Michael Anti

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to photograph one of China’s leading characters from the blogosphere, Michael Anti. Anyone familiar with this sphere will know about Michael’s writings about freedom of the press in China.

Our shoot was part of the Deutsche Welle ‘BOBs’, the organisation’s blog awards focusing on ‘the world’s digital revolutionaries’ who are writing about freedom of speech in their countries across the world.

The shoot consisted of setting Michael in an ‘urban’ setting, according to the brief. We actually decided to head to the 798 art district which provided plenty of interesting backdrops that we could experiment with. We were looking for a rebellious feeling to the images, hence the inclusion of spray cans and masks into the picture coupled with the ‘rough’ backdrops. The graffiti and paint on the can were added later in post-production, to create the final picture and effect.

If you use Twitter, join Michael’s legions of followers and get regular updates here.

Michael Anti

27.06.12 – I decided to upgrade my camera this week and plumped for the new Canon 5D mark III. Excited to start putting it through its paces on a new trip in the south of China next week.

One other thing that might come in handy is what’s in the blue bag. When you buy camera equipment in China, they often like to throw in some freebies to sweeten the deal. Today, I was offered a Canon branded tent to go with my new camera. As ever with China, a slightly odd experience.

Do I need the tent? Erm…not really. But, everybody loves a freebie, right?! If you’re interested in taking it off my hands, drop me a line!

Danwei Model Workers 2012

It’s a good week for the blog this week, as it was acknowledged by Danwei as one of the best photography blogs dedicated to covering topics related to China in 2012! Thanks to the team at Danwei for recognising the blog and the regular updates I try to do.

Don’t forget to check out some of the other excellent sites that have been mentioned to get you fill of China-related news! Especially my fellow photographers and friends Janek Zdzarski and Jonah Kessel.

Here’s a new multimedia piece from the team at MediaStorm that I thought readers here would like to view.

In the run up to the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, MediaStorm were asked to produce this video which would highlight the importance of forests and their role in our global ecosystem.

From the MediaStorm Site:

“Part of the UNFF’s mission is to change the way policymakers view forest-related issues. Previously forest preservation was considered an environmental issue. In order to create more lasting and far-reaching change, the UNFF believes it is necessary to also include social and economic values in all discussions. Forests are, in many complicated ways, interconnected with the lives of people and cultures. This landscape view is critical and therefore needed to be an integral part of the project.”

It’s a beautiful video with some dreamlike sequences and stunning images, whilst retaining a strong and important message. Take 15 minutes of your day to watch it.

If you can spot which images of mine are in there, I will take my hat off to you!

17.06.12 – Assignment today took me to the north-eastern outskirts of Beijing to visit one of the city’s oddest attractions, ‘Wonderland’, an abandoned theme park.

The park was left deserted when construction funding dried up, leading to the half-finished park being left to the advancing shrubbery which is now slowly taking back the land.

The highlight of the park is a Disney style castle which towers above what is now mostly farmland. It’s a bizarre but interesting place which is well worth a brief visit.

More to come on this when the work is published…

16.06.12 – It’s easy to get jaded with Beijing’s air quality. Sometimes though, we get a clear day and you suddenly remember how nice the capital can actually be.

This is the north-east tower of the Forbidden City this evening. A sunset and view worth waiting for.

If only it could be like this more often…

16.06.12 – Blue skies over the Forbidden City in Beijing today. A rare but welcome site!

12.06.12 – Beijing Capital International Airport, China.

11.06.12 – Street welder in downtown Beijing. China.

Photocrati Fund

Happy to share the news that I have been selected as one of the 2012 Photocrati Fund Top 25 Finalists. The fund has been running for a number of years and aims to support documentary photographers around the world who are working on projects looking and social and environmental issues.

“Our goal is to identify outstanding photographers and to provide the resources necessary to pursue projects that will have a tangible and positive effect on the world.” – Photocrati

Judging now heads to the very esteemed Photocrati Fund Board which includes photo-legends Steve McCurry, Mike ‘Nick’ Nichols and Jim Brandenburg.

It’s great to make the final shortlist and I wish all the other finalists good luck. Here’s a sneak preview of an image from my proposed project. Much more to come on this subject in the coming months!

Threatened Waters