Cambodia 

Cambodia is a fascinating country, from the temples of Angkor Wat with their rich history to the modern history of the Khmer Rouge.

Cambodia for me was an unexpected destination. My purpose in visiting was to attend a photography workshop  which would teach various aspects of story telling photography and give me the opportunity to work with an NGO. I had not expected to feel such a connection with the people and their story that I would want to return and use my new found skills.

The Cambodia Charitable Trust is a Tauranga based New Zealand charity works with the education system within Cambodia to help improve the educational opportunities for rural children in southern Cambodia.  Each year they work in a number of primary and secondary schools along with teachers training institutions.

One part of their work which I find resonates is giving sponsorship to  girls to allow them to stay in education. Keeping girls in school for a longer period of time is internationally recognised as one of the most effective ways to raise people out of poverty. 

Being able to have photos I have taken used to enhance in some small way the lives of others is a privilege I did not expect to have.

India 

It all started when two friends, who I had been on photography trips with before, decided they would go to India... and that I needed to come with them........

I had no interest in India and what's more no real desire to visit..... but the thought of having another adventure with friends was exciting and the tour leader, Karl Grobl, I had experienced in Cambodia and knew I would be challenged and learn. 

So with little real enthusiasm I head for 14 days and a tour following the Pashka Camel Fair.

How mistaken was I - a country full of vibrance and colour, a juxtaposition of ancient and modern, a culture which can at times be confronting but at others a wonderful backdrop to the stage of life.

Morocco 

Morocco was one of the first photography trips I embarked on. I didn't really know what to expect either culturally or photographically.

It was an learning curve.  My strongest memory is waking the first morning in Marrakech to the sound of the call to prayer. I had never heard it before but immediately knew what it was and once heard you will never forget it.

I ventured through the Souk, thank fully on a Friday afternoon so was told it was quiet, we drove into the high atlas mountains and out into the dessert past Quarzazate into what appeared to be a total no mans land.

I learnt how to work in a group ensuring that each person has the opportunity to "shoot" without the remainder of the group in their line of sight.