Swallowing the Ruins

If you want to see how I made this (and how you can too!), visit my HDR Tutorial. I hope it gives you some new tricks!

I made it to the heart of Ta Prohm, an undisturbed Bayon ruin out the outskirts of Angkor Wat. It was late in the day and there was a break in the afternoon summer showers.

To me, the best thing about these temples and ruins is that you can go anywhere, high or low, safe or not. There are hundreds of tiny nooks, old broken stone doors, lost hallways, and mysterious carvings peeking out of the overgrowth. There are no tort-related legal signs barring you from going anywhere... explorer beware. Besides, if you got injured, the jungle and insects would eat you alive before the night was over.

As soon as I walked into Ta Prohm, the thunder started rumbling around and dappled clouds rolled in. The thunder was extra eerie and chest-thumping inside all the mossy and vegetated old tombs. The rain started and stopped several times, so I would take refuge in crumbling crypts and hallways until the rain let up. I took some wrong turns, but I eventually ended up here with a break in the storm. I popped out with the 10 mm get this shot.

The temple was built in 1181 AD and was the home to 18 high priests, 615 dancers, and 12,500 people. I don't know why the dancer stats are so important, but there you go.

from my daily photo blog at www.stuckincustoms.com

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Comments

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(137 comments)

Ran_d says:

Awesome !!!
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Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Dead Air says:

Amazing!!

A Big Fave
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Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

noyesa says:

This is surreal. It kind of reminds me of the movie 300 with the color tone, glowing highlights and dark blacks. The engravings in the stone look like something I would expect to find in an Amazonian ruin or something. Fantastic shot!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

®°ôn|y Gôd Knôw§°® says:

loooooooooool @ the dancer's stats, bro in 1181AD dancers where second in importance after priests :P then after that comes the normal people

anyways marvelous angle I liked the color you choose here gives it more Prestigious look...
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

brien applegate says:

cool
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

susan_r4 says:

Love this one Trey!! Fantastic capture!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Hot Flash Photography says:

Great angle, Trey. And I love the treatment - anything but the usual tourist shot. Well done.

Discovered using FlickrFox. (?)
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

spiritszone says:

wOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOww..
great prespective dude..
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Pachelbel Canon says:

Incredible view of the temple, with the factor of time vividly presented with the tree and roots.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Valpopando says:

The stuck in custom the traveller photographer in the world !!!!
bellissima !!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

frankeys creation says:

Interesting story behind the scenes!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Calico182 says:

incredible place
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Brian Ravaux - ImmortalizR says:

thailand !!! i wish i will see this one day
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Marc Battaglia says:

Looks like a scene from a movie!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

rtv75 says:

Exxxxtra cooooooooool!

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Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Candice (Bessie Smith) says:

Wow, amazing shot!

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Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Dimitri Depaepe says:

amazing atmosphere and effects

Your photo is superb !
Please add this photo to
flickr.com/groups/focuslegacy
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

rainbow frog says:

wahh! powerful
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

lalla80 says:

wonderful
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

chop1n says:

Great shot! It's a little different and treatment than your other photos, I really like it.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

crowjay says:

so cool!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

jacquie pics says:

awsome shot
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

mliebenberg says:

I love this shot Trey! Thanks for the story and background to go with it too!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

shrike1964 says:

Wow... a magical place!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

materija folle says:

wow! amazìng!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Lucas Ferreira says:

oh! my GOD!!! strong... great... beautiful..
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

victor_nuno says:

I'm amazed! And not only at this photograph, which is really nice, but even more at how much you manage to travel! I think there isn't anything better for anyone who enjoys photography!

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Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

THEjdawg says:

that is one cool tree. I'm jealous you get to travel everywhere.

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Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Never Minder says:

Significance of dancers was huge - they danced only to the Royalty and each movement had a meaning (have you noticed four hand movements: leaf, tree, flower and fruit?).
Enjoy Angkor - time spent there is priceless!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

eden elizabeth says:

holy cow, this is so gorgeous!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

neilalderney123 says:

Great image Trey.

