pagespicsStreet Photography Adventures in Dongguan
Posted on December 11, 2024
If you are thinking of wandering China with a camera, Dongguan is probably not your first place to visit. However, it has everything there for a great weekend of street photography. I headed for the alleys and the street vendors. I prefer grunge over the high-rise vistas of steel and glass. So, these photos do not accurately represent the city as a whole. Still, it provides a glimpse into the more miniature ‘urban village’ life. You would find the most wonderful Bao in the wicker baskets above. It is a steamed bun filled with either pork and vegetables or sweet red beans. Travel is not always about the photos but also about the food! The best food is often found around China’s famous wet markets.
Wet Markets
Many people have read about the wet Chinese markets after COVID-19. They really are a spectacular image of color and noise. The above photo was taken in the largest meat market in Dongguan. If this meat does not look fresh enough, the live chicken below is what you need. It will, of course, be butchered in front of you, and you get to keep the head and feet. You may not know that the chicken’s feet are more expensive than the breast meat. I don’t know what the other birds are, and I don’t want to know how they taste! Pigeon pie, anyone, or maybe it is a day for fish?
Fresh Fish
If you are looking for fish, there is plenty to offer. Carp is a popular river fish, while many salt-water friends are raised in intensive fish farms. The patterns of fish scales and the vivid colour of their entrails make for garish and slightly gruesome street photography. The busyness of these locations lets you get quite close to people. Most vendors are too active to care about a middle-aged photographer. A key takeaway is that the busier the location, the easier it can be to capture candid shots. Of course, it helps to have the right settings.
F9 and be there…
It has been a while since I spent the day with the camera stuck in this classic setting. I was using my Olympus Em5, and F5.6 was enough to guarantee that most of the frame was focused. Not quite so with the image below, but I think the shot still works. Lens choice also influences how sharp a photo is. I used the very portable and excellent M.Zuiko 17mm 1:8 fixed lens. This is a great piece of kit, cheap as chips, and absolutely perfect for street photography. For those who care, 17mm on an M4/3 camera is equivalent to 34mm on a full frame. This relates to how wide the camera lens is. Many Street Photographers shoot at 35mm, or 35mm equivalent.
You can break the rules…
The photo below breaks the rule of ‘come in from the left and head towards the right of frame.’ I realise that this image will irk some photographers. You can get quite lost looking in the background. Once you get past the lady at the front, it becomes interesting. So, I like it. Does it matter what others think? I would love to know your opinion: Is the photo a keeper or not?
Colour
Colour is always a good thing to look out for. This is true unless you are a fan of shooting in black and white. Who can resist the allure of orange and blue? I don’t know if I noticed this colour combination when I took the photo. In addition, it was luck that he was eating an orange. I guess the more you shoot, the luckier you get!
End Of The Day…
Most of my favorite shots are often at the start or end of the day. The light is at its best. People are busy in the morning, and in the evening, you catch the crowds unwind. This group of men were quite happy for me to take a few pics. They were too engrossed in the game to pay me much attention. Majong is played throughout China, often by the older generation with photogenic faces pressed in concentration. Be aware that there are some sketchy gambling laws in China. As a result, taking photos of people playing cards can be more of a challenge.
And People…
Street photographers are a nosy bunch. We like watching people, whether they are eating, arguing, or playing games. Sometimes, I want to slip in and out unnoticed. For example, when I took the above photo, I was discreet. Other times, I seek permission to capture an image. Having a small camera keeps everything discrete to a point. However, lately, I just like to stay still for a bit. On another note, 2025 may be my last year in China, although I hope not as I like it here. I want to make the most of it, so expect more adventures on my bike or on my feet.
Take care and keep clicking, Chris
Exploring Hidden Peanut Oil Factory in Daya Baya
Posted on November 1, 2024
A well-hidden location
Unbeknown to many passersby, the little door in the photo below opens up to a very small factory in Daya Baya, China. Inside this shed batches of peanut oil are lovingly crafted. The location was given away by the sweet smell of roasting peanuts. Getting access to locations is one key element to ‘getting photos that others can’t’ (which, incidentally, is the name of a rather good photography book). These images are part of a series of photos that I am gathering whilst exploring the area surrounding Park Lane Harbour on my bike.
