Back to the Little Things: A Fresh Set of Macro Flower Photos

It’s been a while since I shared any macro shots, especially of flowers—something I’ve always loved capturing. While I’ve still been posting photos here and there, getting back into macro feels a bit like catching up with an old friend.

There’s something truly captivating about focusing on the small details—the textures of a petal, the way light hits tiny stamens, or the colors hidden in the heart of a bloom. Taking these photos reminded me why I started macro photography in the first place. 

I'm excited to finally share a new set of macro flower images here.

Cambodia Day-6 Khor Ker

As my time in Cambodia came to a close, we decided to spend our final day exploring the lesser-known temples around Koh Ker—a fascinating and somewhat off-the-beaten-path archaeological site in northern Cambodia.

Unlike the bustling crowds you might find at Angkor Wat, the temples here were refreshingly quiet and serene. Most of them stood in silence, surrounded by dense greenery. There were hardly any other visitors, which made the experience feel even more personal and immersive.

One exception was Prasat Thom, the main temple in the Koh Ker complex and the one spot where we encountered a few other travelers. It stands out not just for its size but also for its unique design—a stepped pyramid structure, quite different from the more commonly seen flat temple layouts in Cambodia.

Climbing to the top was no easy feat. The stairs are steep, and in the heat, it definitely takes some effort. But once you reach the summit, you're rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and ruins. It was a moment of quiet reflection and awe—a perfect way to cap off the journey.

Koh Ker may not get as much attention as some of Cambodia’s more famous sites, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It's raw, peaceful, and still carries the sense of mystery that first drew me to this beautiful country

 

On the way, saw this tree branch across the road and thought this will be a good pic. 

Cambodia Day-5 Temples around Siam Reap

On Day 5 of my trip, I decided to walk around Siam Reap alone. I wanted to explore some pagodas and temples. It was a quiet day, with clouds in the sky and a bit of drizzle now and then. But that didn’t stop me.

I walked slowly, enjoying the peaceful streets . Siam Reap has many beautiful temples, and each one feels special in its own way. Some were quiet, with no one around. Others had a few visitors or monks walking by.

Even though the sky was grey, the colors of the temples still stood out. 

The pictures I took during my walk are below.

As I reached one of the temples, I saw two monks sitting at the entrance. They were dressed in bright orange robes and looked peaceful and kind. I smiled at them and asked if I could take their picture. They nodded and said yes.

Cambodia Day-4 Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre Temple

On day 4, we decided to go to these two temples and enjoy traditional Cambodian lunch. 

First stop was at Banteay Srei. Unlike other temples in the region, this one is made of red sandstone, which gives it a warm, reddish glow, especially under the morning sun. What makes Banteay Srei even more special are the intricate carvings that cover almost every surface. These detailed designs tell stories from Hindu mythology, and it's amazing to think they were created over a thousand years ago.

Even though it’s smaller than the famous Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei stands out because of its fine details.  Every doorway, column, and wall has figures of gods, goddesses, and mythological scenes that look like they were made with a tiny chisel.

From there we went to Banteay Samre. Though not very big compared to other temples, this one had a charm of its own. What really stood out were the lush green grounds surrounding the temple. It felt like walking into a quiet, hidden sanctuary away from the crowds.

Banteay Samre is beautifully preserved, with tall towers, stone corridors, and courtyards that reflect the same classic Angkorian style.

Near the entrance, we saw a security personnel standing quietly, keeping an eye on the temple grounds. She had a calm and kind presence, blending in with the peaceful atmosphere of the place. I hesitated for a moment, but then decided to ask, “Would it be alright if I took a picture of you?”

To my surprise, this security personnel was most willing to pose for a picture when I asked. She smiled warmly and stood proudly in her uniform. It was such a simple gesture, but it made me feel even more connected to the place.

There were a few Khmer girls, some in traditional attire, taking pictures, probably for social media posts or maybe even for a special occasion. 

I politely asked if I could take a photo. They were willing to pose for me, smiling sweetly and standing gracefully among the ruins. 

We finished our day a little earlier than planned and decided to visit Angkor Wat one last time. Even though it was drizzling, we felt it was the perfect way to end our trip.

The temple looked even more magical in the soft rain. 

While we were walking around, we saw a mom and her daughter laughing and taking photos they were just enjoying the moment. It was a beautiful reminder to slow down and take it all in.