[Leica] China Photography

[michiel.fokkema at wanadoo.nl (Michiel Fokkema)]

Jim Laurel wrote:
> Tina,
> I was in China this past spring and had no trouble at all photographing
> people, landscapes, etc.  We were traveling in Guizhou province, which lies
> in the southeast part of the country.  I was there exclusively to 
> photograph
> the Hmong, a minority sometimes also referred to as the "Miao".  Karin and 
> I
> were staying in villages in family homes and had no trouble whatsoever.  
> You
> could also hire a guide to tag along with you.  They often try to bend the
> rules for clients, and of the sh@4t hits the fan with the authorities, the
> guide is on the line, not you.  You can always claim ignorance.  One of the
> things I've learned in my many travels. 
> 
> I can't speak for Bejing, Shanghai and the other large cities, but some
> friends have traveled there recently with Canon EOS 1Ds MkII-type cameras
> and big lenses.  They didn't report any trouble at all, except that the
> cities are boring for photography as compared to the mountain provinces.
> 
> In Guizhou, I had my usual kit - a pair of M6s in a Domke satchel with
> 28/35/50 lenses.  I ditched the photo vest for regular street clothes long
> ago.  ALWAYS put "tourist" on your visa applications!  For occupation, I
> find that "retired" is the most innocuous response.
> 
> Some of my stuff from the China trip to Guizhou:
> http://www.spectare.com/gallery/china05/index.htm
> 
> --Jim

Hi Jim,

These are very impressive.
Although I like to see the color of the clothing the b&w are really 
outstanding.


Michiel Fokkema