The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay
“A free, really high quality photo-essay magazine. Fabulous!”
Stephen Fry. British actor, writer and film & documentary maker
Sept 2014 back issue
by Jacques Smit
It was my purpose to capture hutong residents in central Beijing, my base at the time, through the physical obstructions
posed by both windows and night to highlight a sense of separation from the subject as a possible metaphor for daily
life. Lines exist between us. However invisible.
A barber gives his customer a close shave - Fangzhuanchang Hutong - Central Beijing.
A quick dinner - Nanxiawazi Hutong - Central Beijing.
Baker and friend await business - Nanxiawazi Hutong - Central Beijing.
Baker laughs - Fangzhuanchang Hutong - Central Beijing.
Bored tattooist - Baochao Hutong - Central Beijing .
Cafe workers in discussion - Shajing Hutong - Central Beijing.
Chemist talks on the phone - Fangzhuanchang Hutong - Central Beijing.
Convenience store owner takes a drag on a cigarette at the end of the day - Nanxiawazi Hutong - Central Beijing.
Electronics vendor tending his food - Baochao Hutong - Central Beijing.
Electronics vendor watches TV - Baochao Hutong - Central Beijing.
Frame builder works into the night - Baochao Hutong - Central Beijing.
Friends enjoy dinner - Baochao Hutong - Central Beijing.
Fruit & veg stall owner stays connected - Nanxiawazi Hutong - Central Beijing.
Fruit seller awaits custom - Nanxiawazi Hutong - Central Beijing.
Grocery store at dusk - Yu'er Hutong - Central Beijing.
Mother and son inside a convenience store - Baochao Hutong - Central Beijing.
Restaurant owner measures out portions of food - Fangzhuanchang Hutong - Central Beijing.
Restaurant owner prepares food to go - Nanxiawazi Hutong - Central Beijing.
