Modern China, a photo from Shanghai, East

Photographer's Note

Before visiting Shanghai, I thought that in China streets are full of bicycles, everywhere is very crowded, most people live in small traditional houses, food has a bad taste and .... But to my astonishment, what I saw was quite contrary to my expectations.
Shanghai has been totally reconstructed in last ten years and transformed to a modern city with highest standards, even much better than Dubai. Buildings have a modern architecture, there're so many skiscrapers, people wear fashionable western clothing and listen to pop music. Everywhere you see world class trade marks: Cocacola, KFC, Buick, Samsung, Nike, HP,Benz and so on. Nearlly all these companies have factories to make their products locally.
The only thing which has remained traditional is the language and food. Shanghai is the best city of China and its doorway. Though there're still chinese who don't have access even to electricity, but the country is booming with a two digit growth rate and in near future it will be totally transformed to a modern and developed country.

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Critiques | Translate

mtolloczko (201) 2003-12-06 5:13

Yes, China's growth rate has been over 7 percent per year over the last ten years, which by Western standards is seen as a booming economy. The Yuan, local currency had been seen as undervalued, however, it will rise in value by 30 percent over the next five years. Shanghai is being groomed as the hub city of China and the region. Perhaps the other 'business centre' style city is Hong Kong. The image is a little bright and on my screen it does look a little hazy. I like the left hand side of the screen. Rather than taking a shot of the whole street, perhaps the composition could have been improved if more focus was paid to the advertisements and the buildings on the left, maybe stepping back somewhat. Overall it does give the impression of a modern city.

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whereami (1477) 2003-12-06 7:23

This is a nice, no frills shot of a Chinese city. I appreciate these views of places - to see them as they are rather than as an ideal shot. Nice and clear, and a good note too.

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mitternacht (1839) 2003-12-06 8:40

Interesting, there's nothing here that reveals that this is China, nothing obvious at least (some writing at a few places). It really does look like any western modern city.

Compositionwise I think there's too much empty space in the middle. The feel of tempo that could have been in this picture is lost somewhat due to the high angle.

orme (7219) 2003-12-10 6:55

A lovely clear shot of Shanghai. Interesting that the only noticeable corporate logo is American. Nicely framed. Thank you for sharing this photo. Great note.

roconnell (327) 2003-12-18 0:36

This is a great street shot of a China that is not so exotic as the average travel shot would highlight. It is a great photojournalism shot, and might serve nicely as the cover for a special feature in the Far Eastern Economic Review, especially with your commentary. Well Done. Small suggestion is to crop just a bit off the top where the top of the building on the left juts out.

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stranger (726) 2005-03-10 14:09

yeah ... cool shot , it shows the things u meant in the note & the note is great too :-)
But at the end , poor beautiful old chinese culture which is dieing under reconstruction of these high buildings :(

Hope chinise wouldnt forget how to play instrumental songs traditionaly , how to make those cool umbrellas , how to make those wonderful paitings , ...

Great shot man ...

Keep posting :-)

Shahab.