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Look through the lens of Josh Roesener Photography – Dodge City Daily Globe
By Admin in Photography
Salma Hayek shares bathing suit photo snapped by her ‘photographer’ daughter Valentina
By Admin in Photography
Salma Hayek shared a stunning new photo, taken by her daughter, Valentina. The photo shows her enjoying a day on the beach, and being captured as she walks the shore, amidst a stunning landscape.
The photo shows Hayek wearing some black sunglasses and a matching bikini, enjoying a dip in the ocean. It’s captured with Hayek facing away from the ocean, with some rocks and the sunset in the background. “It always helps to have a photographer in the family,” Hayek captioned the post, adding the camera emoji and the name Valentina Pinault.
Hayek often discusses her daughter and is accompanied by her at various prestigious events, like the Oscars. The two share a close bond and similar tastes, with Valentina even wearing her mother’s dresses.
In an interview with Vogue, Hayek and Valentina shed a light on their relationship, including their arguments regarding clothing. “In this house we fight over clothes because she takes everything from my closet. Then I don’t find anything,” said Hayek.
Valentina had the perfect answer: she just really loves her mother’s clothes. “The truth is that when it comes to clothes, I love hers, but in general I always wear what I like.”
©GettyImagesValentina’s photography skills
The interview also showed that Valentina has been interested in photography for some time now. While discussing some of the items that are always in her bag, Valentina showed her vintage camera. “I take photos of my friends with disposable cameras,” she said. Hayek was quick to praise her daughter’s skills and perspective. “I like her photos a lot,” she said. “She always has an interesting point of view. She loves photography and loves everything to be vintage.”
Best Phones Under 30000 Suitable For Photography, Gaming, Multi-Tasking And More |
By Admin in Photography
World-popular smartphone brands, such as Nothing, Samsung, OnePlus, and Honor often come with some of the most technologically advanced smartphones to cater to all tech enthusiasts. Fortunately, if your budget does not allow you to splurge, the category of the best phones under Rs. 30,000 from these brands can be a saviour to you in a lot of ways. Phones in this price bracket give you great options with a blend of excellent performance, features, and style without breaking the bank.
Contrary to popular belief, these mid-range phones do not compromise on their specs, instead, showcase technological advancements. With unbeatable camera quality, powerful processors, gorgeous designs, and innovative features, the category of best phones under Rs. 30,000 is reshaping expectations for mid-range smartphones, making premium experiences more accessible.
To help you in streamlining your search, we’ve done the legwork for you and listed the top picks for the best smartphones under Rs. 30,000. Your smartphone is a constant companion, so ensuring you get the best value for your money is indeed our utmost priority.
Best Phones Under 30000
| Phones Under 30000 | Primary Camera | Rating | Approx Price |
| Nothing Phone (2a) 5G | 50MP (OIS) + 50MP | 5/5 | Rs. 24,295 |
| iQOO Z7 Pro 5G | 64 MP (main) + 2 MP (Bokeh) | 4.3/5 | Rs. 23,999 |
| Vivo V20 Pro | 64MP+8MP+2MP | 4.3/5 | Rs. 27,000 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | 12MP (Dual Pixel) OIS + 8MP OIS Tele Camera + 12MP Ultra Wide | 4.2/5 | Rs. 26,999 |
| OnePlus Nord 3 5G | 50MP Main Camera with Sony IMX890 + 8MP Ultrawide Camera + 2MP Macro lens | 4.1/5 | Rs. 28,999 |
| realme 11 Pro 5G | 100MP OIS ProLight Camera + 2MP Portrait Camera | 4.1/5 | Rs. 27,999 |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G | 50MP+8MP+2MP | 4.1/5 | Rs. 22,999 |
| Oppo F25 Pro 5G | 64MP Main Camera + 8MP ultra wide-angle camera + 2MP Macro Camera | 4.1/5 | Rs. 25,999 |
| HONOR 90 | 200MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera + 12MP Ultra Wide + 2MP Depth Camera | 4.0/5 | Rs. 29,999 |
| Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G | 64 MP Triple Rear camera + 8MP Ultra-wide + 5MP Super macro | 4.0/5 | Rs. 28,999 |
Nothing Phone (2a) 5G
Here is one of the most tech-savvy and highly rated phones under Rs. 30,000 – the Nothing Phone (2a) 5G. Featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120-Hz screen refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, the phone makes it easy to play games or watch online series. A hit among tech enthusiasts, the smartphone is equipped with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor that is designed to offer beastly performance.
