Covering Local Political Events in Cambodia

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Making Black and white images

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One of my favourite hobbies is creating black-and-white images. I enjoy the process of transforming a colourful picture into a monochrome one, using different techniques and tools. I find that black and white images have a unique aesthetic and mood, that can convey emotions and messages more effectively than color. I also like the challenge of working with shades of grey, contrast, and texture, to create a balanced and harmonious composition. Black and white images are timeless and classic, and they can capture the essence and beauty of any subject.

One of the most powerful ways to create a stunning black-and-white image is to use contrast and tones effectively. Contrast is the difference between light and dark areas in an image, and tones are the shades of grey that make up the image. By manipulating contrast and tones, you can enhance the mood, drama, and emotion of your image, as well as draw attention to the main subject and create a sense of depth. But contrast and tones alone are not enough to make a black-and-white image work. You also need good content, which means a strong composition, a clear message, and an interesting story. Content is what gives meaning and purpose to your image, and what makes it stand out from the crowd. Without good content, contrast and tones will not have much impact. Therefore, when you are creating a black-and-white image, you should always consider both the technical and the artistic aspects of your work, and use contrast and tones to enhance your content, not to replace it.

Making a black-and-white image from a digital colour image can be a creative way to highlight the shapes, textures and contrasts in your photos. However, not all colour images look good in black and white. You need to consider some factors before converting your images, such as the tonal range, the subject matter and the mood you want to convey.

One of the easiest ways to convert a colour image to black and white is to use an adjustment layer in Photoshop or a similar photo editing software. An adjustment layer allows you to apply a grayscale conversion without affecting the original image. You can also fine-tune the results by adjusting the brightness and contrast of different colours in your image.

To create a black-and-white adjustment layer in Photoshop, follow these steps:

  1. Open your colour image in Photoshop.
  2. Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Black & White. Name the layer and click OK.
  3. Photoshop will apply a default grayscale conversion to your image. You can see the effect in the Layers panel and on the canvas.
  4. To adjust the grayscale conversion, go to the Properties panel and use the sliders to change the brightness of different colours in your image. For example, you can drag the Red slider to the left to darken the red areas or drag it to the right to lighten them.
  5. You can also use the Auto button to let Photoshop choose the best grayscale mix for your image, or use the Preset menu to select a predefined grayscale mix.
  6. If you want to add a tint to your black and white image, check the Tint box and click on the colour swatch to choose a tint colour.
  7. When you are happy with your black-and-white image, save it as a new file or export it as you wish.

By using an adjustment layer, you can easily convert your colour image to black and white and make it pop with some simple adjustments.

Cambodian Labour Day 2023

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On May 1st, 2023, hundreds of Cambodian workers took to the streets to mark Labour Day and demanded better working conditions and higher wages. The demonstrations were peaceful and well-organized, with no reports of violence or clashes with the authorities. The protesters carried banners and placards with slogans such as “Workers are not slaves”, “We deserve a living wage”, and “Respect our rights”. They also sang songs and chanted slogans in Khmer and English, expressing their solidarity and determination.

The demonstrations were part of a nationwide campaign by the Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC), the largest independent trade union in the country. The CLC represents workers from various sectors, including garment, construction, tourism, and agriculture. The CLC has been advocating for a minimum wage increase from $192 to $250 per month, as well as improved health and safety standards, social protection, and freedom of association. The CLC claims that the current minimum wage is insufficient to cover the basic needs of workers and their families, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living.

The demonstrations were also supported by other civil society groups, human rights organizations, and opposition parties. They called on the government to respect the rights of workers and engage in dialogue with the unions. They also urged the international community to pressure the Cambodian government to uphold its obligations under the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and other human rights treaties.

The Cambodian government has not responded to the workers’ demands and has maintained tight control over the labour movement. The government has been accused of cracking down on unions and activists, restricting their freedom of expression and assembly, and using legal threats and intimidation to silence dissent. The government has also been criticized for failing to protect workers from exploitation, abuse, and discrimination by employers and foreign investors.

The Cambodian Labour Day demonstrations were a sign of the growing discontent and frustration among the working class in Cambodia. They also showed the strength and resilience of the labour movement in the face of repression and hardship. The workers vowed to continue their struggle until their demands are met and their dignity is restored.

