Shanghai Exposed Photography: The City of Lights

By Erik Crouch, November 17, 2014

Image [above] by Cheryl Rathan

In this month's gallery from renowned Shanghai photography group Shanghai Exposed we turn to the rays driving the energy behind this great city. When the days fall to night in Shanghai, you can find yourself engaging in just about anything you desire in this great city of lights. Although, one of the easiest choices is to stumble into any one of the thousands of pubs, foot massage joints or your selection of KTV bars around town, it’s far more adventurous to wander off into the night full of darkness and color as Shanghai awakens from its day long haze. There’s no shortage of capturing either the old or new in this ever-changing city, once bidding for the name ‘Paris of the East’. This city is filled with light.

Image by Cheryl Rathan

Image by Jonathan Paulson

Capturing the futuristic Lujiazui from The Bund is a photography favorite. If you find yourself needing to get above it all, taking a ride up any one of the taller buildings such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao or Financial Building will surely give you the feeling of being on top of the world. There are many other opportunities to get high above street level on any number of restaurant or pub terraces as well. Mixing a bit of photography and food/drink, it’s easy to get up on any of the surrounding rooftop restaurants with outdoor patios for clear shooting pleasure while enjoying a snack or drink of choice.

Image by Jonathan Paulson

Image by Rory Budihandojo

A more down to earth stroll down quaint streets you'll find night food markets. Fill your belly and your photographic appetite as well! The colorful mixture of light beaming from cafes and storefronts provide moody environmental images that are sure to be awe-inspiring. We look for the usual and the unusual … Shanghai comes alive at night.

Image by Darrel Lew

Image by Jonathan Paulson

If you like to wander into the night with other like minded folks like us with camera in tow, grab your camera and tripod and let’s take to the streets en masse … it’s more fun that way! See you behind the lens soon!

Image by Gerry Abbott

Shanghai Exposed is a photography group whose founding purpose is to see the city, camera in hand, capturing the sights, scenes and life in and around Shanghai. From sleepy Lanes to lively street markets, we have meet ups a couple times each month. Interested in joining the group? Email shanghaiexposed@gmail.com for more details.

Both new and accomplished photographers are welcome to join in bi-monthly meetings where discussions and image sharing take place.