Ahead of Japan’s national baseball tournament, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare High School, representing Gunma Prefecture, has announced a significant change to its cheerleading uniforms. This decision comes in response to previous incidents of voyeuristic photography targeting its cheerleaders during the highly publicized event. With a history of participation but no wins, the school is utilizing its experience to enhance this year’s performance and safeguard its students.

Proactive Measures for Student Safety

In light of disturbing events during the 2023 Spring Koshien, where cheerleaders fell victim to upskirt photography, Takasaki High School has decided to redesign its cheerleading outfits. The new uniform will consist of shorts instead of skirts, aligning more closely with the baseball players’ attire. This change is not only a direct countermeasure to voyeurism but also reflects the students’ desire to show support in gear that mirrors what the athletes wear. Kohei Shiozawa, a teacher at Takasaki, underscored the emotional toll such privacy invasions can take on students, highlighting the school’s commitment to their well-being.

Challenges and Community Response

The issue of upskirt photography is not unique to Takasaki High School but reflects a broader concern in sports and public events. The school’s initiative has sparked conversations about privacy, consent, and the role of institutions in protecting their members. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures in curbing voyeuristic behavior and the responsibility of event organizers and law enforcement in ensuring a safe environment for all attendees.

Implications for Future Tournaments

Takasaki High School’s uniform redesign could set a precedent for other schools and organizations participating in high-profile events like the Spring Koshien. It serves as a call to action for a collective effort to address and prevent voyeurism, fostering a safer, more respectful culture around sports and public gatherings. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the impact of this decision on the student experience and the broader dialogue on privacy rights and personal safety.

As Takasaki High School gears up for the Spring Koshien, its proactive stance against voyeurism sends a powerful message about the importance of protecting student privacy and dignity. This move may encourage other institutions to reassess their policies and attire, potentially leading to wider changes in how safety and respect are prioritized in sports and beyond. It’s a reminder that, in the face of adversity, innovative solutions and community solidarity can pave the way for positive change.

Chongqing – The recent publication Hi! I’m Chongqing has recently hit the bookshelves nationwide in China, taking readers on an immersive journey through the remarkable development of this 8D metropolis, beginning from its very formation millions of years ago and detailing key factors that have shaped the lives of Chongqing people from times ancient to modern.

As one unfurls this work three years in the making, a collection of more than 200 exquisite photographs with detailed illustrations, along with plentiful scientific diagrams created for popular audiences, which bring to life the full scope of geographical and cultural depth waiting to be explored in Chongqing, an internet sensation that has taken the world by storm in recent years.

The new geographical documentary Hi! I’m Chongqing features 15 works produced by the local freelance photographer Zhang Kunkun, of which many vividly capture the multi-dimensional nature of Mountain City (Photo/Zhang Kunkun)

Ordnance factory sparks freelance photography career

Just a few years ago, Zhang Kunkun decided to give up on a stable career in brand marketing and graphic design, and in the face of gentle disapproval from home, he pursued his dream to work in freelance photography and short films. This ambitious move has now been fully vindicated, with over half a million followers on Douyin and more on rival platforms, who deeply admire his captivating perspectives of urban Chongqing, the snowcapped peaks of Western Sichuan, and scenes of traditional culture pictured through his lens. 

Since the Institute of Planets selected 15 of his impressive photographic works for their blockbuster publication Hi! I’m Chongqing, iChongqing reporter James Alexander sat down with Zhang in a downtown café in Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street to learn more about his inspiring journey.

Chongqing opens Qiansimen Bridge for waves of tourists during major holidays, and this structure captures the 8D cityscape offset with Hongyadong in the background (Photo/Zhang Kunkun)

As Zhang described, his passion for photography traces back to his formative years, when he grew up in a well-off family environment, based interestingly on a lucrative ordnance factory that mass-produced artillery shells. Now 41 years old, he described how this background allowed his father to indulge in the rarity of owning a camera around 1983, a vintage black and white device that he used for taking family portraits. Even the photographs from his childhood were taken with this camera.

It was this precocious exposure to photography at home that kindled his lifelong fascination with the arts in general, and so his interest in various art forms eventually led him to study at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute (SFAI) in Chongqing. This environment offered the ideal opportunity to fine-tune his artistic prowess under the tutelage of instructors and contemporaries, all while the institution also leaves plenty of leeway for individual creativity and philosophies to bloom.