Features of Nothing Phone (2a) 5G:
| Key Features | Nothing Phone (2a) 5G |
| Screen | 6.7 inches, 1080 x 2412 pixels resolution |
| OS | Android 14 |
| Processor | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP + 50 MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Pros | Cons |
| Gorgeous design | Limited water resistance |
| The software interface assures smooth performance | |
| The battery is strong and long lasting |
User Feedback: People who have purchased the Nothing Phone (2a) 5G phone consider it a great fast-performing smartphone. The only downside is that the Nothing Phone (2a) 5G has IP54 water resistance which makes it risky for those who want a phone for rough and tough usage.
iQOO Z7 Pro 5G
The iQOO Z7 Pro 5G hits the sweet spot between eye-catching design, slim profile and powerful processor, ideally fitting the bill of an all-rounder phone. The mobile phone comes with an IP52 rating that makes it resistant to occasional water drops or moderate encounters with water. In terms of internal software, the phone has a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 5G chipset, which adopts the flagship-level TSMC 2nd generation 4 nm process technology to offer superior energy efficiency and a better battery life. The octa-core processor assures of the highest clock speed of 2.8 GHz which enables it to effortlessly handle multitasking.
Features of iQOO Z7 Pro 5G:
| Key Features | iQOO Z7 Pro 5G |
| Screen | 6.78-inch, 2400 × 1080 FHD+ resolution AMOLED |
| OS | Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13 |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7200 5G Mobile Platform |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 64 MP (main) + 2 MP (Bokeh) |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 4600mAh with 66W Fast Charging |
| Pros | Cons |
| Has 120Hz display | A lot of bloatware |
| Comes with 80W charging | No audio jack |
| Features strong AMOLED panel screen |
User Feedback: At a price point of less than Rs. 30,000, the iQOO Z7 Pro 5G is a great pick. It delivers smooth performance and has a classy matte finish. The only negative (not a deal breaker though) is the bloatware on the device.
Vivo V20 Pro
The Vivo V20 Pro is an elegant looking smartphone with a matte finish, which gives it an interesting look and the body does not catch fingerprints. In terms of display, the phone features a 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 and a refresh rate of 60Hz. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset is great to handle the daily tasks and manages to carry out most of the tasks without any hitch.
Features of the Vivo V20 Pro:
| Key Features | Vivo V20 Pro |
| Screen | 6.44-inch, 2400×1080 (FHD+) AMOLED Capacitive multi-touch |
| OS | Funtouch OS 11 (Based on Android 10) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 64MP AF+8MP AF (Wide-Angle/Macro/Bokeh)+2MP(Mono) |
| Front Camera | 44MP AF+8MP |
| Battery | 4000mAh with 33W charging |
| Pros | Cons |
| Impressive camera | No expandable storage |
| Excellent display | |
| Powerful SoC, 5G capable |
User Feedback: Appearance, performance and quality of the Vivo V20 Pro is praised by all buyers. But people were not very pleased with the battery life and its charging features.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
A perfect choice for those who like extravagance and luxury, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G has some of the best features offered by any Samsung smartphone so far. It includes the top-of-the-line Triple Rear Camera Setup with 12MP Wide Rear Camera + 8MP Tele Camera + 12MP Ultra Wide. Of course, being a Note series device, it also has to have an enormous screen plus all the latest hardware.
Features of Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G:
| Key Features | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G |
| Display | 6.5-inch Infinity-O Super AMOLED Display with 120Hz Refresh rate, 1080 x 2400 Resolution |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Octa-Core |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP (Dual Pixel) OIS F1.8 Wide Rear Camera + 8MP OIS Tele Camera + 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Front Cameras | 32MP F2.2 Front Punch Hole Camera |
| Operating System | Android |
| Battery | 4500mAh |
| Pros | Cons |
| IP68 rating for dust and water protection | Low-light photography is poor |
| Excellent cameras | |
| Fast processor |
