Introducin​g Sally Phnouk

Originally posted at: http://blog.khmerican.com/

Sally Phnouk first picked up a camera at age 16 – the Canon Power Shot S3 IS – for a price tag of $300. Like most youth at the age, photography was commonly viewed as a privilege activity: taking photos of friends, at school events and during weekend escapades. But it was not until an upgrade of interest to purchase her first DSLR camera, the exorbitant Sony Alpha A700 that she took the hobby seriously.

“With better equipment, I began taking better photos, but I was also starting to see the power of this medium,” said Phnouk, a self-taught photographer reflecting her development in the craft. “Photography allowed me to see the world differently, something radically unique compared to other creative forms.”

Phnouk now juggles two photography related employment and attends college full-time. Her work includes photographing Seattle’s burgeoning nightlife for Team Photogenic, studio work at Sportraits in Renton, and the occasional freelance gigs. But a growing new field has emerged from her years in commercial photography - photojournalism. Phnouk is now wrapping up her last year at South Seattle Community College majoring in Journalism and Photography.

“Bringing a fresh perspective about social issues within a local or international context via photography is what’s pulling me further towards my career as a photographer,” said Phnouk. “With Khmerican I intend to use the platform to advance my interest in photojournalism by documenting the Cambodian communities in the State of Washington."

So far in 2011, she has completed a few photo essays on the Khmer American diaspora. Her first was the February rally in White Center led by community members during the Preah Vihear Cambodia-Thai military stand off. And in April, she documented the New Year Show held at the University of Washington and other New Year events in King and Pierce County.

The Seattle-born Phnouk adds Team Khmerican to her portfolio as the first West Coast photojournalist. Besides photography, the 22-year-old is fluent in piano and enjoys playing video game theme songs like Final Fantasy 7 and sings her own original music.

PDP