For three years, I called Cambodia home. I lived amongst the people and captured a large body of work in preparation of my first street photography book. I learned so much about the rich culture and beautiful people that live there and enjoyed so many experiences that impact my work even today.

The people in Cambodia are some of the most welcoming and accepting I have ever met. They were so warm to me, we became like one big extended family there for three years while going through tough times together—it's something that will never change or go away no matter what happens between us because even if life gets hard again someday down future road(s), these memories Stay fresh with time as progresses forwards.

Cambodia has a way of getting under your skin—it's a place that stays with you long after you've left. And that's what I hope to capture with my photography; the spirit of the Cambodian people.

My Experience in Cambodia

I first arrived in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, in 2010. I was immediately struck by the beauty of the city—the sweeping Boulevards lined with palm trees, French colonial architecture, and bustling markets. But it was the people that really caught my attention. Everywhere I went, I was greeted with smiles and gestures of welcome. I quickly fell in love with the city and its inhabitants.

Over the next three years, I would come to know Cambodia intimately. I traveled to all corners of the country, from the remote rural villages nestled in the jungle-covered mountains to the bustling cities along the coast. Everywhere I went, I was welcomed with open arms by the people of Cambodia. We shared meals together, laughed together, cried together—we even doorstep danced together on more than one occasion!

Through it all, I photographed tirelessly, capturing moments of joy and sorrow, beauty and hardship. It was an honor and a privilege to document the lives of these resilient people as they faced many challenges—political unrest, poverty, natural disasters—with grace and fortitude.

Conclusion:
Cambodia holds a very special place in my heart. It's a country that has been through so much hardship yet remains proud and resilient. The people are some of the kindest and most hospitable I have ever met; they welcomed me into their homes and lives and treated me like family. These experiences have had a profound impact on my work as a photographer; they've helped me to see beyond the surface and capture honest moments that reflect the human spirit.