Dong Cheng Dist

Photographer's Note

Houtongs generally have a narrow street, which was designed for carts and bicycles but now is just wide enough to squeeze a car through, and off these streets small lanes lead into some of the individual houses/living areas. This is one of those laneways, looking in through the outer doorway.

There's a lot of detail in the things piled up or hanging from the walls, which unfortunately is a bit hard to make out in the 800 pixel resolution used here.

Nobody oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

Darren (6823) 2004-02-05 6:39

I really like this a lot Josh. It just seems as though you are giving us a brief glimpse into the life of an everyday Chinese family. The Ilford has given you a very nice tone and your framing of the shot is quite effective as well.

maciekda (19895) 2004-02-05 9:48

yes, it is a nice shot, I like this gray tone of the scene, and all those things in this small street... the picture is well composed and there is a lot of details seen, I find it tricky to shoot such small street - too much contrast most of the time... I wish though there was a bit of a human presence there. but even without people it is a nice picture

foreverhis_mdh (92) 2004-05-20 23:35

Very good shot. You captured the atmosphere well. I walked through the houtongs about 2 years ago and remember it being so quiet and somber inside of them and down the alleys like the one you've pictured. On the main road and by the shops their was so much life but when I walked through the above area I felt it would be rude and out of place to speak above a whisper. I was saddened to know that the gov.'t is in the process of tearing them down to make way for newer bldgs. I'm glad you've preserved it a little through this photo.