China

Pollution ?

Black And White Photography, Ian, Photography

This is actually a measure put in place to combat pollution. Mist sprinklers… Foshan, China, X100F

Mist sprinklers in Foshan photographed against the light — an anti-pollution measure that becomes an atmospheric subject. The X100F and backlit water mist: the droplets catch the light and the frame becomes about atmosphere rather than subject. Monochrome intensifies the graphic quality, turning the sprinkler heads into silhouettes and the mist into a mid-tone wash. See the China series on China: The Final Frame on IJM Photography.

Crossing the road…

Black And White Photography, Ian, Photography

Waiting for the scooters to cross the road. Foshan, China, X100F

Waiting at a Foshan crossing — the patient street photographer’s natural moment. The scooters and figures create a layered scene that monochrome simplifies into a clear visual hierarchy. The X100F’s fixed lens means you work with your feet, finding the frame through position rather than focal length. The slight motion blur on the scooters in the background gives the still figures their stillness. See the China series on China: The Final Frame on IJM Photography.

Waiting to rehearse

Black And White Photography, Ian, Photography

Just looking up in a theatre before rehearsing in Shenzhen, China, X100F

Looking up into a Shenzhen theatre before rehearsals — the X100F pointing upward at the rigging, the lights, the architecture of performance. Backstage spaces in available light are a challenge: functional illumination that is unflattering in colour but stripped to tone, the cables and battens and the bodies waiting below become a genuine composition. See the full article: China — Shenzhen Day 3 on IJM Photography.

Clément

Black And White Photography, Ian, Photography

My Friend, and fellow horn player, Clément, Shenzhen, China, X100F

A portrait of Clément — fellow horn player, Shenzhen. The X100F held close for a natural light portrait in the moments before or after a performance. The 23mm equivalent at this distance keeps the environmental context while the available light does the work. Monochrome brings attention squarely to expression and light without the colour cast of whatever room you’re in. See the full article: China — Shenzhen Day 3 on IJM Photography.

Where’s my luckin coffee??

Black And White Photography, Ian, Photography

Taken during my December 2024 Orchestral Tour to China with the Symphonique des Bords de Loire, in Yong Zhou, Hunan Province. With one letter change, this could have been very funny…

Yong Zhou, Hunan Province — December 2024 orchestral tour with the Symphonique des Bords de Loire. Street photography on tour is opportunistic and quick: the X100F stays in your pocket, and you shoot the thing that makes you stop mid-stride. The Luckin Coffee sign needed one careful letter change to be very funny indeed. Monochrome was the obvious choice — it is, after all, a graphic image at heart. See the China series on China — How a Journey Transforms a Man on IJM Photography.

Snaps from a business trip VII

Black And White Photography, David, Photography

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By now my time in China was nearing an end. The last night we were in Shanghai. We took a glass of Wine in Shanghais’ Le Baron night club. It was early so there was no one there expect me my colleague, and an army of bar staff. This picture on the wall caught my eye. I know it’s a bit of a cheat but I loved it. I converted it to black and white. I think it has impact … and three pretty girls :0)

Snaps from a business trip VI

Black And White Photography, David, Photography

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You could take this type of shot in many cities around the world. I just happened to be in Shanghai. I love the fact that her eyes are closed in this shot and, that wonderful expression. Even her carrier bag sends a message .

Sony RX100 mkII
Not much PP except the B&W conversion. I just cropped a little. I didn’t bother to straighten it either, I liked the angle.

Snaps from a business trip V

Black And White Photography, David, Photography

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This one was a grab shot. Taken while I had my cell phone out of my pocket walking down a side street in Xiamen. Lots of stories here. I didn’t pay much attention to this shot until I saw it on my screen at home. It’s nice in colour too. However I think the colours steal the storytelling element somewhat.
I’ll leave that for you to decide dear reader.

iPhone X (No apps just a straight shot)
A little PP in Silver eFex pro II.

Snaps from a business trip III

Black And White Photography, David, Photography

HipstamaticPhoto-550914655.850204

Fisherman: On my way around the lakes in Xiamen there are lots of fishermen trying their luck. I thought that the hipstamatic app did rather well for this rainy day shot

Hipstamatic App
iPhone X