Following graduation, he naturally progressed into stable office-based employment in brand marketing and graphic design, which offered a dependable career path leading potentially through retirement. However, Zhang always had more ambitious goals in life than purely job security and long suffered from the well-known phenomenon of itchy feet, as well as considerable back pain from the long regular hours sitting behind a computer desk. Even though he could dabble in photography and short films at work, he would have to embark on a whole new path to make freelancing a reality.

The iconic yellow taxi cabs of Chongqing have become a celebrity internet sight in themselves in recent years (Photo/Zhang Kunkun)

“I used to work in an office all year round and didn’t like the experience much. Sitting in a greenhouse felt like I yearned for nature and the weather outdoors. Also, my slipped disc caused me a lot of pain by sitting for long periods, so the option to leave this environment behind offered a logical resolution to this. I feel very satisfied with life now, and even when I’m not working, it’s fantastic to venture into the great outdoors, explore urban recesses, meet different people, and learn about various cultures. I prefer work that offers these kinds of advantages.”

Mountains and alleyways capture the imagination

Zhang now has over twenty years of experience in photography, and from the very beginning, took focus on natural scenery and the urban environment of Chongqing, while many other new hands would generally shoot anything in their initial wave of enthusiasm. In his case, the dramatic peaks of Western Sichuan have always instilled in him a deep fascination, such as Gonggar and Siguniang Mountain, which both tower over 6000 meters and exude the magnificence and vastness of nature.

The perseverance of photographers who stood before Siguniang Mountain in Western Sichuan is rewarded with clear views of the snowy heights, while cloud partially obscures the peak from view, leaving the viewer with a lingering sense of mystery (Photo/Zhang Kunkun)

Snow capped mountains also captivate photographers like him, as they forever play a mysteriously unpredictable game of cat and mouse, with ever-changing weather conditions that suddenly reveal the upper reaches, only to obscure them from view again. These shifting patterns can provoke extremes of disappointment and surprise, yet this emotional rollercoaster is something Zhang has learned to thrive upon, as patience eventually receives just recompense through a range of spectacular images and film recorded on camera.

“The snowy peaks fascinate me because you always want to behold their true likeness and witness nature in all her magnificence. It might be that you don’t see the mountaintops on one trip, but that just motivates you to repeat the journey the next time around. Also, the cloud lines add a mysterious quality to images, so while mountains indeed look stunningly beautiful when skies are clear, they will conversely lack that touch of je ne sais quoi,” he explained.

Likewise, the same principle can apply to urban environments. When shooting Chongqing, the cityscape may look wonderful on a clear day, yet the same perspective captured through a veil of fog can evoke a richer blend of emotions. In this respect, Zhang has benefitted from the profound insight that years of practice and understudy at SFAI have fostered, allowing him to produce a visual effect that sets him apart from many contemporaries. One notable illustration is that clarity and bright colors don’t necessarily make for the optimal image.

The best photographs avoid the common pitfall of direct clarity and over-saturation and should provide the viewer with space for imagination, as with this image of the Tongliang dragon dance (Photo/Zhang Kunkun)

We relaxedly chatted in the café near the Liberation Monument and spoke about our respective holidays during the recent Spring Festival. While I made a return trip to England after five years away from home, Zhang traveled to the backpacking mecca of Dali in Yunnan but also made time to watch a spectacular Tongliang fire dragon performance in Chongqing. This famous intangible cultural heritage item has enjoyed wide publicity across the municipality this year and in far-removed locations, including the ice city of Harbin and London in the United Kingdom. The Tongliang dragon is one example that vividly captures the element of mystery Zhang seeks in his work. 

Cultural heritage enjoys renaissance among youth

The Tongliang loong dragon rekindles strong memories of childhood for Zhang, who was born in Baisha Town in the Jiangjin District of Chongqing, where dragon and lion dances were performed each Spring Festival amid the old streets, including the shower of molten iron sparks that confer the spectacle its breathtaking appeal. In the years since he grew up, the sight of dragon dances had been on a downward trajectory, so their recent upturn in visibility has reiterated the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Flicking through images and videos Zhang took of the Tongliang dragon in the Spring Festival, and which he posted on his Weibo and Douyin accounts, it was precisely the gentle colours and contours set against the obscure background, with soft clouds of wispy smoke drifting in the foreground that gripped my attention, as if beckoning me to magnify them on screen and view them in closer detail. When I shared this feeling of mystery applied to cultural heritage, Zhang proceeded to explain his philosophy in terms readily understandable to everyday audiences.

