Photography group Shanghai Exposed are opening their archives to us lucky masses with their monthly themed photo galleries and now their Photographer of the Month series.
As a first-time expatriate from Maine in the United States, Meredith Kennedy arrived in Shanghai just after the Beijing Olympics, but right on time for the finishing touches of the beginning of the Shanghai World Expo. It wasn’t until about four months after landing on China's shores and going on a photography tour of Guilin and Ping’an that she met up with not only liked mind people (from Shanghai), but Lois Webb, one of the Founding members of Shanghai Exposed photography group.
Mahjong, Shanghai
Coming from a graphic design background and shooting a bit of film back in the day, she took the plunge, purchased a digital camera and took a few photography classes from a local expat-centric training center. She went deep-end into camera kits, seeking interesting things to shoot around Shanghai and beyond.
Hot Cakes, Shanghai
Although she's sometimes seen wielding one of those cream colored (long) Canon lenses around with her trusty 5D MIII (not to mention her iPhone too), she has a new found inspiration to shooting with a 16-25mm lens. Once thought of for landscape only, she has learned how to shoot people portraits in their environment. It allows me to capture so much more”, she says, not to mention being up close and personal with her subject.
The Man Who Fixes Everything, Shanghai
“When I came to Shanghai I was definitely a novice. I knew what I wanted to shoot but didn't possess the skills to execute it. Now I feel I have a firm grasp on the technical aspects of photography and my editing skills are strong but I still struggle to make the shot I see in my mind's eye. I guess that is the nature of photography. Shanghai Exposed (SHE) was a great motivator to get out and shoot and meet some nice folks along the way.”
Eels, Shanghai
“Thanks to SHE and my camera, I've walked down streets I would never have seen and met people I would have walked by. A camera gives you an excuse to dig deeper and look closer at the place and time you live. SHE let me do it with some fun, knowledgeable people.”
Tacheng Sunrise, Yunnan
“My favorite part of SHE are the yearly photography trips. Its invigorating to share a few days (from before sunrise until after sunset) taking photographs (or trying to anyway) with like minded people. Our last trip in May to Yunnan, it was a real adventure. Favorite bit...riding in the back of a cattle truck.” That's the way we roll while on photo tour!
74 Years In The Land, Yunnan
Although Meredith has recently returned to Maine, she plans to continue her photography work as an important part of her everyday life where there are plenty of Lighthouses to shoot.
Yi Village Elder, Yunnan
In departing Shanghai, what advice does Meredith have for someone who hasn't yet gone out on a meet up? “To coin a phrase...Just do it.”
If you’re curious about coming along for a walkabout with camera in hand with friendly and supportive folks, send us an email to be included on the invite list for the next photo meet up.
(1)(1)(1).jpg)
0 User Comments