The title of this project is “Life in the Alleyways”. The project will focus on the concept of the harmonious combination between the people of Beijing and their living environment of the Hutongs. The project will capture the interactions between the 2 to show the traditional and rather slow paced lifestyle of the bustling metropolis. I will get inspiration and develop my ideas through photographs which emphasize contrast between light and shadows, vibrant colors, as well as with a low angled perspective. Light and shadows set drama and mood for the main photograph. Light rays captured also give off a calming and sincere texture and feeling to the photograph. On the other hand, vibrant colors provides a feeling of depth through different layers and directly transmits an emotional touch to the piece. I plan on making the using some sharp tones to contrast other rather muted colors to reach this goal. Low angled perspectives capture large objects showing a strong sense of dominance, while emphasize a feeling of juxtaposition for smaller objects which are “surrounded”. In my photograph, I wish to use this to capture younger children around adults to give off this a similar product and convey such emotions to the audience. Therefore, the overall emotional touch I want the group of photographs to bring is a relaxed, calmed, and peaceful environment brought by the Hutong district and how it has condensed the history and culture of Beijing. While the rest of the city experienced dramatic changes during the mid to late 20th century, it was the Hutongs which were preserved. There, it is as if time hasn’t made any influence to the environment and locals, continuing to be a representation of the city and its historical environment. I plan on using this unique atmosphere and meaning the Hutongs carry to portray a sense of nostalgia, urban decay, as well as an authentic, unposed everyday life of the locals. I will also use Saul Leiter and Fan Ho as the 2 main inspirational artists during the trip. Saul Leiter’s use of reflections, color, as well as manipulation of the camera and Fan Ho’s light and shadow choices are what I wish to learn throughout the practices I will be doing-the combination would surely add another layer of depth and meaning to the photograph.

Fan Ho “Back to Mother”

 

Saul Leiter “Red Umbrella”

 

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