***Rising costs and static wages are causing the ordinary working population to struggle in Cambodia. This means that the prices of goods and services are increasing faster than the income of most people, especially those who work in the garment, textile, and footwear industries. These industries are vital to Cambodia’s economy, as they account for some 80 per cent of total exports and employ over 700,000 workers. However, the workers in these industries only receive a minimum wage of US$194 per month for regular workers and US$192 per month for probationary workers. This is barely enough to cover their basic needs, such as food, transportation, accommodation, and health care. Moreover, the minimum wage has only increased by US$10 in three years, while inflation and living expenses have risen faster. The government has tried to balance the interests of the workers and the employers, but many workers are still dissatisfied with their low wages and poor working conditions. They demanded a higher minimum wage of US$204 per month, but this was rejected by the government. The workers have also faced challenges from the withdrawal of Cambodia’s partial ‘Everything but Arms’ status by the European Union, which gave the country duty-free access to EU markets. This has reduced the demand for Cambodian exports and threatened the jobs of many workers. Therefore, rising costs and static wages are creating a lot of hardship and discontent among the ordinary working population in Cambodia.***

“It’s not fair that we work so hard to make clothes, shoes, and other products for the Western markets, but we barely get enough money to survive. The companies that sell our goods charge high prices to their customers, but they pay us very low wages. They don’t care about our health, safety, or dignity. They only care about their profits. We deserve better than this. We deserve to have a decent living standard, to have access to education and health care, and to have a voice in our workplaces. We are not machines. We are human beings”. Anonymous quote

How do you define a street portrait?

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A street portrait is a type of photography that captures a person or a group of people in a public place, such as a street, a park, a market, or a subway station. Unlike studio portraits, street portraits are not staged or posed, but rather spontaneous and candid. They aim to capture the essence and personality of the subject, as well as the mood and atmosphere of the location.

Street portraits can be challenging but rewarding for photographers who want to explore the diversity and complexity of human life in different environments. They require a combination of technical skills, artistic vision, and social skills. Here are some tips on how to define and create your own street portraits:

  • Find your style. There is no single definition or rule for what makes a good street portrait. Some photographers prefer to shoot close-ups with shallow depth of field, while others like to include more context and background in their shots. Some photographers use flash or artificial light, while others rely on natural light and shadows. Some photographers ask for permission from their subjects, while others shoot discreetly without being noticed. You have to find your own style and preferences that suit your personality and goals.
  • Choose your location. The location of your street portrait can have a significant impact on the final result. You should look for places that have interesting people, colours, textures, patterns, or contrasts. You should also consider the lighting conditions, the time of day, and the weather. You can scout for locations beforehand or improvise on the spot. You can also revisit the same location at different times to see how it changes.
  • Approach your subject. One of the most difficult aspects of street portrait photography is approaching your subject. You have to decide whether you want to ask for permission or not, and how to do it in a respectful and friendly way. You also have to deal with possible rejections or objections from your subject or bystanders. You should always respect the privacy and dignity of your subject, and never force or harass them to pose for you. You should also be aware of the cultural and legal norms of the place you are shooting in.
  • Interact with your subject. Another challenge of street portrait photography is interacting with your subject. You have to decide how much direction or guidance you want to give them, and how to make them feel comfortable and relaxed in front of your camera. You can try to establish rapport with them by talking to them, complimenting them, or making jokes. You can also let them be themselves and capture their natural expressions and gestures. You should always be polite and grateful for their cooperation, and show them the results if possible.
  • Edit your photos. The final step of street portrait photography is editing your photos. You have to select the best shots from your session and enhance them with post-processing tools. You can adjust the exposure, contrast, colour, sharpness, cropping, and other parameters according to your taste and style. You can also apply filters or presets to create a consistent look for your street portraits. You should always keep in mind the original intention and message of your photos, and avoid over-editing them.

Defining your photographic comfort zone

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One of the most important aspects of photography is finding your own style and voice. But how do you do that? How do you know what kind of photos you like to take and what kind of photos you are good at taking? One way to approach this question is by defining your photographic comfort zone.

Your photographic comfort zone is the range of subjects, situations, and techniques that you feel comfortable and confident with. It’s where you can express yourself freely and creatively, without feeling anxious or frustrated. It’s where you can enjoy the process of making images and have fun with your camera.

But how do you find your photographic comfort zone? Well, there is no definitive answer to that, as everyone’s comfort zone is different and personal. However, here are some possible steps that might help you:

Defining your photographic comfort zone can help you discover your own style and voice as a photographer. It can also help you improve your skills and expand your horizons. However, remember that your comfort zone is not fixed or static. It can change over time as you evolve as a photographer and as a person. So keep exploring, keep learning, and keep enjoying photography!