Many principles used in the photography of snowy mountain peaks can also be applied to multi-dimensional urban environments like that of Chongqing. This photograph captures Chongqing at dusk with a fascinating blend of heritage and modernity (Photo/Zhang Kunkun)

“I’m always looking for a different state to picture subjects in, whether alternate weather or light conditions. In the fire dragon dance, they have a far more sacred and mysterious air when they appear out of smoke, or when the colors are subtle. This gives the viewer more room for interpretation, and this diversified approach shows the best photographs aren’t necessarily direct portrayals under clear illumination. For example, people often commit the mistake of adjusting the color saturation over bright, and this can easily create disinterest and visual discomfort among viewers. Photography is about producing work that stands the test of time, and not simply chasing mainstream trends.” Zhang explained.

In a few years, the prospects for continued inheritance of the Tongliang dragon and other intangible cultural heritage items have improved drastically. Not long ago, younger generations regarded such heritage as figments of the past, and saw no practical role for them in modern society, let alone forming the basis of a dependable livelihood. The changes Zhang has witnessed directly through his photography work show that trends are making a resolute turn for the better. 

For instance, Ciqikou Ancient Town in Shapingba District also hosted dragon dance performances over the Spring Festival. When Zhang spoke with the dancers, he learned their main problem now isn’t the struggle to keep the tradition alive, but rather trying to meet demand. Similarly, young people in Sichuan have realized that oil-paper umbrellas have great market potential, and so they are now willing to devote more efforts to their preservation and earn substantial incomes as a result.

Photographic documentary characterizes the soul of Chongqing

The publication Hi! I’m Chongqing was compiled between the Institute for Planets and the Chongqing Municipal Publicity Department in conjunction with the Western China International Communication Center. This photographic documentary of Chongqing from a geographical perspective was finally released amid great public anticipation in December 2023. It features the contribution of 15 photographic works produced by Zhang Kunkun, as well as a blurb recommendation about the city printed on the back cover. This can be rightfully seen as the fruit of cooperation dating back many years.

When prompted to share his main feelings on the book after its publication, the overriding impression was that most people in Chongqing have never understood their municipality well enough, a fact he confessed applies to himself in equal measure as a local citizen. However, this book has gone a long way to filling that gap, as the content takes readers on an immersive journey through Chongqing’s human culture and geographical history, beginning from the very formation of the land mass, to the modern-day 8D metropolis famed worldwide. “This book takes us on a voyage beyond space and time, and can exhibit the true soul of Chongqing from the comfort of home,” Zhang commented. 

Before the 15 photographs in question featured in Hi! I’m Chongqing, a number had already clocked up astounding viewing figures on social media over 30 million. However, selections from the Institute for Planets initially surprised him for their relatively simplistic content. Later, he came to understand the publishers were seeking to portray the multi-dimensional and densely populated nature of the urban landscape in the most direct manner possible, showing how the authors were not purely concerned with aesthetic beauty.

Steep alleyways climbing in between packed residential apartment blocks may appear like a scene from sci-fi movies, but are typical of everyday life for citizens in the downtown Yuzhong suburbs (Photo/Zhang Kunkun)

At this point, we leafed through more photographs on his mobile that feature in Hi! I’m Chongqing, and Zhang explained the characteristics that make them so unforgettable. The first was a long, narrow staircase running between two closely packed apartment blocks, pictured just at the time of day when sunlight illuminates the entire length while a jogger-like individual is climbing upwards to explore this mysterious urban recess. These fascinating peeks into the old residential quarters of Yuzhong District vividly show the traditional everyday lives of people in Mountain City stretching back into the past century. 

We then studied an image that ostensibly defies spatial cognition, and features is a large open-air bus park nestled halfway up a steep hillside, surrounded by highrises at lower elevation towards the forefront, others on a similar level beside, and yet far more towering above as they vie for prominence. At the same time, a scintillating myriad of home lights instills a profound sense of nocturnal serenity contrasting against the dramatic cityscape. Zhang shared how this personal favorite reflects the multi-dimensional qualities of Chongqing, as the bus station appears oddly suspended in mid-air from this perspective. 

