Youth of the Week: Sorn Seang Heng

via CAAI

Wednesday, 22 December 2010 15:00 Touch Yin Vannith

Our youth of the week told us that he studies from dawn to dusk to keep up with his work as a student at two universities, however, we suspect Sorn Seang Heng is exaggerating a bit because he has somehow found time to become a talented, and award winning, photographer. He rarely gets to switch off school mode, but when he isn’t fulfilling his duties as an interior design major at SETEC University and English literature at Pannasastra University of Cambodia, he prefers time spent with his camera.

19-year-old Sorn Seang Heng told Lift he heads to the Royal Palace or the riverside when he gets a chance to photograph the city and its people. While some photograph to make money, this young Cambodian shoots as his hobby. “I just shoot for fun when I am free,” he said.

While he used to spend time hanging out with friends and playing games, he now passes away free time with his camera. Part of his newfound motivation comes from a recent gift from his mother; a Canon 550D camera to replace a K810i Sony Cyber shoot camera that he had used for more than 4 years. “I am really appreciated my Mum,” he said.

On Nov. 27 of this year, Sorn Seang Heng’s images became the centre of attention when he won 2nd and 3rd place in two competitions being held at the photography festival in November in Siem Riep. He says it was amazing for his photographs to be recognized, since there were about 300 competitors, many who were professional photographers.

Sorn Seang Heng has never formally studied how to shoot photographs but has used her friends, as well as Facebook, to share ideas and help each other improve.

“If you can find a good style for shoot, it will look really cool. Get experience shooting photographs. Even if they look bad, the next time you will know how to shoot it better,” he advised. “It is important to manage your camera system and learn how to use IOS, Shutter speed, lighting and the camera controls. The most complex you get the more you need to learn, explained Sorn Seang Heang.

Although he knows how to shoot great photos, the aspiring photographer understands that he still needs more experience and has much more to learn from his friends and fellow artists. “In the future I want to be a Interior Designer and Photographic Designer,” said Sorn Seang Heng. “I know it is the job for me.”