User Feedback: Samsung’s Galaxy S20 FE’s is sure to offer the right balance of solid specs, 5G connectivity and budget-friendly price.
OnePlus Nord 3 5G
The brand OnePlus is hailed for being able to offer a smartphone for all needs and budgets and this OnePlus Nord 3 5G has made it to the list of the best phones under 30000 because of its exceptional features. This flagship-level camera, along with the 8MP ultrawide lens and 2MP macro lens, captures stunning photos and video, making it a good choice for those looking for outstanding rear camera performance.
Features of the OnePlus Nord 3 5G:
| Key Features | OnePlus Nord 3 5G |
| Display | 6.74-inch, 2772 x 1240 pixels, 120 Hz Super Fluid AMOLED |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 9000 |
| Operating System | OxygenOS 13.1 based on Android 13 |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 256 GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Pros | Cons |
| Rapid charging speed | Basic IP rating |
| The display is very wide and vivid |
User Feedback: As per average reviews of the people who purchased this phone, the OnePlus Nord 3 ticks all the boxes to be a great phone. It has a worth-mentioning display, a flagship-grade performance unit and a capable set of cameras.
realme 11 Pro 5G
The highlight of the realme 11 Pro 5G is its premium vegan leather design that feels very classy to be held and to flaunt. The phone is available in three exciting colours, including Sunrise Beige, Astral Black and Oasis Green and three storage variants too. Thanks to its 256GB storage, you can have a big-time memory space for all your photos, videos, apps, and memories.
Features of the realme 11 Pro 5G :
| realme 11 Pro 5G | Key Features |
| Display | 6.7 inches 120Hz Curved Vision Display |
| Processor | Dimensity 7050 5G Chipset |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB |
| Rear Cameras | 100MP OIS ProLight Camera + 2MP Portrait |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Operating System | Android 13 |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Pros | Cons |
| Premium faux-leather back design | No ultra-wide angle camera |
| The rear camera comes with multiple modes | |
| Has a minimum of 8GB RAM |
User Feedback: If you are somebody who wants an exceptionally stylish phone that stands out among its competitors, then the realme 11 Pro 5G is your way to go! The phone offers incredible photos with its 100MP primary camera and OIS that compensates for the shakes.
Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G
To begin with, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ comes with a glass back and a 120Hz AMOLED display. In terms of camera, the phone has a 200MPmegapixel primary along with an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro camera. On the front, there is a 16MP camera. The HyperCharge charger with 120W fast charging support for the 5000mAh battery is the highlight of the phone.
Features of the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G:
| Key Features | Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G |
| Screen | 6.67-inches 120Hz AMOLED Display Up to 240Hz |
| OS | MIUI 13, Android 12 |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP + 8MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh |
| Pros | Cons |
| Sharp 200 MP primary camera | Average processor processor |
| Long-lasting battery with a 19-minute recharge time | |
| Huge display |
User Feedback: People who closely monitor the tech market say the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G is a massive upgrade from its predecessor. It scores high points for its superior build quality, fab camera performance, excellent display and very fast charging.
Oppo F25 Pro 5G
Launched in February 2024, the Oppo F25 Pro 5G is a great choice for those who do not wish to spend more than Rs. 30,000. Making it superb for the gamers is its borderless AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. In terms of the optics, it has ultra-clear triple camera system including a 64MP OV64B 1/2” sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, an 8MP 112-degree ultra-wide camera backed by the Sony IMX355 sensor and a 2MP macro camera with an OV02B10 sensor that can capture intricate details from as close as 4 cm away.
Features of the Oppo F25 Pro 5G:
| Key Features | Oppo F25 Pro 5G |
| Screen | 6.7 inches with AMOLED screen 120Hz Refresh Rate |
| OS | Android v14 |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7050 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 256GB |
| Battery | 5,000mAh with 67W SuperVOOC fast charging |