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Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Whitesusie says:

Amazing shot. Great following your trip in this way.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Jeremy-G says:

fabulous! amazingly beautiful!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

~ Janelle ~ says:

Awesome!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

KHALID ABDULLAH says:

ًًWow ..
That is really awesome

add to my Favorites
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

SkyShaper says:

great work with mono-tones
keep em coming
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

furiousgeorge81 says:

this shot immediately brings the movie "The Fountain" to my mind. the film always used this sort of tone when showing the "tree". very cool shot.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Hoddel says:

simply a great story. Holidays-Vacanze-Urlaub Group
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

gabyu says:

great angle !

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Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

SublimeImage says:

WOW, you are getting some amazing shots!!!!! WOW!!!!!!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Lumase says:

The kind of natural power I always look for. Great image!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Sergi Mussull says:

Fantastic shot
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

●•.Echo.•● says:

amazing shot!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

FlorinC says:

Awesome, HDR really makes this one pop.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

erikhallander says:

arghh crazy work here Trey. Good to see a bullseye again :)
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

ash2276 says:

Just wow!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Stuck in Customs says:

Wow - hey thanks everyone... this was a new style but i like it!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Scott Dungan says:

Your expedition seems to have went very well. I really like this new look.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

BulbVivid says:

Sublime. It almost makes my eyes burn, though. I looked at it large and went into a trance. Powerful stuff.

The World Through My Eyes
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

ErinsWorld says:

WOW - this is just amazing - from how you photographed this, to the processing, to just the place itself. REALLY great.

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Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Scoutress says:

Trey....the composition....I'm in awe! Love it, faved it!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Lovelight says:

What an amazing adventure, and it resulted in a great image too!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

derjackrussell 4 2 says:

Really amazing! must of been a wonderfull adventure!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

_Hans van de Vorst says:

Aah, that's a nice one Trey. The composition is wonderful as is its treatment. Still a 'Trey' but different.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

carolOnline says:

Awesome!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

fatmanwalking says:

fantastic work!! really awesome composition and colours and stuff.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Chrizzie says:

Impressieve
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

StLuke says:

ever saw "the fountain" with hugh jackman?? you should... it remebers me of that movie...
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

fairytrixy says:

Excellent composition sir!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

nancyrw929 says:

What an incredible photo.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

geddonstonetalon says:

Fantastic pic Trey, another fave!!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

angelabams says:

This picture is so amazing it is one of my favorites I think. Great Job!!!!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

ToniVC says:

Congratulations! This image is currently (or was recently) one of Flickr's Top 10 most interesting photos. (It is/was on page one of the calendar view.) Would you please add it to the Top 10 Interestingness pool? It would be a great addition!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Rongem Boyo says:

Hello Stuck in Customs,I've taken to typing in random words and seeing what I get. Whatever I get is inevitably something great by you, five or six shots in.Respect is due.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

|{/\v$]-[/\| says:

WoW! Very rich sepia HDR!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Illusiontom says:

Emotional photo- GREAT PHOTO!!!
www.flickr.com/groups/emophoto
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

nop_sophorndara says:

Wonderful shot and amazing picture. Good shot and thank you.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

stephotographs says:

It reminds me of "Tomb Raider". VERY good shot!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

KirscheTortschen says:

Beautifully stunning what a fantastic place to have visited :-)
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Shayan (USA) says:

love this shot man - superbly framed and wonderful toned.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

jordics says:

I love this place! Very nice picture, and great treatment!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Kelso says:

Mystical...Mysterious...and yes, I can see how it could be a bit creepy :) This tree looks as if it is taking back its rightful place in nature, long after man has finished with this spot of earth. Very cool, in goose-bumpy kinda way!
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

JCChong says:

I have seen that!! very nice shot.. but i never get a chance to take a picture of it without anyone around.. it was crowded.. sigh. Nice!
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Ian:Brewer says:

great take on this image, a light approach, mine was dark
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Nicky Hofland says:

Your fantabulous flickr photo is a fave!
Please post this beauty to the Fave My Fave pool
www.flickr.com/groups/FaveMyFaves
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

vetlife2005 says:

great work !
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

musicman67 says:

Thanks for the photo and the history. Always a pleasure.
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

scuba_dooba says:

A fantastic image!!
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Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

Marcelo Cerri Rodini says:

Amazing place...
Great capture!
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

point5j says:

incredible portrayal of the force of nature

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Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

Maakx says:

Congratulations!
Your Picture becomes Nominee of "Five Stars"
Please add this photo to.
Super Picks Of Five Stars Photographers !
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

KoRaYeM says:

*Jaws dropped*
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

XQATARX .ca USA_ says:

awesome
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

Big Fat Smiler says:

omg
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

BethanyRaelene says:

amazing. this has a very intense haunted feeling to it... at least for me.

