Eyes on Cambodia: A Lens into the Kingdom’s Hidden Beauty

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Eyes on Cambodia has just announced the launch of its inaugural photography competition, offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to capture the essence of Cambodia through their lenses. With a generous prize pool exceeding $1,500 and a traveling exhibition that will visit four cities, this competition invites photographers to showcase Cambodia’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. What sets this contest apart is its dual focus: highlighting the country’s beauty while supporting reforestation efforts through partnerships with Wildlife Alliance.

Open to all – amateurs, professionals, Cambodian nationals, expats, and travelers alike – the competition calls for submissions by October 31, 2024. The only requirement? A love for Cambodia and an eye for its unique splendor.

A Platform for Talent and Environmental Impact

The theme of this year’s competition, “Beautiful Cambodia,” provides participants with creative freedom to capture the country’s varied beauty. Whether it’s majestic temples, bustling markets, or serene countryside landscapes, entrants are encouraged to showcase the heart of Cambodia. As esteemed judge Jonathan Taylor noted, “The competition showcases Cambodia’s culture and its fantastic people through photography. Picture sales will help support reforestation efforts in the country too. Not only that, the Wild Restaurant program is helping to showcase local photographers’ work, something well worthy of support.”

The competition offers more than just exposure. With the top 30 selected photos being exhibited in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, and Battambang, participants will reach a national audience, and visitors will be able to cast votes for their favorite works. Each exhibition venue will feature voting opportunities, with winners announced at a grand ceremony in Phnom Penh on January 23, 2025.

A Celebration of Local and International Talent

The expert jury panel includes some of the most respected figures in Cambodian photography and art. Renowned photographer Remissa Mak, whose work has captured Cambodia’s complex history, expressed his hopes for the next generation: “I am very delighted to be a part of the Jury team and I hope to inspire young generation of Cambodian photographers to promote photography in Cambodia.”

Jessica Lim, the director of the Angkor Photo Festival & Workshops, also highlighted how photography can reveal the deeper essence of the country: “There is so much beauty in Cambodia that deserves to be seen, cherished, and protected. As a jury member, I am excited to discover more about this country through the eyes of its photographers!”

Souden Ly, founder of Sovrin Magazine, emphasized the opportunity for young talents to shine on both national and international stages, further elevating Cambodia’s creative scene. His vision is clear: “Through this competition, we will see Cambodia’s beauty highlighted through photography.”

A Deeper Purpose: Reforestation and Beyond

Beyond the artistic showcase, Eyes on Cambodia is committed to environmental sustainability. Each photograph from the final exhibition will be available for purchase at $100, with 40% of proceeds going to Wildlife Alliance to support reforestation efforts in Cambodia. The competition aims to plant a minimum of 300 trees annually, making this a meaningful initiative for photographers and nature lovers alike.

A Call to Capture the Unseen Cambodia

Since 2017, Wild Restaurants have served as a hub for showcasing local talent. Eyes on Cambodia builds on this tradition by creating the first independent, nationwide photography competition open to everyone. As the organizers explain, “Over the years, we have discovered a vibrant community of photographers, both amateur and professional, eager to share their work. However, many lack the opportunity to display their art on a national stage. Eyes on Cambodia aims to change that.”

The competition not only supports Cambodian talent but also reveals the breadth of experiences awaiting those who explore the country. With this initiative, there’s never been a better time to discover Cambodia beyond its well-trodden paths. Whether you’re visiting for its iconic temples, pristine beaches, or unique wildlife, this competition highlights how much more there is to see in the Kingdom.

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Tom Starkey
Author: Tom Starkey

Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.