| Rear Camera | 64 MP f/1.7, Wide Angle + 8 MP f/2.2, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera + 2 MP f/2.4, Macro Camera |
| Front Camera | 32 MP f/2.4, Wide Angle, Primary Camera( |
| Pros | Cons |
| The design and body of the phone is unique | Bloatware |
| Smooth performance | |
| 120Hz Refresh Rate |
User Feedback: The Oppo F25 Pro 5G has a good balance of performance, attractive design, a decent camera, and long battery life. Buyers praise the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset that is capable of handling your daily tasks and even some demanding games.
HONOR 90
For those who do not wish to spend more than Rs. 30,000, the Honor 90 is a good phone that looks great and performs well. The screen of this phone is a stunner and the battery life lasts through the day. This smartphone packs a vivid 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a full HD+ resolution (2664 x 1200) and a whopping 1600 nits peak brightness. It has promising cameras that manage to produce bright, detailed and vibrant shots.
Features of the HONOR 90:
| Key Features | HONOR 90 |
| Screen | 6.7 inches with 2664×1200 resolution; AMOLED |
| OS | MagicOS 7.1 (Based on Android 13) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 512GB |
| Battery | 4,900mAh with 66W SuperCharge |
| Rear Camera | 200MP Ultra-Clear Camera + 12MP Ultra Wide and Macro Camera + 2MP Depth Camera |
| Front Camera | 50MP |
| Pros | Cons |
| Nice screen with a fast refresh rate | No mention of dust or water resistance |
| 66W fast charging and good battery life | |
| Impressive camera |
User Feedback: The Honor 90 is a compelling phone that delivers surprisingly powerful performance and features a stunning screen. Another worth-mentioning feature is its camera set up that can do good work with good light and a steady hand.
Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G
The Xiaomi 11 Lite NE has a classy Jazz Blue body that lets you flaunt your personal style. It has a dazzling halo ring design encircling the primary camera that adds an element of charm. The smartphone features an excellent anti-glare frosted glass matte finish that minimizes fingerprint marks, keeping your phone looking brand new for the longest time.
Features of the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G:
| Key Features | Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G |
| Screen | 6.55 inches 10-bit AMOLED Display |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G |
| OS | MIUI 12.5 |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Rear Cameras | 64MP + 8MP + 5MP |
| Front Camera | 20MP |
| Battery | 4250mAh battery |
| Pros | Cons |
| Sleek and stylish body | Lacks IP ratings for water and dust resistance |
| Stereo speakers |
User Feedback: Customers say that the 90Hz AMOLED screen with minimal bezels is something unique and appealing. The performance is good as well, the UI is smooth and offers lag-free gaming as well.
DISCLAIMER: At TOI, we keep you informed about the newest trends and products. The products listed have been well studied and researched, and are also in line with customer ratings. TOI is part of an affiliate partnership, meaning we may receive a portion of the revenue from your purchases. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change, as per retailers’ deals
Individual Pinecone Scales Unfurl in Intricate Patterns in Amber Renaye’s Enchanting Reliefs
Individual Pinecone Scales Unfurl in Intricate Patterns in Amber Renaye’s Enchanting Reliefs
By Admin in Art World News
All images © Amber Renaye, shared with permission
In regions where conifer trees are abundant, the humble pinecone has long held a symbolic role. For Amber Renaye, an interest in these small wonders of nature have led to a remarkable ongoing series of elaborately patterned tondos.
Ancient architecture, coats of arms, and sculptures have been dedicated to the pinecone over the centuries as a symbol of knowledge and fertility. The Vatican’s Cortile della Pigna, or Pinecone Courtyard, centers around an enormous bronze fountain shaped like the seed-bearing object, dating to the 1st century C.E. and thought to represent immortality and rebirth.
Scholars and sages of ancient civilizations also regarded the human brain’s tiny pineal gland, named for the pinecone, as the source of a person’s soul or spirit. Renaye says, “I couldn’t help but wonder: How could something so deeply correlated with our being, once ubiquitously understood and still prominently displayed in revered and sacred locations, be so significantly unfamiliar today?”