:) Love it!
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

michelle_4881 says:

Stunning, Amazing and Beautiful! Just a fantastic shot!
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

lorenzaccio* says:

impressive shot! really dramatic
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

sana1@sbcglobal.net says:

wow, amazing!
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

Alternative Life Photography & Design says:

this is so beautiful i don't know what else to say! again, my heart stops.
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

.:[yorch]:. says:

Hola, soy el administrador de un grupo llamado the biggest buildings in HDR y nos encantaría agregar tu foto al grupo.

Hello, I am the adinistrador of "biggest_buildings_in_hdr" and I would like to add your photo to my group or wall. If you agree, please accept this invitation, thank you.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

pardeshi says:

i love shots from this place..it is real magic

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Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

olas_family says:

Award from: 100 + Viewed Best Archaeology & Ruins Photos (add 1, award 1) group.

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Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

Stuck in Customs says:

You can see what it looks like on the wall, framed, here:

Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

greentwig - Lisa Horgan says:

Gorgeous, it reminds me of one of the scenes in "Tomb Raider" =P
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

mokitastic says:

appreciate the description of the photo, as well as the photo itself! :D
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

thaaai says:

wonderful!!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

d.photogal says:

your right. :) its a favorite.
fantastic shot
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Marc Fabian Höll says:

gotta add it as well, nothing else to say can just admit the beauty of this

"This is a great photo"

*Digital Photo Exposition*
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

What My Eyes C says:

Amazing Treatment!
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

rossmat5msu says:

Really cool work, great portfolio, all with a unique style. Awesome just awesome!!!
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

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Swallowing the Ruins

Comments

Ran_d says:

Dead Air says:

noyesa says:

®°ôn|y Gôd Knôw§°® says:

brien applegate says:

susan_r4 says:

Hot Flash Photography says:

spiritszone says:

Pachelbel Canon says:

Valpopando says:

frankeys creation says:

Calico182 says:

Brian Ravaux - ImmortalizR says:

Marc Battaglia says:

rtv75 says:

Candice (Bessie Smith) says:

Dimitri Depaepe says:

rainbow frog says:

lalla80 says:

chop1n says:

crowjay says:

jacquie pics says:

mliebenberg says:

shrike1964 says:

materija folle says:

Lucas Ferreira says:

victor_nuno says:

THEjdawg says:

Never Minder says:

eden elizabeth says:

neilalderney123 says:

Whitesusie says:

Jeremy-G says:

~ Janelle ~ says:

KHALID ABDULLAH says:

SkyShaper says:

furiousgeorge81 says:

Hoddel says:

gabyu says:

SublimeImage says:

Lumase says:

Sergi Mussull says:

●•.Echo.•● says:

FlorinC says:

erikhallander says:

ash2276 says:

Stuck in Customs says:

Scott Dungan says:

BulbVivid says:

ErinsWorld says:

Scoutress says:

*Lovelight* says:

derjackrussell 4 2 says:

_Hans van de Vorst says:

carolOnline says:

fatmanwalking says:

*Chrizzie* says:

StLuke says:

fairytrixy says:

nancyrw929 says:

geddonstonetalon says:

angelabams says:

ToniVC says:

Rongem Boyo says:

|{/\v$]-[/\| says:

Illusiontom says:

nop_sophorndara says:

stephotographs says:

KirscheTortschen says:

Shayan (USA) says:

jordics says:

*Kelso* says:

JCChong says:

Ian:Brewer says:

Nicky Hofland says:

vetlife2005 says:

musicman67 says:

scuba_dooba says:

Lovelight says:

Chrizzie says:

Kelso says:

XQATARX .ca USA_ says: