Photographing Cambodia means dealing with striking light contrasts, omnipresent dust, and tropical humidity. To capture the best of Angkor or the floating villages, here is the gear we recommend for your trip.
1. Lenses: Versatility and Scale
Cambodia keeps you on your toes. You’ll switch from a tight portrait to a vast landscape in seconds.
- The “All-rounder” (24-70mm): The ultimate Swiss Army knife. It’s ideal for switching between intimate life scenes and temple architecture.
- The Wide Angle (14-24mm or 16-35mm): Essential for Angkor. To capture the scale of the Bayon or the giant roots of Ta Prohm, you need perspective… or a very wide lens.
- Pro Tip: Choose weather-sealed lenses. Tropical humidity and sudden downpours are unforgiving on unprotected gear.
2. The Tripod Dilemma
Officially, tripods are banned inside the temple grounds as they are associated with professional film crews.
- On the ground: Small, lightweight, and compact tripods are usually tolerated.
- The alternative: A monopod is often an excellent compromise. Discreet and efficient, it provides the stability you need for longer exposures without catching the guards’ attention.
3. Maintenance: Dust is the Enemy
Cambodia is beautiful but extremely dusty, especially during the dry season.
- Never leave your sensor exposed.
- Always keep a small brush or a rocket blower handy. Daily cleaning is essential to avoid dust spots on your sky shots.
4. Comfort for the Long Haul
A day of shooting in Siem Reap often means walking 10 to 15 km in 35°C heat.
- Ditch the basic neck strap that came with your camera. Invest in a comfortable, ergonomic strap (like BlackRapid or Peak Design) to distribute the weight and save your neck by the end of the day.
Need help adjusting your camera settings in the field?
Join our Photography Workshops in Cambodia. We teach you how to master your gear, from dialling in the perfect exposure to capturing cinematic drone movements.