Renaye began experimenting with pinecones when her research took her into the ancient world of amber, the golden, fossilized resin produced by extinct coniferous trees of the Tertiary Period. The material has been valued as a gemstone for thousands of years and is still commonly used in jewelry and as a healing agent in folk medicine.
She was fascinated by the remnants of life from millions of years ago, picturing amber as “a story of self-preservation, the fragments of the forest a self-portrait,” she says. “I searched for the nearest pine tree on Google Maps, then walked to Central Park with an empty bag.”
Renaye collects numerous varieties of the cones, which drop to the ground in autumn. She sometimes enlists friends in parts of world who can collect different specimens. The artist then gets help with the involved cleaning process through a collaboration within the floral industry, and once the scales are removed from the core, she gets to work on the compositions.
Using a pencil tied to string, she begins each piece by drawing lines onto a blank panel until a pattern emerges, then figures out which size or type of scale will fit best. Since the individual pieces naturally nestle into one another and overlap as they grow, Renaye taps into the form’s inherent characteristics to fit them together in her elegant reliefs.
If you’re in Chicago, you can see one of the artist’s pieces at the Rainbo Club in the show Pothole², on view through April 21, presented by Good Weather and M. LeBlanc. Find more on Renaye’s website and Instagram.




Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Individual Pinecone Scales Unfurl in Intricate Patterns in Amber Renaye’s Enchanting Reliefs appeared first on Colossal.
Art Exhibition: WATERSHED – Taryn McMahon at Center for Contemporary Printmaking:
By Admin in Printmaking
Poets and photographers can enter free Earth Day contests in Maple Ridge
By Admin in Photography
Earth Day is coming to Maple Ridge and the committee behind it wants to show off the creativity of locals as part of the celebration.
Each year, the Earth Day events in Memorial Peace Park include both poetry and photo contests, with prizes being given out to a handful of lucky winners.
In both of these contests, the works must be centred around the theme of the upcoming Earth Day, which this year is “roots”.
“Roots highlights the past and underlying supports in our community and our lives that are not always visible. Who we are today and what we see around us are the branches and ‘leaves’ from seeds previously planted and nurtured. Our community has grown from many different people and ideas and initiatives and actions we may never be fully aware of,” explained the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society, which is one of the organizers of the event.
Anyone wanting to enter the poetry contest can do so by submitting a roots-themed poem, flash fiction, or video.
Entries will be divided into three different categories of kids (10 or younger), youth (11 to 16), and adults (17 and older), with the top three works in each category given an award.
While each person is limited to only entering two works into the poetry contest, anyone in B.C. can submit their work.
Poetry contest submissions must be emailed to earthdaycreative2021@gmail.com by midnight on March 31.
READ ALSO: Environment Minister tours Maple Ridge
The photographers out there can submit their best pictures relating to the roots theme for a chance to win one of the top three prizes in either the child, youth, or adult category. Plus, there will be an overall winner announced as well who will get an extra special prize.
All photo entries must be in JPG format and include the photographer’s name and age.
Photographs can be submitted to r.davies@shaw.ca by midnight on March 31.
Once the submission deadline has passed, all of the photos will be posted on the Celebrate Earth Day Facebook page and the public will be able to vote from April 1 to 12 on which ones they like the most, with the pictures that have the highest number of likes being declared the winners.
READ ALSO: Green Team wants fee-for-service partnership with the City of Maple Ridge
The winners of both the poetry and photography contests will be announced at the Celebrate Earth Day event in Maple Ridge, which will take place at Memorial Peace Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 20.
Korean Photographer Yang Seung-Woo Captures Society’s Underbelly
By Admin in Photography
Yang Seung-Woo has built a name for himself in the world of photography with his fearless captures of gritty life on the streets of places like Shinjuku’s Kabukichō. In 2017 his collection Shinjuku Lost Child made him the first foreign photographer to win the prestigious Domon Ken award. A talk with Yang about what drives him in his work and his life.
The Photography Student with No Camera Experience
Yang Seung-Woo grew up in a quiet farming village in Korea’s southwest. As a child, he was nuts about world champion boxers, but there were no boxing gyms anywhere near his rural home for him to get a taste of the sport. “From about the second year of junior high, I went astray and was a bit of a rascal,” he recalls. Even after his military service ended, at 23, he says he continued to hang out with his delinquent buddies, idling his time away. He wanted to be “somewhere that wasn’t here” and got the idea to go to Japan.
After moving to Japan at age 30, he spent his first six months at Japanese language school. “It was the first time I’d studied intensely in my life,” he notes, but it enabled him to learn the language. Afterwards, he applied to a photography college in order to obtain a student visa, in what turned out to be a life-changing decision. Laughing, he explains: “It wasn’t that I was interested in photography—I chose the school for its location.”