This inner city bus station park nestled halfway up a Chongqing hillside surrounded by high rises on all sides above, level and below, defy spatial cognition in this magical 8D metropolis (Photo/Zhang Kunkun)

In yet another mesmerizing example, Baixiangju represents one of the many antiquated residential communities hugging the mountainsides on the Yuzhong Peninsula and has long captivated photographers thanks to its proximity to the Chongqing Yangtze Cableway. For decades, this transportation relic was the most convenient way for everyday citizens to cross the river into Nan’an District until a modern wave of bridge construction ultimately led to it being repurposed into a celebrity experience on the nostalgic tourist trail.

This photograph below, taken many years ago, has previously featured on China National Geographic and captures the diminutive frame of the cable car shuttling through a gap in between the packed edifices of Baixiangju, which adeptly encapsulates the dense, multi-leveled urban architecture which denotes the face of old Chongqing, and which has made the dramatic cityscape a favorite shooting location among film directors, avid photographers and videography enthusiasts.

The Yangtze River Cableway passes in between two densely packed residential apartments of Baixiangju on the steep Yuzhong Peninsula hillside. This image was selected among the many works of Zhang Kunkun in the publication Hi! I’m Chongqing (Photo/Zhang Kunkun)

Unearthing more cultural gems in Year of the Dragon

Looking towards the future, Zhang wishes to build on the popularity of his photographic works on intangible heritage and bring greater attention nationwide to the cultural landscape of Chongqing, not only through performance art like the Tongliang dragon but also through the many inheritors living quietly in the old streets and ancient towns across the municipality, whose stories possess deep sentimental value, and should be recorded before the time comes when they may be lost to the annals of history. 

“I wish to further publicize Chongqing’s natural scenery and cultural heritage this year, and show people how special the city is through more in-depth photographs. I’ll pay closer attention to the ways of life for everyday citizens, and record the transformations in cultural ambiance over time.” as Zhang described.

Seeing there are many exciting years ahead for Zhang as his freelance career takes off, the conclusion of our downtown get-together felt more like the beginning of a long-term association. So the new Year of the Dragon promises more exciting perspectives and discoveries from Chongqing, where the great wealth of natural scenery and intangible culture still wait to meet the world at large. I will certainly be there as the story continues to unfold.

If you’re looking for a review like nothing you’ve ever seen before, then grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready to experience life in the future.

“You get this camera because it reminds you of why you got into photography in the first place. Because it’s fun.” GxAce is in a league of their own when it comes to review videos. If you’re into cinematography, sound design, music, color, or Blade Runner, then you’re in for a treat. 

It’s not about the upgraded megapixels, the new in-body image stabilization, or even the built-in ND filter. It’s about the experience of shooting on Fuji’s X100 line of cameras. GxAce focuses on that all while providing a feast for your eyes and ears. There are a ton of example images, likely styled in ways many others are not showing you so you can see real-world use from the new X100VI. This line of cameras has become somewhat of the holy grail of walkaround cameras in the street photography world, while simultaneously becoming fully capable video cameras as well. 

Combine these features with a dual-purpose optical viewfinder that allows you to see the world optically while simultaneously showing you the images you’re capturing all through the viewfinder, it’s said to be an incredibly unique experience, which is one of the reasons why this line of cameras, with all its limitations, has gained so much popularity. 

You can preorder yours right now. 

Over a span of 45 years, Burtynsky has honed his craft, capturing mesmerizing images from an elevated perspective that borders on the divine. Utilizing helicopters, small jets, hydraulic poles, and drones, he provides viewers with a god-like vantage point, offering a unique view of the planet’s ever-changing terrain.

Now, more than 90 of Burtynsky’s remarkable images have been compiled in a lavish coffee-table book titled Edward Burtynsky: Extraction/Abstraction, published by Steidl. This comprehensive collection serves as a visual testament to Burtynsky’s unparalleled talent and dedication to his craft. Concurrently, an exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London, running until May 6, showcases 94 of Burtynsky’s large-format photographs and 13 high-resolution murals, marking the largest exhibition of his work to date.