Choosing what images to make. How to find inspiration for my photography.

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One of the most common challenges that photographers face is deciding what to photograph. Sometimes, you may have a clear idea of what you want to capture, but other times, you may feel stuck or uninspired. How can you overcome this creative block and find new sources of inspiration for your photography?

There are many ways to spark your imagination and get motivated to take photos. Here are some tips that may help you choose what images to make and how to find inspiration for your photography.

  • Explore different genres and styles. Photography is a diverse and versatile art form that can express many different moods, emotions, and messages. You can experiment with different genres and styles of photography, such as portrait, landscape, street, abstract, macro, wildlife, documentary, and more. Each genre has its own challenges and opportunities for creativity. You can also try different techniques and effects, such as long exposure, HDR, black and white, bokeh, and more. By exploring different genres and styles, you can discover new perspectives and possibilities for your photography.
  • Follow other photographers. One of the best ways to learn and improve your photography is to follow other photographers who inspire you. You can find many talented and creative photographers online, on platforms such as Instagram, Flickr, 500px, Behance, and more. You can also look for photography blogs, magazines, books, podcasts, and videos that showcase the work and insights of other photographers. By following other photographers, you can learn from their skills, techniques, tips, and stories. You can also get inspired by their vision, style, and themes.
  • Join a photography community. Another way to find inspiration for your photography is to join a photography community where you can interact with other photographers who share your passion and interest. You can find many photography communities online or offline, such as forums, groups, clubs, workshops, contests, and more. By joining a photography community, you can get feedback, advice, support, and encouragement from other photographers. You can also participate in challenges, projects, collaborations, and events that can stimulate your creativity and challenge your skills.
  • Go outside your comfort zone. Sometimes, the best way to find inspiration for your photography is to go outside your comfort zone and try something new or different. You can challenge yourself to photograph something that you normally wouldn’t or that scares you. You can also travel to a new place or revisit an old one with a fresh eye. You can also experiment with new equipment or settings that you are not familiar with. By going outside your comfort zone, you can push your boundaries and discover new aspects of yourself and your photography.
  • Have fun and enjoy the process. Finally, the most important tip to find inspiration for your photography is to have fun and enjoy the process. Photography is not only a skill or a profession but also a hobby and a passion. You should not take it too seriously or put too much pressure on yourself to create perfect images. Instead, you should focus on the joy and satisfaction that photography brings you. You should also appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around you and capture it with your camera. By having fun and enjoying the process, you can find inspiration for your photography in every moment.

Knowing your camera

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If you are passionate about photography, you know how important it is to know your camera well. Your camera is your tool, your partner, and your creative expression. Knowing your camera means you can take better photos, faster and easier.

But how do you get to know your camera? There are so many features, settings, and options that it can be overwhelming at first. Don’t worry, we are here to help you with some tips and tricks to get you started.

The first thing you need to do is read the manual. Yes, we know it sounds boring and tedious, but trust us, it will save you a lot of time and frustration later on. The manual will tell you everything you need to know about your camera’s functions, modes, menus, and buttons. You will learn how to adjust the exposure, focus, white balance, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and more. You will also learn how to use the flash, the zoom, the timer, the burst mode, and other features that can enhance your photos.

The second thing you need to do is practice. The best way to learn is by doing. Take your camera with you everywhere you go and try different settings and situations. Experiment with different angles, perspectives, lighting conditions, and subjects. See how your camera reacts and what results you get. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become with your camera.

The third thing you need to do is have fun. Photography is not only a skill but also an art form. It is a way of expressing yourself and capturing moments that matter to you. Don’t get too caught up in the technical details and forget to enjoy the process. Be creative, be curious, be adventurous. Find your own style and voice. Share your photos with others and get feedback. Learn from other photographers and get inspired by their work.

Knowing your camera is not a one-time thing. It is a continuous journey of discovery and improvement. As you grow as a photographer, so will your camera skills. You will always find new things to learn and new ways to challenge yourself.

But remember, the most important thing is not the camera itself but what you do with it.

How to improve your photography

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Photography is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice, patience and passion. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned photographer, there are always ways to take your photos to the next level. Here are some tips on how to improve your photography and capture stunning images.

