Here’s how the That’s Shanghai @thatsshanghai Instagram account works: users hashtag their images #thatsshanghai and we pick out the best of them to regram, tagging the original photographer.
In the process, we found ourselves reposting some absolutely stunning photos of the city and beyond. And, the more we did it, the more we noticed we were regramming photos from – and tagging – the same accounts over and over again.
So we decided to reach out to these Instagrammers of Shanghai to learn a little bit more about them and their methods. And, of course, share their incredible work...
Japanese Tak @tak_vill is an engineer who works on screens, such as the smartphone one you are likely reading this on. He was transferred to Shanghai from Kumamoto three years ago. The beautiful scenery of the Japanese prefecture, with mountains and the sea nearby, sparked his passion for photography, one that kept burning after his move to China.
How do you choose where to shoot?
I usually go to places close to me, not too far away. And I choose a time in the morning or the evening when the light is impressive.
What do you look for in a photograph?
Being able to instantly feel the beauty and excitement that is difficult to explain in words.
Favorite places in Shanghai?
The Bund is a classic shooting spot. It is fun to capture various impressions with the ever-changing sky.
And outside Shanghai?
There are many places in China where you can see scenery that you have never seen before, and I want to go take photos of all of them. I like the mountain scenery, so I want to visit Zhangjiajie.
How is the Instagram community in Shanghai?
Compared to other social network services in China, I think that the number of users is small, but it is still fun because with Instagram you make friends who you go to shoot with together. My number of ‘camera friends’ has increased.
What advice would you give someone trying to build up an Instagram account?
First of all, I think you should post what you like, and just enjoy it. And I think that you can increase the number of followers by commenting and engaging with your audience.
Here Tak introduces some of his favorite shots:
“Qibao Old Street in Shanghai. I was able to take an impressive picture when the light shone through the gap in the cloud at just the right moment.”
“The illuminated Bund. At certain times of the year, the lights start to be lit up while the sky is still bright, so I went to capture it.”
“The skyscrapers of Lujiazui before sunrise. It is famous for its beautiful night view, but I often go to take pictures in the morning with its stunning silhouette.”
“Wukang Mansion before sunrise. On this day, a typhoon was approaching, and I went to take pictures expecting the sky to burn red. I felt a sense of accomplishment when I did so.”
“Taken at SkyBridgeHQ in Shanghai. There are so many beautiful buildings in Shanghai, and I enjoy photographing all of them.”
“Taken near Yu Garden. One of my favorite photos of the city pre-development.”
“Yu Garden just before the Spring Festival. At night the illuminated scenery is very beautiful.”
“Yufo Chan, or the Jade Buddha Temple. I shot the ash flying in the air with high shutter speed.”
“Spring Festival at Yufo Chan. The refreshing blue sky was impressive.”
“Jing 'an Temple. During the Spring Festival. I visited the temples over Spring Festival to experience Chinese culture.”
“Nanjing East Road pedestrian street. It is heartwarming to see parents and children peeking through the shop window.”
“Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park. You get beautiful reflections in this park that I particularly like.”
“Aso Mountain in Kumamoto. When I climbed Mount Aso for the first time, I was moved by its grandeur.”
“Okoshiki Beach in Kumamoto. The sand crest is beautiful, and there are not many chances to see the sunset at the same time as the low tide. I went to take pictures many times there.”
“A sea of clouds with the five mountains of Kumamoto in the background. You have to persevere to capture this; it is difficult to predict whether the sea of clouds will occur. I would often leave home at three or four in the morning expecting a sea of clouds, but it never appeared.”
“Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Takamori, Kumamoto. A powerful spot, and a very mysterious place.”
“A fan terrace in Ubuyama Village, Kumamoto Prefecture filled with water just before the rice planting. It is very beautiful because it uses the terrain that spreads out like a fan.”
“The octagonal Hakkaku Tunnel in Misato, Kumamoto Prefecture. One of the remains of the railway, it is a place where you can feel a mysterious atmosphere.”
“Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture; the blue sky and white clouds – it’s like a fairy tale world.”
“One of the sea in Kumamoto Prefecture. A mother and her children seem to be very close; it is nice to think that they’re smiling together.”
Follow Tak on Instagram @tak_vill
Follow That’s Shanghai on Instagram @thatsshanghai
Hashtag your photos #thatsshanghai for a chance to be regrammed by us, and maybe even be featured in this series.
[All images courtesy of Tak/@tak_vill]
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