Over 108 days, Palestinian photographer Motaz Azaiza took to Instagram to portray the realities of war in Gaza, capturing the attention of millions. Despite the personal loss of friends and family amidst the conflict, Azaiza continued to document the struggles and stories within his homeland. Recently, he made the difficult decision to leave Gaza, carrying with him a sense of disillusionment, revealing the toll the experience has taken on him personally and professionally.

Portraiture has played a crucial role in shaping the world’s perception of our history – and the most portrayed individuals are undoubtedly royal families, swiftly followed by other wealthy members of high society. But as technology became more sophisticated and the camera surpassed the painter’s ability to capture one’s likeness, photographs became the more likely images of famous figures we see – and this is the subject of The King’s Gallery’s first exhibition: Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography.

Over the last century, the British Royal Family has been captured on camera, bringing an unprecedentedly candid dimension to one of the world’s most famous families. And the public can now enjoy the best of the photographs at a brand new exhibition gathering more than 150 photographic prints, proofs and documents from the Royal Collection and the Royal Archives. Hosted at Buckingham Palace’s The King’s Gallery (previously known as The Queen’s Gallery), and curated by Alessandro Nasini, here’s exactly what to expect from Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography.

Cecil Beaton, Princess Margaret, 1949. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024.

What To Expect At Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography

At Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography, visitors can expect to witness the work of some of the most celebrated royal photographers, from Cecil Beaton and Dorothy Wilding to Annie Leibovitz and Rankin. Beginning in the 1920s, 150 vintage photographs will balance the grandeur and tradition of monarchy with an unprecedented sense of intimacy and relatability, with most never before on public display.

Meanwhile, the changing status of photography as an art form rather than a documentation tool will come to light, showcasing the 1920s and 30s golden age of the society photographer. Moving to the post-war era, the exhibition will shine a light on the technological advances that led to a boom in photographic studios, while members of the British and European Royal Families were among the ‘Bright Young Things’ eager to be captured on camera.

Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, Proof with handwritten instructions, 1958. Photograph: Antony Armstrong-Jones. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024

Perhaps the most notable photographer of the British royal family was Cecil Beaton, who captured the Coronation portraits of Queen Elizabeth II – arguably the most prestigious photography commission of the century. The exhibition will feature some of Beaton’s most memorable photographs, spanning six decades, including Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s famed 1939 shoot in the Buckingham Palace Gardens, dressed in her ‘White Wardrobe’ by Norman Hartnell.

Cecil Beaton, Queen Elizabeth, 1939. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024

Throughout, visitors will catch a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes process of commissioning, selecting and retouching royal portraits. Especially in the case of Beaton, photographers’ handwritten annotations will be displayed, plus never-before-seen correspondence with members of the Royal Family and their staff. Perhaps the closest (and most famous) example of the relationship between royal sitters and photographers is that of Antony Armstrong-Jones and Princess Margaret, who married in the 1960s; a selection of images taken before and during their marriage will hint at the depths of the trust between them.

Andy Warhol, Reigning Queens (Royal Edition): Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, 1985. © 2024 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. Licensed by DACS, London.

Moving towards the present day, innovations in digital and colour photography evidently revolutionised photography, with the discipline of photo-taking becoming an art form in its own right. Here, expect to see a world of colour, playfulness and variety, including Andy Warhol’s diamond-dust-sprinkled screenprint of Queen Elizabeth II, plus famed photographs by Rankin, David Bailey, Nick Knight, Annie Leibovitz and more.

‘This is the first exhibition from the Royal Collection entirely dedicated to modern portrait photography, an artistic medium that has helped to shape how the world views the British monarchy,’ says curator Nasini. ‘We are excited for visitors to discover the beauty and materiality of these original prints, many on display for the first time, and we hope they will also enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process behind some of these iconic royal images.’

When?

17 May–6 October 2024

Where?

The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA

BOOK IT

Tickets for Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography can be booked at rct.uk

£1 tickets are available to anyone in receipt of the following: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, or Jobseeker’s Allowance. You can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household, and only one person per household needs to show supporting documents. Find out more at rtc.uk

The cinematic landscape is set to be enriched with the release of ‘Kaa’, a film that delves into the life of a wildlife photographer, portrayed by renowned actress Andrea Jeremiah. Directed by Nanjil and scheduled for a March 29, 2024 release, the movie promises to be a thrilling exploration of the wilderness, brought to life under the production of John Max’s Shalom Studios.