Light is everything
Getting the light right for this photo shoot was quite a challenge, as the midday sun was streaming through the windows of the shed. This was counterbalanced with a small studio light that I had brought along and a little magic in post-production!
Nothing is lost. The shells of the peanuts are used as fuel in the roasting process. The husks of the spent peanuts are crushed and used for animal food.
Its all changed…
As I write this post, I am noticing that LOTS of things on WordPress have changed, and it has not made writing things any easier. Maybe at some point I will come back and write more about this photo shoot, but for now, the images can speak for themselves! Maybe I should have included the final photo, where the last of the peanuts were washed down with a cold beer!
Take care and keep clicking, Chris
Capturing Rice Harvest: A Photographer’s Adventure
Posted on October 23, 2024
My trusty OlympusOM5 ii remains tucked into the saddle bag of my bike and I am always on the look out for things of interest to photograph. I was fortunate enough to come across a family that cleans rice using a small operation in a shed outside their property. Whilst I was there they were also producing coconut oil. I felt right in my element, even though the lighting was less than perfect.
I could have spent all day taking photos flying out of the cleaning process, whereby the smaller bits of waste are blasted out by a jet of air. This shot required some additional lighting and a fast shutter speed. I was fortunate to have a cycling partner willing to plug in and hold the lighting gear for me!
Harvesting Season
Harvesting season is upon us, so at the moment there are strips of rice drying on the side of the road and machines gathering the rice from the fields. Hopefully I will have time to head out early in the morning to capture some more photos of this quite spectacular site. Obviously, more spectacular in the early morning light!
And next?
And the next set of photos should be of the peanut oil processing, although the photos will not reveal the heady smell that wafted from the factory shed. I can however tell you that the freshly roasted peanuts went will with an ice cold beer! Pics to follow. Now to cook a biriyani…
Take care and keep clicking,
Chris
OM System 0m-5
Posted on May 10, 2024
Photographing Hong Kong
During a recent visit to Hong Kong, I accidentally purchased a new Olympus camera! Strictly speaking, this is an OM System Camera, as Olympus sold the branch of their company manufacturing photography gear. This new camera is an upgrade to the Olympus OM-5 Mark 3. This was not a completely random purchase, as my smaller ‘travel camera’ died. What I wanted was something small, light, weatherproof, and with all the bells and whistles of a DSLR. I have owned an Olympus camera in the past, so will ‘OM Systems’ live up to my high expectations?
A Travel Camera
After purchasing this camera, there were a few days to explore the island, and like any self-respecting tourist, I started by capturing images of the famous tram system. Sitting at the front of the tram with a window open and a camera in my hand put me in my happy spot. Out of the 100 images taken, this was my favourite. I was already enjoying the freedom this lightweight camera offered.
The rain dealt a deathly blow to my planned itinerary of exploring Hong Kong’s hills. The OM-5 is weatherproof and may have coped with the downpours. However, a certain Ms. Pagespics is not so weather-resistant, so instead we headed to the M+ Art Gallery, featuring a rather splendid Black and White photography exhibition. If the likes of Fan Ho and Ansel Adams can’t get your fingers twitching for the shutter button, then nothing will.
Check out the link for pics and details!
https://www.mplus.org.hk/en/exhibitions/noir-blanc-a-story-of-photography/
A New Learning Curve
This camera has a small sensor and ‘only’ 20 million pixels. To compensate it has a number of tricks up its sleeve. It has ‘pixel shift’ technology, which means it can work magic to take a 50 million pixel shot. This is not new, but OM Systems claim that you can achieve this handheld. In addition, it has built in ND filters, which should help me capture images during bright daylight hours, and to create long exposure shots. Clearly the computational power of smart phone cameras is starting to be embraced by camera manufacturers.
What next?
My break has ended, and I am now back at Huizhou in China. Huizhou does not quite have the dynamic street photography opportunities offered by Hong Kong (although perhaps I need to explore the towns more!). What it does have are coastal tracks and rice paddies, which I have been exploring on my bicycle. Travel and portability are the main reasons for my purchase. The OM5 fits into my front cycle pannier perfectly, with enough room for a couple of extra prime lenses.
