A 14-Year Tradition of Creativity and Inspiration
The Anjali Photo Workshops returned this year, much like the past 14 years, filled with chirpy reunions and activities organized by 8 professional photographers. As part of the Angkor Photo Festival, these tutors volunteer every December to encourage creative expression—showcasing things both visible and invisible to the naked eye.
Not only do participants learn photography, but more importantly, they discover new perspectives to engage and express themselves freely. Reflecting on the last 14 years, Francoise Callier, the Coordinator of Anjali Workshops, believes the workshops teach photographers as much as they contribute to the children’s development. Expressing gratitude to Antoine d’Agata, Pablo Patrizzi, and Sohrab Hura for nurturing the workshop’s evolution, Francoise notes the exceptional accomplishments of the children in 2018, with their work featured in various international exhibitions.
The returning nature of the workshop allows tutors to customize their approach each year while building upon the previous years’ learnings. Sohrab Hura, a former workshop tutor, likens this process to flying a kite: “You release some and then hold on to some.”
From left to right: Sean Lee, Sheila Zhao, Sophal Neak, Andrea Fernandes, Kim Hak, Anshika Varma, Francoise Callier, Dennese Victoria, Sopheak Vong
Learning with Professionals
We are sharing five ways our children are learning to tell better stories from 5 photographers who volunteered their time for the Anjali Photo Workshops, 2019.
Hak Kim:
Follow your instincts: Photograph what comes naturally to you, observe your surroundings closely and let your insides reflect in your photos.
Dennese Victoria:
Take a step forward: Sometimes self-doubt will freeze you but photography is about channeling this doubt and taking the first step irrespective.
Sophal Neak
Find your space: Find a place that allows you to think freely and to decide what you want to say.
Sopheak Vong
Draw your photograph: Treat your photograph as a blank canvas that you can fill with anything you wish.
Roun RY
Find a way: Sometimes telling a story involves crossing many hurdles, if you are resilient you will find a way.
You can watch this video to find out how our children applied what they learnt during the workshop.
Aknowledgments
Thank You to Heritage Hub, Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) and Anantara Angkor Resort for supporting us. Por Xeang-ពស៊ាង on vocals accompanied by Chally Jet on the saxophone made the projection night at the Wat Bo Pagoda even more special.
Donate now and be a part of the change :
- Chuffed: https://bit.ly/3ucnBFq
- Khmer care: https://bit.ly/3T7F4cz
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