Immersive Storytelling in the Wild

‘Kaa’ stands out not only for its unique setting in the dense forests but also for its compelling narrative that centers around Andrea Jeremiah’s character, a dedicated wildlife photographer. The inclusion of veteran Bollywood actor Salim Ghouse, known for his impactful antagonist roles, adds depth to the storyline, promising a narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. The film’s backdrop and characters aim to offer audiences an immersive cinematic experience, highlighting the challenges and beauty of the natural world.

Behind the Scenes

The technical prowess behind ‘Kaa’ is notable, with Arivazhagan and Elisa spearheading the cinematography and editing departments, respectively. Their expertise is expected to elevate the visual storytelling, capturing the essence of the wilderness and the intensity of the characters’ journeys. The ensemble cast, including Marimuthu, Kamalesh, Akshitha, Naveen, Moonar Subramanian, and Arjun Singh, further enriches the film, bringing a diverse range of talent and perspectives to the project.

Anticipation Builds for the Release

As the release date approaches, anticipation for ‘Kaa’ continues to build. The film’s exploration of wildlife photography through the lens of a thriller is a refreshing narrative choice, promising to engage audiences with its portrayal of the beauty and peril of the natural world. With a strong cast and a dedicated production team, ‘Kaa’ is poised to be a significant addition to the cinematic offerings of 2024, offering viewers a glimpse into the untamed wilderness and the stories it holds.

The upcoming release of ‘Kaa’ represents not only a milestone for Andrea Jeremiah, who takes on a role that challenges and showcases her versatility, but also for the film industry, as it brings forward stories set against the backdrop of nature. The film’s unique premise and dedication to authentic storytelling are set to make it a must-watch, inviting audiences to explore the depths of the wild through the eyes of a passionate wildlife photographer.

Photographer Alan Schaller, renowned for his monochromatic urban landscapes, has unveiled his latest book ‘Metropolis’, capturing the essence of urban isolation through his lens. Schaller’s journey, transitioning from music production to photography, demonstrates his adeptness at expressing stories of city life, focusing on the interplay of light, shadow, and geometry. His work not only showcases his talent but also his commitment to elevating street photography by supporting emerging talents through the Street Photography International Collective (SPi).

Making Moments Memorable

Alan Schaller’s foray into photography began on the London Underground, where he captured the transient moments of city dwellers. His growth as a photographer led him to explore various metropolises, including New York and Tokyo, where he honed his skills in capturing the fleeting, often overlooked moments of urban life. Schaller’s approach is deeply rooted in pre-visualization and observation, techniques he generously shares with aspiring photographers through his online tutorials. These insights not only reveal his creative process but also serve as a guide for those looking to navigate the complexities of street photography.

Metropolis: A Visual Journey

‘Metropolis’, Schaller’s latest publication, is a testament to his minimalist aesthetic and his ability to find beauty in the mundane. The book is a collection of images that portray the urban landscape as a place of isolation and anonymity. Through his lens, Schaller transforms ordinary architectural elements into striking compositions, emphasizing the contrast between the individual and the sprawling urban environment. His work invites viewers to contemplate the role of the individual in the modern metropolis, making ‘Metropolis’ more than just a photography book but a visual commentary on contemporary urban life.

Empowering the Next Generation

As a co-founder of the Street Photography International Collective, Schaller is passionate about promoting and supporting unrecognized talent in the photography world. SPi has become a platform for emerging photographers to showcase their work, offering them the visibility they might not have achieved on their own. Schaller’s commitment to the community extends beyond his photographic achievements; it’s about creating a legacy that fosters growth, learning, and appreciation for the art of street photography. Through his efforts, Alan Schaller is not just capturing moments; he’s shaping the future of street photography.

Alan Schaller’s ‘Metropolis’ is more than a collection of images; it’s an invitation to view the city through a different lens. By highlighting the solitude and beauty found in urban environments, Schaller encourages us to find meaning in the overlooked aspects of daily life. His dedication to his craft and his community serves as an inspiration for aspiring photographers everywhere, proving that with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to leave a lasting impact on the world of photography.