From Shinjuku Lost Child. (© Yang Seung-Woo)
Up to that point, he had never even touched a camera, but Yang developed an interest in photographs while at college. Thereafter, he entered Tokyo Polytechnic University to study photojournalism in the Department of Photography, which he funded through a student loan and part-time work. One of his professors, the photojournalist Ōishi Yoshino, told students “Photograph whatever you like,” which Yang took to heart. Each weekend, he visited Kabukichō, Shinjuku’s infamous entertainment district, living rough in a cardboard hut to take photos. Weekdays he spent in the university darkroom, developing his photographs. Yang continued to capture life in Kabukichō for about eight years.
Kept Alive by Kabukichō
“When I first started photographing in Kabukichō,” says Yang, “I mistakenly believed that ‘good photos’ had to be of an incident or accident: something provocative, brash or shocking.” His decision to sleep rough was induced out of a fear of missing out: “I couldn’t help but feel that something would happen when I wasn’t there.” Yang was desperate to prevent anyone else from capturing such a critical moment.

From Shinjuku Lost Child. (© Yang Seung-Woo)
He approached a member of the yakuza strutting about the town, directly asking “Can I take your photo? I’m a photography student,” fully aware he might knock him down. A few days later, he returned with a copy of the photo, and the man was so pleased that he allowed Yang to photograph his tattooed back, his hand with a finger cut-off, and the finger preserved in formalin.
During this period, he occasionally spotted children sleeping rough in Kabukichō, and over time, Yang’s view of his subjects began to change.

