This project aims to provide photographic evidence of a place and people before major change arrives and the villages are displaced. The images unveil a more nuanced look at life along the lake and, hopefully, will expand the narrative about development in Cambodia.

In the past, when freshwater lakes have been filled in, foreign and domestic journalists have tended to photograph the peak moments of evictions, relocation, and protests. These are the images that make it into major news outlets and these images become the only visual representation of the story. They are evocative and essential, but leave out a lot of the historical and daily context.

This context is key. The aim is for viewers to begin to see themselves within the frames. By arriving years before the final displacement allowed for me to develop relationships, learn about the place, and make pictures of quieter and usual moments, which are all taking place with the shadow of the uncertain future. These images showcase a less dramatic story, but a real story that is consistent with the lives of many at the lake.

I want to thank the community members of Prey Takong Muy and those that allowed me into their lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met so many kind and generous people who allowed this "baraang" into their homes and daily happenings. I look forward to returning.

I would also like to thank Soumy P., who worked as a translator and conducted additional reporting for this project. Thanks for getting me to and from safely. I look forward to working with you again. I would also like to thank Zoe Smith and Professor Keith Greenwood for the scholarship that helped fund this project. A special thanks goes out to Professor Jackie Bell, Dr. Cynthia Frisby, and Professor Brian Kratzer. Thank you for all the support and feedback throughout this project and my time at Mizzou. Finally, a major thanks to Mary Beth Meehan, Charles Fox, and Peter DiCampo. These three photographers allowed me to learn from their wealth of experience and understanding.