Featured Artist: VuThéara Kham

© VuThéara Kham

© VuThéara Kham

Why we liked it: in the typical setting of a run down Khmer temple, VuThéara managed to compose an intimate picture where the innocence of youth is juxtaposed with the centuries-old stone ruins and the tree acts as a link between past and present. 

VuThéara, can you tell us something about yourself?

My name is VuTheara Kham, I’m 32 years old, I’m a UI/UX designer and freelance photographer based in Paris, France. I started photography in January 2011 with my iPhone 4 for two years, posting just on Instagram and then I tried to take pictures with DSLR camera, Canon 550D, and finally with a 5D Mark III since one year. You can see some of my photos here:
instagram.com/vutheara
vutheara.tumblr.com/

What motivated you to participate in this competition?

I’m motivated firstly because I’m French-Asian. My parents were born in Cambodia and I was born in France. I recognize myself in this competition.

Where was this picture taken? Can you tell us something more about it?

I took this picture last October in Cambodia, when I visited the Beng Mealea temple, located near Siem Reap, for the first time.
When I was about to leave the temple, I noticed a young boy, working as a tourist guide for one or two dollars. I walked up the temple to have a good composition: big stones in the background with huge, tentacular roots of a giant tree that can be seen on the photo as well as the Cambodian boy, watching the tourists.

What are you trying to convey with your photography?

My goal is to tell a story by using original composition solutions. I like to surprise people who watch my pictures, I like to make them think and ask questions about the scenes represented in the photos.

Have you been many times to Asia?

I’ve travelled 3 times to Asia but I visited only Cambodia. I went there twice all by my own to discover my origin, my family and once with my girlfriend.

What is the place that inspires you the most and why?

All the places inspire me, it would be impossible for me to choose just one. Each place has his own charm, made by the people living there. As a photographer I feel the best in Paris, probably because it’s the city that I photographed in the first place and that I know like no other place.

What is your take on photography? Do you want to share it withe the world? Then register here and submit your pictures! “All of Asia” ends on the 30th of December 2014.