Yang at Zen Foto Gallery during his exhibition Baggage. (© Hanai Tomoko)
“I wondered why a child would be sleeping here at this time of night. It gave me a new perspective as I walked around Kabukichō, and I noticed there were actually many such children. It turned out that their mothers were working as hostesses and their kids were waiting outside. Then, I realized Kabukichō is more than just yakuza. I needed to convey other aspects if I was to express my love of the area in my photography.”
Eventually, these efforts resulted in his book Shinjuku Lost Child. But he went through years of hardship before being “discovered” by the book’s publisher, Zen Foto Gallery. He took his work from place to place, but was repeatedly turned down, with words to the effect that “It’s interesting, but impossible because it contains yakuza.” Yang recalls his dejection: “I thought about quitting photography.”

From Shinjuku Lost Child. (© Yang Seung-Woo)
But his pride stopped him from quitting outright. “I thought about deliberately having an accident to injure myself as an excuse.” He guzzled alcohol and haphazardly set out on a nonstop journey from Shinjuku to his apartment in Ikebukuro, taking photos along the way.
The next day, when he came to his senses, he ached here and there, but was uninjured. When he developed the film in his camera, all the traffic lights in the photos were red. Yang shuddered at the realization that he had not even stopped at the red lights. Having survived this risky venture, Yang felt that Kabukichō that kept him alive. It gave him fresh resolution: “If that was the case, I should keep trying a bit longer.”
Ongoing Work as a Street Vendor

From Yang-Tarō Baka-Tarō. (© Yang Seung-Woo)
Aside from Kabukichō, another formative influence on Yang as a photographer was the string of different part-time jobs he worked. After finishing his studies, he eked out an existence in strenuous jobs. He worked as a “carrier” on construction sites, scaling scaffolding carrying heavy materials, and laying carpets. Later, he worked in oil field exploration in Malaysia and Congo, and picked tea in Shizuoka until his hands turned green.

From Yang-Tarō Baka-Tarō. (© Yang Seung-Woo)
He compiled his photos from this period to produce the photo books Yang-Tarō Baka-Tarō (a derogatory term used in self-reference), and Tekiya (meaning “street vendors”). Yang thought working as a street vendor was “Killing two birds with one stone—I could take photos while working.” Through connections made in this line of work, he even managed to photograph the succession ceremony of a yakuza boss. He was astonished at the man’s confidence and dynamism.

From Tekiya. (© Yang Seung-Woo)
But the background to Yang being able to capture such rare photographs was probably his honest approach. “After I started street vending, it took me over a year before I took out my camera. There was no way I could ask to take photos before I could do the work satisfactorily. Ten years have passed since I started vending. I even worked as recently as this past New Year.”

From Tekiya. (© Yang Seung-Woo)
What’s in a Homeless Person’s Baggage?
“The belongings that homeless people carefully carry around with them contain their entire life.” This was the presumption behind his Baggage series of photos, which he started taking in 2008. Yang began approaching homeless people asking to take their portraits along with their possessions. He photographed over 60 people, mainly in central Tokyo, including Shinjuku’s Kabukichō and Toyama housing project areas.
The first person he photographed was the man in a trench coat who appears on the cover of his book. He was already acquainted with him, giving him the confidence to ask to see the contents of his bag. Despite his suspicion, the man spread out all his earthly possessions on a flattened cardboard carton. A half-used bottle of mayonnaise stood out among his things, spurring Yang to nickname the man “Mister Mayonnaise.”

“Mister Mayonnaise,” from the cover of Baggage. (© Yang Seung-Woo)
“I was expecting they’d have photos of their children, memorabilia, or other treasured possessions. In fact, though, their bags tended to hold much more than those ‘valuable’ items. Naturally, food is the most important thing for staying alive!”

From Baggage, a man in a cap who has amassed bread distributed to homeless people. “I won’t go into a shelter. They have curfews and I can’t enjoy my alcohol.” (© Yang Seung-Woo)
For Yang, who had also slept rough while taking photos, these people were valued neighbors. He sees two types of homeless people—those who are sociable and easygoing, and others who have cut themselves off from society. Not everyone is antisocial—Yang feels that the majority of homeless people are lonely and long for someone to talk to. He says that making small talk: “It’s hot, isn’t it?” “How’s your health?” “Do you want a drink?” is enough to convince most people to be photographed.

From Baggage. The suited man (right), previously homeless, accepted support and moved into a shelter a month ago. He still comes here each day to play shōgi with his friend. (© Yang Seung-Woo)
Yang says some people agree to be photographed but insist “Just don’t ask me anything.” He spends anything from 30 minutes to 3 hours on the street, drinking and talking with his subjects. “A lot of folk repeat their stories over and over, but I always try to react as if it’s the first time I heard it,” he laughs.

From Baggage. The subject’s dream is that “My kid graduates from university.” His motto: “Even the smallest worm has its share of will.” (© Yang Seung-Woo)
Yang has a set of questions he asks everyone: their age, birthplace, name, former profession, childhood and current dreams, and their message for society. He explains why he asks about childhood dreams. “Most people had dreams when they were a child, but they’ve probably forgotten them. I want to prompt them to recall those thoughts. The same with their current dreams.”

