Who is Doris?

I am Doris Böttcher, born and raised in Germany.

I have two big passions: traveling and photography. Since early in my life I have been traveling as I was very interested in what was going on in other countries. As a matter of fact, I still am.

Some of the countries I visited became my favourites, including China (since 1981, once by Trans Siberia Express), countries along the Silk Route (since 1989), and Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (since 2000).

For me traveling means learning about the history and the present of culture, nature and people in various countries. Photographing helps me to remember and relive my experiences. It is also intended to document these experiences and the countries I visited.

Black & White

For my photographing I use a Rolleiflex camera, now affectionally called 'my Rolleiflex'. From the early days of my photographing most of my pictures were in black & white, although occasionally I used a colour film. Nowadays I only make photographs in black & white.

During the month of October 2006, I had an exposition of my photographs (of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam) at the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) in Phnom Penh. In 2007 I had three more exhibitions on different subjects, including one in Siem Reap at the FCC. Besides, some Angkor Photos I have taken were printed in the 2007 Heritage Watch Calendar Cambodia.

Cambodia

Of the Asian countries I visited, one in particular I eagerly wanted to know more about: Cambodia. I've decided to live here, in the capital Phnom Penh. In my first year here I worked at the National Library, now I am having my own photography business and gallery.

Support

My partner in this business is Mr. Em Chanthy, hence the name DoriThy (Doris & Chanthy). He does most of the computer work and supervises the printing process. He is from a Phnom Penh family and through my photo business I support him and his family. I hope to be able to extend this support in the future.