If you are looking for a reasonably priced camera for travel, why not check out the EM-5? It is certainly not perfect, but when it comes to exploring it appears to be the right tool for the job.
Take care and keep clicking, Chris
Full Camera review on DP Review below…
Park Lane Harbour
Posted on August 8, 2023
A New Chapter…
My travel photography has returned to China. I am a long way from the previous location spent here, when I lived in Shanghai. This time I find myself at Park Lane Harbour, a relatively quiet holiday area in Daya Bay, close to Shenzhen. Street photography is once more on the cards. However, the ‘street’ in this case will often be the local beach.
Read MoreNews and a Winning Pic
Posted on June 17, 2023
China
A big move to China will be underway in just over a Month. I will be making a new life in an area called Daya Bay. Daya Bay is going to be very different from the last time I was in China and living in Shanghai. Daya Bay is a popular holiday resort for many Chinese, particularly those that live in the nearby city of Shenzhen. Expect a slightly more laid-back style of Travel Photography, possibly drawing on skills I have developed living by the beach in New Zealand. When I do feel more adventurous, Hong Kong is a short trip away and accessible by bridge. Below is a photo of one of my favourite areas of Old Shanghai, an area that will have changed a lot since this photo was taken!
A Winning Photo
Leaving travel photography for a moment, I am pleased to have won the Still Life Photography Award, here at Gisborne Camera Club. This club is going to be missed a lot when I move abroad, and it has pushed me in a variety of photographic directions. It has been fantastic to shoot with such a great bunch of people. Still life is an effective way to learn about light and shadow and is something that all photographers should try! I have some ideas on how I may continue working on the theme of eggs…
Mmm, not sure about the grey area on the left of this copy of the image, but since I’m editing and writing whilst on a ferry crossing the Cook Strait of NZ I am going to leave it. There is just one more piece of news, but I will save that for the next post.
Take care and keep clicking, Chris
Farewell Old Friend
Posted on March 3, 2022
Saying goodbye to my Olympus OM-D EM-5 M11 (2017)
This week I have said goodbye to my beloved M4/3 Olympus camera. This camera accompanied me on many adventures, but for the last 2 years it has received little attention, as I have been using my Sony A7. I am seeing the Olympus off by posting some of my favorite pics, and will be explaining a little about the stories behind each shot. This post looks at the photos I took in 2017, the year I purchased the camera.
Shanghai
The old alleyways of Shanghai are disappearing fast. This pic was captured in Hongzhen Lu, which was one of my favourite locations for street photography. When I arrived in China, the area was a busting with markets selling fresh fruit and veg. I left Shanghai three years after this photo was taken, and by then most of the streets had been demolished, or were used by squatters. Shanghai continues to bury itself and move forward in the name of progress. I cannot help but wish for what has been lost.
Noodles are the ultimate comfort food. This is a scene played on many of the corners of Old Shanghai. The kitchens are usually open and on the street, which creates the opportunity for steamy street food images. I don’t think that either of these gentlemen noticed me taking their photo, so the food (or conversation) must have been good. There are photographers who believe you should always ask before taking someones photo. However, a candid photo taken discretely, will always produce the most genuine ‘slice of life’ that is found on the street.
Bangkok
Thailand has always been a favourite holiday destination, and Bangkok provides heaps of opportunities for street and travel photography. Statues of Buddha are usually photographed in the serene environment of a temple. This Buddha was on the back of a pick up truck, and arrived outside Nana Plaza, a notorious red-light district in the heart of Bangkok. The two contrasting worlds came together for just a few minutes for workers in Nana Plaza to give their alms to Buddha.
Sticking with Bangkok, this portrait was taken in Khlong Toey slum. The scooter driver who dropped me off advised me to stay on the main street and to leave before dark. Heading straight down a side street bought me face to face with this heavily tattooed individual. This portrait is one of my personal favourites. At the time I assumed the tattoos were gang, or prison related. Now when I look at the photo, and the calm expression of this individual, I am led to wonder of the tattoos are cultural, or maybe a mix of both.
