Capturing life...in Vietnam and Cambodia
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| via Kristen's Custom Creations |
One of the joys of photography
is the ability to capture life...all it takes is a moment.
I gave up striving for the perfect shot long ago.
It was a wonderful release when I realised that
life is too precious and I should just record
what is meaningful to me.
I tossed those hang ups over my shoulder and decided
that's that and got on with things.
Now..I just catch life around me and if it is simple
as a pen on a piece of paper in front of me...I take it.
If you have access to a camera..any camera, grab it.
I use my phone quite a bit and when time permits
I bring out my bigger cameras.
No matter..it is what you see and feel that matters.
Just capture your life.
The following were captured
and transferred last week to Instagram..
where I share life with like minds.
Another little pleasure.
Last week, I captured...
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Lotus buds in the flower market.
Saigon, Vietnam
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The watermelon man...tapping watermelons to determine
which one's will be sold in the market that day.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Jumping fish and laughter with the fish monger.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Memories of Indiana Jones and the magic of the jungle.
Siem Reap, Cambodia.
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The heat of the morning sun at the Jade Emperor Palace.
Saigon, Vietnam
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The fresh scents and colour of a fruit stand in the markets.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
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The intricacies in the stonework at Angkor Wat.
Siem Reap, Cambodia |
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| The hustle and bustle of the morning markets. Saigon, Vietnam |
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| Admiring a beautiful caftan and deciding if I should take it home. Siem Reap, Cambodia |
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| The original shape of the bicycle baskets in Siem Reap. Siem Reap, Cambodia |
Lastly, my two favourite moments last week,
which I have yet to share on Instagram.
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| In Saigon, in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, a young girl in her Sunday best red shoes. Remember those days? |
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| I spy...a moment of prayer at the Jade Emperor Pagoda in Saigon. |
Capturing life.
Now you try...
:)
:)
If you would like to join me on Instagram,
you can find me here.
Travel book, Travel book, Travel book.
ReplyDeleteYou must do one.
Your photographs are brilliant.
xo,
p
Thank you P... :) xx
DeleteI second that motion--and actually think that I asked for the same long ago!!!
DeleteYou two are the best... xx
DeleteI am loving your Instagram feed. Your photographs are so beautiful and always look forward to seeing the shots that you are capturing. I like your philosophy ~ I am slowly learning to let go and just capture what is meaningful to me. You have provided so much inspiration with your blog and your photos. I will gladly take your advice and keep capturing wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gina...I am enjoying yours too! Keep capturing those moments, it is a pleasure to follow along. :)
DeleteLove your photographs Jeanne. You just take it as it is. I love the outfit of the ladies in the market. You are teaching us how to take better photos and to see the beauty even in simple things. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pamela...so glad we are following each other on Instagram as well. It is lovely to follow along with you. :)
DeleteOh ... the wee girl in the red shoes!
ReplyDeleteYou live life well and you capture it well.
Fondly,
Glenda
ps. I finally posted wedding pictures.
Thank you Glenda...and I have just been to look at your photos..absoultely wonderful! My comment did not go through..I will try again. :)
DeleteDear Jeanne, I just had to comment on this lovely Post of yours. Such wise words and a very timely Post for me. Recently I have been losing the whole essence of capturing life as you describe and instead had become a little obsessed with taking 'perfect' photos. It was starting to feel wrong. I think it is because I joined a photography meme which made the photo taking feel like a chore. Whatever it was, I'm grateful for your Post today. One of my favourite things to do when I was in Vietnam was to roam the streets with my camera. I'm loving all of these photos and I love following along on IG too. Mel x
ReplyDeleteThank you Mel...so nice to hear someone feels the same way. Roaming streets is a fun way to experience it all, especially when you do not have an agenda. I just love looking at all your photos..your Flynn is an absolute sweetie!
DeleteYou have a beautiful family which must give you ever ending joy. I love that you have five children..as a mother of four, I always wondered about a fifth and sixth. You are a star! xx
I hope you did take that turquoise caftan home!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo many things in these beautiful captures reminded me of my visit to Vietnam.....and I hope so much to return some day. Thanks for sharing the colors and loveliness of the amazing people.
Mary
You are very welcome Mary...am still thinking on that caftan.. :)
Deletebonjour my friend! i was so thankful to have my camera phone with me this morning at W.H.Smith bookstore here in Paris..guess who i bumped in to? the lovely Princess Lee Radziwill! i am usually not star struck...but being from the Cape I love all things Kennedy!!
