Update : April 2012 - 1

Greetings from Cambodia!!! :) I'm sitting writing this email in a very pleasant air conditioned coffee shop in Phnom Penh not far away from my 3* hotel.

It is is a city of much beauty, colour, smells, energy and ... divide! I heard the other day that Phnom Penh has one of the highest levels of ownership of 4x4s (SUVs) per capita in the world and yet there is also so much visible poverty all around. The average monthly wage in Cambodia is $60 per month, with many earning a lot less and amazingly, it is often left to the youngest in poor families to earn a wage to support their siblings and parents!

Cambodia - Update 1

I have recently posted a short video to YouTube describing my experience so far since arriving in Cambodia on Wednesday - you can view it here. 

I have met with the 3 different groups of girls/women that I will be working with over the next 3 weeks - from Hagar, Daughters of Cambodia & AusCam Freedom Project. I was able to visit them just before they headed back to their home provinces for the Khmer New Year celebrations. I was able to give them each a digital camera through support received from folks back home in the UK. A lot of the girls had never used a camera before, never mind having their very own!! :)

I'm looking forward to seeing their photographs when they return. While here I am also working on creating work for my first solo show (supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland) in the MCAC - the pressure is on!?

Spring/Summer Photo Workshops

When I get back home the plan is to recommence my 1 Day & 1/2 Day Photo workshops. For dates in May, June & July - including my first Belfast based workshop scheduled for Saturday 30th June - check out my website for more info. SPECIAL OFFER - £10 Cash Back on all bookings made before end of April.

Final thoughts... last time I was in Cambodia, back in Nov 2011, I was hugely impressed by the speed and fitness of the local "wee green man" ... check out how he moves to help you avoid getting knocked down! :)