  1. Learn the basics of exposure. Exposure is the amount of light that reaches your camera sensor and determines how bright or dark your photo is. Exposure is controlled by three factors: aperture, shutter speed and ISO. The aperture is the size of the opening in your lens that lets in light. Shutter speed is the length of time that your camera shutter stays open to expose the sensor. ISO is the sensitivity of your sensor to light. By adjusting these three factors, you can achieve different effects and creative results in your photos.
  2. Understand the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is a simple but effective composition technique that helps you create balanced and interesting photos. Imagine dividing your frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. The rule of thirds suggests that you place your main subject or point of interest along one of these lines or at one of their intersections. This way, you avoid placing your subject in the centre of the frame, which can make your photo look static and boring.
  3. Experiment with different perspectives. One of the easiest ways to improve your photography is to change your point of view and try different angles and perspectives. Instead of taking photos from eye level, try shooting from above, below, behind, beside or close to your subject. This can create a sense of depth, drama, intimacy or surprise in your photos and make them more engaging and unique.
  4. Use natural light. Natural light is one of the best sources of illumination for photography, as it can create beautiful colours, shadows, contrasts and moods in your photos. The quality and direction of natural light can vary depending on the time of day, weather and season, so you need to pay attention to how it affects your subject and scene. Generally, the golden hour (the hour after sunrise and before sunset) and the blue hour (the hour before sunrise and after sunset) are considered the best times for photography, as they produce soft, warm and flattering light.
  5. Edit your photos. Editing your photos can enhance their appearance and correct any flaws or mistakes that you made while shooting. You can use various software or apps to edit your photos on your computer or smartphone. Some of the basic editing tools that you can use are cropping, rotating, adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, white balance and colour temperature. You can also apply filters or presets to give your photos a certain style or mood.

These are only some of the tips on how to improve your photography and take better photos. Remember that photography is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to express yourself creatively and capture memorable moments. Keep practising, learning and experimenting with your camera and you will soon see improvement in your skills and results.

Ethical issues for street photographers.

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Street photography is a fascinating and rewarding genre of photography that captures candid moments of life in public spaces. However, street photography also poses some ethical challenges that require careful consideration and respect from the photographer. Here are some ethical issues for the street photographer to keep in mind:

Love is ALL

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Love is all you need or so the song says. But is it really true? Can love solve all our problems and make us happy? In this blog post, I will explore the meaning and power of love, and share some tips on how to cultivate more love in your life.

Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can be experienced in different ways. There is romantic love, which is the attraction and affection we feel for a partner. There is familial love, which is the bond and loyalty we have with our relatives. There is platonic love, which is the friendship and camaraderie we share with our peers. There is self-love, which is the respect and acceptance we have for ourselves. And there is universal love, which is the compassion and kindness we have for all living beings.

All these forms of love are important and valuable, and they can enrich our lives in different ways. However, they are not always easy to achieve or maintain. Sometimes we face challenges or conflicts that test our love. Sometimes we feel lonely or unloved. Sometimes we struggle to love ourselves or others. Sometimes we lose sight of what love really means.

So how can we overcome these difficulties and cultivate more love in our lives? Here are some suggestions:

  • Be grateful for the love you have. Appreciate the people who love you and show them your gratitude. Express your feelings and emotions honestly and openly. Don’t take love for granted or expect it to be perfect. Celebrate the small moments of joy and connection that love brings.
  • Be open to new love. Don’t close your heart or mind to the possibility of finding or giving love. Be curious and adventurous in your relationships. Explore new interests and hobbies that can bring you closer to others. Don’t be afraid to take risks or make mistakes in love. Learn from your experiences and grow as a person.
  • Be compassionate with yourself and others. Don’t judge yourself or others harshly for being imperfect or flawed. Accept yourself and others as you are, with your strengths and weaknesses. Forgive yourself and others for hurting or disappointing you. Support yourself and others in times of need. Treat yourself and others with kindness and respect.
  • Be mindful of your thoughts and actions. Don’t let negative thoughts or emotions cloud your vision of love. Recognize when you are feeling angry, sad, jealous, insecure, or fearful, and try to understand why. Don’t act on impulse or react in ways that can harm yourself or others. Choose to act with love instead of hate, with generosity instead of greed, with honesty instead of deceit.
  • Be inspired by love. Don’t limit your definition of love to a single person or thing. Find inspiration in the many expressions of love that exist in the world. Listen to music, read books, watch movies, or visit places that celebrate love. Learn from the stories and examples of people who have loved deeply and passionately. Discover your own way of expressing and sharing your love.

Love is all you need or so the song says. And I agree with that statement. Love is not only a feeling but also a choice, a practice, and a way of life. Love can make us happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. Love can make us better people and make the world a better place.

So let’s choose to love more every day, in every way possible.