ReplyDeletelove your photos!! xo
I would be starstruck too Pam..that is one woman who knows how to age gracefully. Just loved your recent posts, gradations and balls in Paris..what wonderful memories for you all. I love how much..you love life, it shows! :)
DeleteJeanne, you have so much talent, it just spills over into your photographs--as does your true love for life in all shapes and sizes. You have an intimacy and ease that I admire greatly...and I think that it is important to keep things fairly loose. Remi and I were talking about this actually, how things have changed and that sort of "decallée" view of things is welcome these days!
ReplyDeleteSo yes, no matter who you are or what you have to work with (although honestly I have never taken a good photo on my iphone), capture...and celebrate!
Thanks for being you,
Bisous,
Heather
Ah Heather...I always feel like I could float to the heavens above when you write. You are so thoughtful and kind and your words are always much appreciated. Thank you also for the articles on Cambodia..I am waiting for a cup of coffee and time to open the files and enjoy peacefully. xx
DeleteHello Jeanne
ReplyDeleteYou are so right to use what is available to capture the memory. The main question, did you purchase the turquouse caftan? If not, you must return pronto
Helen xx
Helen... I am kicking myself but not too hard. Mr. H travels to Cambodia frequently and I imagine I will be back again..and I know exactly where to go! :) xx
Deletehow beautiful + thank you for posting the photos. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Peggy... :)
DeleteI love your philosophy about NOT having to have the perfect shot. It's so true, and for someone still in the newbie photography stage it feels rather liberating to hear. You photos are so lush and layered. I love the sense that I'm getting a window into your world.
ReplyDeleteLeslie aka Gwen Moss
Leslie...I gave up 'perfect' everything long ago...perhaps I saw the wisdom of it all as I came of age. I still have my moments or striving for Virgo perfection but they are far and few between these days. Living this life the best we can is all we have..having visited lots of Buddhist temples helps with that train of thought too. :)
DeleteI think that normally when I carry a camera I am too focused on "the perfect photo" (or documenting every blossom I see!). Thanks for the advice to just carry it and shoot life. I need to loosen up and try that. thanks.
ReplyDeleteWebb...I say, if you love it, shoot it! xx
DeleteYou capture life very well, dear Jeanne. And I think I will take your advice and stop looking for the perfect moment and the perfect picture. It will make life to much easier.
ReplyDeleteI often find Loree...that my favourite shots tend to be the ones I wasn't trying hard to capture. Also...taking lots of photos help...so glad we are living with digital cameras! :)
DeleteSuch amazing pictures!! Your instagram is my favorite one to follow because the photos are so fascinating and well done. Thanks for sharing, Jeanne!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandy...I feel the same about your photos. I love the spontaneity of Instagram..so easy for us all to connect. I truly feel like I am travelling the world..standing still. So much fun! :)
DeleteI have been following you on facebook and your photos are amazing, you're right you should take photos of what you love... But what you love makes you a beautiful photographer!
ReplyDeleteI love following your blog, and I do hope you finally went back for that lovely blue top!
Tammy xx
Tammy...you are a sweetie, thank you! I enjoyed popping over to your blog and reading about your plans to move to England...so exciting! The blue top will come along one day...I am sure of it. :)
DeleteJeanne, what beautiful photos! You have taken me on a little trip into your world this morning. How enchanting it is!
ReplyDeletexx Sunday
Thank you Sunday.. :) xx
DeleteAwesome photographs, Jeanne! You are, indeed, an artist with the lens! Thanks for the windows to your world :)
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Becky..thank you! xx
DeleteI saw in the photo of the market fruits: jackfruit and lanzones: my favored fruits for sweetness and texture.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you do with lotus blossoms?
I like the glimpse of prayer and the kid with red shoes.
Hello Edgar...The lotus blossoms will be used in a flower arrangement..when they open, it is glorious! :)
DeleteAre you writing a book of your travels, Jeanne?
ReplyDeleteYour photographs are simply stunning...the little girl in Saigon is beautiful and you have captured the stone work at
Angkor Wat brilliantly...can we talk kaftans? The one you show here is exquisite...I may have to FB you on them ;-)
Have a lovely weekend.
xx