Bangalore
The area surrounding Bangalore’s central market is always good for street and travel photography. Meat hanging in the open air is a common sight, and is certainly cheaper than when you purchase it in the West! Nothing is wasted, and the lady on the left is preparing the hooves, which will be used in soup and stock.
This image was taken close to where I worked. I had been up since dawn and had not captured anything to be particularly proud of. The sun had risen and the light was getting harsh. I ducked into a small underground passageway, and stumbled upon this tiffen centre (a tiffen is a traditional tin, used to carry rice, dhal, and curry). Most food centres have a jug of water that customers help themselves to. The water is drunk without the lips making contact with the container. Strangely, I find the last or first shot of a photo shoot is often the best!
My next post will continue to feature pics taken with my Olympus, that were captured in 2018…
Take care, and keep clicking, Chris
An Apology to Landscape Photographers!
Posted on July 16, 2020
It’s an odd thing, how we can mentally beat ourselves up over something we said ages ago, and certain words come back to haunt us. My latest mental rumination comes from a comment I said about landscape photography. I said it was easy. In fact I went further than this, stating that if you lived somewhere that looked good, all you had to do was step outside your door and take a photo. Now I’m in New Zealand, and my current accommodation is a stones throw from some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. I’m talking about a misty township set amongst rolling green fields, and rows of grape vines leading to snow-capped mountains. It should be easy. It’s not…. Landscape photographers, I am sorry and I was wrong. It turns out landscape photography is quite a challenge!
Why Landscape Photography?
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I am currently recording my time spent in New Zealand’s South Island, and will continue for however long this may be. This ‘project’ will hopefully cover travel, street, and portrait photography. In addition it will inevitably include close family. To document NZ without recording the majestic ‘Lord of the Rings’ landscapes, would surely be remiss. I am also getting pulled towards this genre by Thomas Heaton’s excellent Youtube channel (google it – you will be entertained and informed!).
So it’s Harder than it Looks?
My most recent attempt at landscape photography took me up the Wither Hills, which are situated about 1km away. I got there on my mountain bike and proceeded to peddle up the hill. Actually I ended up pushing the bike. Here is the first problem, getting to a spot that looks good can take a lot of work! As with all genres of photography, lighting makes or breaks a photo, hence my early-morning start. Note to self: spectacular sunrises do not always happen, and I seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time for the shot I had planned! The third challenge is post-processing. There is a LOT of post processing undertaken with the landscaping crowd, far more than with the conservative approach of Street Photography. Shooting RAW means that some level of post processing will always be needed, but I am still finding my feet when it comes to developing a ‘style’. Luminar 4 is one programme that helps bring the most out of even the poorest landscape photos. However, this genre is sure to stretch my photoshop skills.
Try it Yourself
Landscape photography definitely provides something new to try, and studying this genre will make me a better photographer. Any time spent studying light is time well spent! If you do try this yourself, you will probably need a tripod, particularly if you aim to shoot in low light. In common with street photographers – a strong pair of shoes will also come in handy!
If you do have tips or resources on landscape photography please let me know below. I’m learning!
What Next?
Documenting a quieter place is a challenge. The anonymity of a city is lost, and the candid snapshot feels more of a threat. Asking permission and seeking interesting characters may be a way forward. On a wider scale, the opportunities for far-flung travel photography appear to be receding, or at least becoming a greater challenge. Photography on the doorstep is to be one current path forward. Either way, a day spent with a camera in-hand is sure to bring some peace and joy.
Peace, and take care wherever you are taking photos, Chris.
My Favourite Street Photo’s of 2019
Posted on January 5, 2020
Without further ado and very few words, here are my favourite Street Photos of 2019…
India’s Golden Triangle
Posted on November 10, 2019
The Golden Triangle is India’s most popular tourist route. Not surprisingly, the journey encapsulates three major sites. The route generally starts at Delhi, a street photographers dream and a city steeped in history, myth and architectural beauty. From Delhi you head to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal and numerous lesser-known heritage sites. The final destination is Jaipur, also known as the Pink City.
