Photographing China

I have been given a tremendous opportunity to visit China for a few years doing some development work. All this is unrelated to photography as my profession is in another field, but given my length of stay I am going to have alot of opportunities for photography. I will be living in rural china, west central part of the country and would like to get some feedback on the proper way to go about shooting images in and around small villages and towns. Obviously some cultures viewpoint on having photos taken of them differ from that of North America (Canada) and I would appreciate some advice. Is the taking of photographs viewed negatively, positively or do they just ignore the crazy foreigners?

You will have a blast! Fantastic photo opportunities, and great opportunity for interaction.

You should find that so long are you are reasonably polite, people do not object too much. The further you get out into the remoter areas, and particularly at village level, the more attention you will attract to yourself as a foreigner per se - let alone for taking photos. In the main cities, and that includes the second tier cities such as Wuhan, Chengdu or Shenyang, they are well used to foreigners these days - its not like it was 10 or 15 years ago.

People in China are generally reasonably OK about being photographed - you tend not to get very strongly adverse reactions. Like everywhere else, though, there are those that are shy or that are plain not happy about you taking their photo, and it pays to use your judgement. In my 10+ years living here, I have rarely had a problem, but I am careful to show the appropriate respect to people I am photographing.

Wherabouts are you going to be based, and what equipment will you be bringing with you?

Obviously, if you carry a long lens that allows you to keep your distance, you are more likely to get natural shots. Below is a shot that I posted on the lens forum the other day, shot at 200mm an about 20 feet away.

Good luck!



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Thanks for responding.

I will be living in Enshi, Hubei. I intend to take my D200, 12-24mm DX, 28-105mm D and my 70-200mm VR. Tripod etc.

I will be staying in Beijing for a few weeks for orientation, meetings etc and may want to hunt around for photo gear. Are there reputable stores there?

Nice photo btw - that is exactly the kind of thing I wish to do! That and all the landscapes!

My pleasure.

I actually lived in Wuhan (Hubei's main city) for a while myself - hard yards! - you'll find it interesting going out there. There are some wonderful locations in Hubei - notably the ShenNongJia nature park, and some of the mountainous area around Shiyan in the north of the province - wild country.

There is a small photo retail section in Wuhan for basics. The following link has the main photo retail areas in Beijing and Shanghai.

http://www.olegnovikov.com/technical/wheretobuy.shtml

The Wukesong photo market in Beijing is pretty impressive - multiple small retailers that collectively amount to a sort-of-almost B&H outlet collectively (although nothing touches B&H!). Lenses and bodies that have been hard to get in the US and other markets - e.g. D200 in the first few months after its release, or the 18-200 lens, tend to be readily available. Prices approach world price (i.e. NYC or HK price), but can be higher.

I'm in Beijing - so let me know if you'd like to stroll some Hutongs (Chinese alleys) and get some shots while you are here ---- it can be a great experience.

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I will send you an email. I think I may have a day or two to go out and explore, get organized etc and would love to take some photos.

I am going to look for a tripod, Gitzo 1325 if I can find one there.

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http://www.pbase.com/iluminatae

glad to know you get to go to China for such a long time

it is an amazing place, even for me as a Chinese, vast different culture, food and customs.

it will be helpful if you could provide a bit more information on where about you are going.

bottom line, most ppl in rural areas are friendly, just be nice and respectful, i am sure you will have a brilliant time in China.

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Tommy

i will stick with my d100 until i am a millionnaire

turns out to be you will be living in Hubei. There is a famous tower in Wuhan called HuangHe Lou - Yellow Crane Tower, very cultural place, many famous poets used to enjoy a bit drinking with mates back many many many years ago.

Yes, ShengNongJia is such a great place for photos shooting! definitely you will have to go.

the cuisine in Hubei is famous for its flavour and colour, i think its fresh water fish dishes are especially delicious.

anway, i really really envy you now.... mouth watering....

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Tommy

i will stick with my d100 until i am a millionnaire

Thanks for the advice Tommy, I will mark those two spots on my "To Do" list
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http://iluminatae.zenfolio.com/

Illuminatae,

You'll have no problem getting the 1325 in Beijing - I am looking to get one myself, and they sell for RMB 4,380, or around $550. Funnily enough, I purchased by 1228 tripod in Wuhan while there a few years ago.

Although you won't be in Wuhan, you will be near to it, I thought you might be interested in the shot below of the city's East Lake at sunset (this was one of my first D70 shots, forgive the quality). Haze can be a big issue.

David



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no problem

with regard to the place to buy equipment, in Beijing, the most famous one will be WuKeSong. It has been well talked about on most Chinese photography forums. good luck and have fun

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Tommy

i will stick with my d100 until i am a millionnaire

Thanks! I am looking forward to the trip. Any suggestions about security? Is it safe to wander around with a camera bag or should I be more discrete?

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http://iluminatae.zenfolio.com/

Very safe!

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quite a lot pick-pocket in the city, like where i come from shanghai. my suggestion is, do not use backpacks in the city, god knows how the operate... i have caught a few last time i was there, they running along moving bicycles and steal your stuff.... so, a sling shoulder bag that you can get hold of your equipments at the front at all time is best. and be vigilant

I do find there is genuinely less trouble in the rural.

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Tommy

i will stick with my d100 until i am a millionnaire

Thanks! I will remain on my toes while there, just to be extra careful.

PS - I popped you an email the other day.

DYswim said:

Very safe!

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Click to expand...

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http://iluminatae.zenfolio.com/

I spent two weeks in and around Beijing in October/November last year, and found most people to be very friendly. You'll have a great time - enjoy!

Here are a few portraits from my trip:









Jarle

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zizou

Lucky you !!! Whether you are in China or Kansas City, the first rule of thumb is to ask first, if people want to have their pictures taken. I went on a organized tour in China in 2001, we did all the "highlights" in 3 weeks & I did find the chinese shy in general regarding photography.
Just went to India in 01/06, people volunteered to have their picture taken!!!
Have a terrific time!!!
Frederic

Wow, great portraits. V. nice work.

I always asked permission if it would be obvious that I was taking a photo, and would say the refusal rate was about 30%, which is higher than most countries in my experience, but still a tremendous place for photography.











Ben

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Photos: http://www.benlovejoy.com/photography/photos/
Kit & beginners' guides: http://www.benlovejoy.com/photography/