Markets in South-East Asia and in Cambodia in particular are one of my favorite places to take pictures for many reasons which I will detail below. Every city or village in Cambodia have one or more markets. They can be indoors under metallic rooftops or in a concrete building or outdoors along a road side. Market stalls are often organized by categories (jewelry, clothes, fish, vegetables, meat, desserts, hairdressers, etc…).
It is also possible to find specialized markets like the fermented fish (prahok) market of Battambang (also called cheese market because of its strong smell) and the crab market in Kep.
Worker at the prahok market of Battambang (Phsar Prahok)
CAMBODIA MARKETS | ARCHITECTURE
Architecture photography will not come to mind when talking about market in South-East Asia. However in Cambodia, few markets are also known for their architecture: the central market of Phnom Penh (Phsar Thmey), the central market of Battambang (Phsar Nath) to name as few which were built in the 1930’s following an Art Deco style.
Interior of Battambang market (Psa Nat), Art Deco style
Architecture is one thing but what is inside of course is more interesting. One thing Asian local markets are sharing is their energy especially during morning peak hours. Photographers are always looking for the best light and in an indoor market in early morning when the sun is barely above the horizon, this quest could prove to be quite challenging. The light can be diffused softly through the ceiling or coming directly through some small holes in the metallic structure making impressive beams of light added some atmosphere to the pictures. These lighting conditions make market photography challenging and hence the best place to learn or improve your photography.
CAMBODIA MARKETS | SLICES OF DAILY LIFE
Markets in Cambodia are also a good opportunity to catch some short lived moments: monk asking for alms, locals sellers interacting with customers. Mothers also often bring their kids at the market and always happy to strike a pose
The space you will have to take pictures can be limited because indoor markets have generally narrow lanes and some area are congested. Be aware of the traffic from motorbikes as they are allowed to cross the market.
Barista in local market
CAMBODIA MARKETS | PORTRAITURE
Approaching people and get the perfect portrait is a challenge by itself and it gets easier to do that with a photography guide who has established some relationships with local sellers. Cambodian people are very friendly and are open to be photographed but it is always better to ask first. Cambodia is changing rapidly but in local markets you can still find elderly women wearing a traditional piece of cloth called kroma folded around their heads.
CAMBODIA MARKETS | FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
Food photography is not to be missed and food stalls, especially vegetable ones can be particularly colorful. You can even capture abstract patterns there if you looking carefully as these water lily stems below.
If you are interested to capture similar pictures and improve your photography skills, please have a look at my two guided photography tours in Siem Reap here and here. Our multi-day tour in Battambang province will provided you also with many photography opportunities out of the beaten path.
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