colour depth.
  • Astrophotography: Low ISO 64 base and wide dynamic range give clean star fields and nightscapes.
  • Wildlife & sports: While capable, its 5 fps burst rate and slower AF compared to newer DSLRs/mirrorless bodies make it less suited for fast action.

⚠️ Trade‑offs

  • Weight: At ~880 g (body only), it’s heavier than modern mirrorless cameras.
  • Speed: Burst shooting and AF tracking lag behind newer models like the Nikon D850 or Z series.
  • Video limitations: No 4K recording, which is now standard in newer cameras.
  • Age: Released in 2014, so while still excellent, it lacks some modern conveniences (touchscreen, Wi‑Fi integration).

✨ Why It’s Still Extraordinary

  • Image quality: Among the best full‑frame DSLRs ever made, with files that rival medium format.
  • Value: In 2025, it’s significantly cheaper on the used market, making it a bargain for high‑resolution stills.
  • Legacy: The D810 remains a “dream camera” for many photographers, especially those focused on landscapes, portraits, and studio work.

Key takeaway: The Nikon D810 is a legendary DSLR — extraordinary for detail, dynamic range, and reliability. While newer cameras surpass it in speed and video, it remains a superb tool for still photography and a worthy investment even today.