Keo Sothy

KEO SOTHY, right, a photographer with Cambodge Soir, passed away on the morning

of April 26. He was 37.

An orphan, Sothy managed to overcome the difficulties of life and pursue his love

of the arts. In 1987 he began studies at the Faculty of Beaux-Arts in the fields

of design and photography, but he often had to interrupt his studies to earn a living

by producing watercolor drawings or taking pictures. He joined Cambodge Soir in 1997

and demonstrated a keen eye for rural scenery and the smiles of children.

Sothy was a purist. He never failed to snap the shutter without being sure of capturing

the emotion of the moment and this drive for perfection gave him a reputation as

one of the best and most talented Cambodian photographers of his generation.

His perpetual good humor, his kindness and his gentle demeanor will be sadly missed

by all his family, friends and associates.

These are three of his photographs.