Gaining someone’s trust by sharing a drink with them is the secret to portrait photography, according to Yang. (© Hanai Tomoko)
Yang recalls a homeless person he knew for many years, originally from Kagoshima.
“All he did was drink—all day, every day. About six years ago I went looking for him—I was sure he’d still be around. Sadly, he’d passed away a year earlier. He had his last drink and lit his last cigarette, then just died, under the railway tracks. But he always said it was how he wanted to die, so I guess in a way he died happy.”
“I’ll Photograph You Again in Five Years”
Currently, Yang is taking portraits of youth in Korea. Around the time of the 2022 Halloween crowd crush, in Itaewon, Seoul, Yang was shocked to learn that South Korea had the highest rate of youth suicide in the world.

From The Best Days. (© Yang Seung-Woo)
“I’d just made arrangements to exhibit in Korea, so I thought I’d speak to young locals about it. A lot of young folk who come to my exhibitions are suffering emotional hurt. These days, the emphasis on educational background is even stronger in Korea than in Japan. Many young people who fail to gain a place at university are treated as subhuman and struggle with life. Some of them cried with the encouragement they felt seeing my photos of Japanese yakuza and Korean delinquents.”

From End of the Line Kotobukichō. (© Yang Seung-Woo)
“What should I do when I see that? Well, there’s no need to say anything in particular. They’re so happy if I pat their back and say ‘Shall we step out for a cigarette?’ This prompted me to start a series of portraits of these youth at their favorite places. I ask them to tell me exactly what they’re thinking, even if it’s profanity, then I promise I’ll photograph them again in five years’ time. I hope they’ll resolve to live another five years so they can have me take their photo again.”
As our interview is ending, Yang takes out his smartphone to show us a photo of a Korean youth. He looks particularly pleased, saying “This series is the best.” But the subject’s expression seems to reflect Yang’s own past as someone who fell off the rails.
All of Yang’s subjects have a look of openness about them. “When there’s someone I want to talk to, it all begins with talking to them at their level. And always with a smile.”

(© Hanai Tomoko)
(Originally published in Japanese based on an interview by Watanabe Reiko. Banner photo © Hanai Tomoko.)
Daniel Arsham Debuts His 20 Years of Photography Archives in ‘Phases’
By Admin in Photography

While Daniel Arsham has crafted himself into a household name for his mythical multidisciplinary works – specifically his eroded architectural “relics” – many are unfamiliar with the artist’s photography; maybe it’s because he’s kept it rather lowkey, only just now unveiling the inaugural display of his vast range of photography pieces. Phases marks Arsham’s first-ever photography exhibit, now on display at New York City’s Fotografiska.
Phases also celebrates Arsham’s 20 years of practicing photography, compiling an extensive array of shots of different styles, tones and compositions; most shots appear in black-and-white, though a few stand out in more distinct blue and gray hues. Arsham wrote each photo’s title directly on the wall next to it.
Many shots of Los Angeles line the walls, with others of New York City (“Impressions Taken at The Met on a Tuesday Afternoon” and “Curiosity Photographed at the Natural History Museum a Decade Ago”) and Upstate New York (“Forever a Barn in Upstate NY on a February Morning”) in large frames on the ground.
Arsham’s notable self-portrait seen in the gallery above – entitled “A Self-Portrait Taken on my Leica M in the Bathroom Mirror of my London Hotel Room” – is the centerfold of the exhibit’s final room.
Elsewhere, photos of A$AP Rocky and Virgil Abloh stand out. Rocky’s seen photographed in Arsham’s New York City studio whereas Virgil is at work at his studio in Milan.
A few of Arsham’s sculptures are scattered about Phases, including “The Hour Glass” – a metal glass crystal sculpture – as well as the lifesize “Hollow Figure.”
Daniel Arsham’s Phases is open now at Fotografiska and will remain open until June 14, 2024.
