PETAL NAILS

This shot was made at the Phnom Chisor temple in Takeo Province, Cambodia. A group of children, mostly girls, followed me up the long stairway from the base of the hill on which the temple sits. They were all smiling and laughing on the way up; it's a strenuous climb for one not used to it (me). As we sat in the shade for a rest this charming young lady plucked the petals from a flower, stuck them on her nails and made a hand gesture derived from Cambodian classical dance. I shot about 8-10 frames; this is the "hero". I spent the next couple of hours shooting the temple and its inhabitants then walked down the hill, gave the kids a nice tip, and continued on my journey. I am a Viet Nam veteran (9/69 - 9/70) & professional photographer. I have made three post-war trips to SE Asia visiting Viet Nam, Cambodia & Laos, photographer's paradises all.

by: Michael Burr