A tough life in Shanghai.....for some that is

A tough life in Shanghai.....for some that is, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Shanghai was one of the most unique locations I have ever had a chance to wander about in. Although we were quite sheltered and pampered at the Hyatt on the Bund, the "real" Shanghai was just outside the door and a few blocks away. I spent a couple of afternoons exploring what could have taken weeks to really dive into. Smokey alleyways with pots of soup, skewers of mystery meet, dirt floored shops, wild dogs, kids running about, strange smells and noises, like I said, weeks to really explore.....

The river kind of cuts this vibrant city into 2 halves....the high tech, glossy, and colorfully lit newer side, and my favorite......the grungy, Old Shanghai side with its somewhat European influenced Bund and Old town area. As they scurry (well, not these 2 guys LOL!) to prepare for the up and coming worlds fair, it will be interesting to see if some of the old world charm is preserved. I have always appreciated the beauty in decay while traveling, and this area had alot of it. I can only hope that some of it remains as the beautification project continues for the Expo. I guess I'll have to head back someday to check it out again!

Shanghai up close

During a recent trip to Shanghai, It was quite impressive to view a nightly process (although, it was kind of eerie the first time I saw it.) At about 10:30 each night, the exterior architectural lights of virtually all of the structures in the city, beit old or new, are simultaneously shut off on Q. THis was most impressive to me, as a lighting designer, as this would be a logistical nightmare at best, especially with some of the older structures and systems. With Shanghai readying itself for the worlds stage for Expo 2010, other major city's should reflect in the advantages of how such a network might be useful in preserving precious resources. In keeping with what the whole world was supposed to do tonight, this post seemed most appropriate. Too bad I forgot all about it until now!

On the bridge in Shanghai

My post this evening is driven a bit by a show that happens to be on this evening. On Discovery HD, a show called China Rising is giving insight into the social economic challenges that are accompanying China and especially Shanghai as it springboards into its dramatic new future. Although I was only able to visit for a couple of days when I was there, I could feel the energy of this city as change was unfolding. This show unveils some of the resistance of the locals and a little of the ugly side of rapid capitalistic growth.

This image was created from a snap out of the old G10 as was wandering around one afternoon looking for "Old Shanghai". I particularly liked the grungy feeling of some of these older neighborhoods, however, I feel that all of this will be bulldozed over and gone by the time I make it back there someday. Every inch of this evolving city seems to be giving way "New Shanghai". Exciting for some, yet kind of sad for many.

Modern Shanghai at night

After a full night of shooting the incredibly brilliant and luminous city of Shanghai with a couple of other cool photographers and buddies of mine (does that mean I am supposed to be a cool photographer?), we ended the evening at the ultra hip rooftop bar at the Hyatt on the Bund. Nothing goes better with a glass of Pinot Noir than a cool breeze and this incredible view. Shortly after I exposed these images, almost ever light in the city was shut off......as if someone threw one switch that controlled the exterior lighting on the entire city. Quite eerie to witness I must note, but very green I might add.

I barely scratched the surface of this foreign land in the 3 days I was there......I must go back!

View On Black

Sunrise on the Bund in Shanghai

A funny thing about me...
I so often wish to be somewhere other than where I am at the moment. A sickness?

Perhaps.....

The stress of the season?

Maybe....

A deep longing to see more of the world?

Aahhh....Bingo!

Anyway, its times like this.......tonight after arriving home after another successful event.....that I realize I am pretty lucky to have seen all that I have in my life, so maybe I should just be happy. I want to see so much more though!

For now, please enjoy this sweet sunrise from Shanghai, China that I was fortunate enough to have enjoyed. :)

Shanghai'd in the elevator

After a long day of exploring and wandering around the many dark alleys and foreboding passages in Shanghai, the weary photographer returns to the comfort of the his 19th floor room at the Hyatt.

Geez, that's about the stupidest caption I think I have ever written......bar none!!!

At the Top of the Hyatt is the hippest place to view Shanghai

According to Wikepedia "The theme of the exposition will be "Better City – Better Life" and signifies Shanghai's new status in the 21st century as a major economic and cultural center. It is expected to generate the largest number of visitors in the history of the world's fairs in terms of gross numbers."  

Starting in May of 2010, when Shanghai welcomes everyone to The Worlds Fair, this city is going to be the place to be. Actually, right now, its the place to be. And to get a REALLY good view of the high tech skyline...THIS is the place to be. At the top of the Hyatt on the Bund, where cool music, great wine, tragically hip people, and good times meet. I know where I wanna go back to!

A walk thru Old Shanghai

I was only in Shanghai long enough a month ago to realize that there are terabytes of images I would love to capture someday. For now, here is a little sampling of a morning walk I had in the older part of the city......my favorite part.

Shanghai - The New World Capital

As Anthony Bourdain so eloquently put it, Shanghai is positioning itself to be the new world capitol. The city is in full gear preparing for the up and coming Expo or Worlds Fair. With this incredible city as the backdrop for this event, its sure to be one not to be missed!

View from the top of the Hyatt on the Bund in Shanghai

Let me first just say that the view from the top on the Hyatt in Shanghai in unbelievable. After arriving in China for the first time ever, the bar up here seemed to be the best place to soak in the view for my first night. After I rounded the corner from the elevator, I stopped, looked, picked my jaw up from the floor, and scurried right back down to my room for my camera and tripod. A clean window would have been a nice touch, but hey, you can't have everything!

Enjoy!

Old Town Shanghai Collage

To be fortunate to have had the opportunity to wander this incredible city in China even if only for 48 hours is one I will always be grateful for. There are events that I work on, there are gigs that pay the bills, there are shows that I enjoy designing, and then there are really cool opportunities. This past trip to the orient was one of them. If it wasn't for this cool cat, I wouldn't have had that great opportunity. THANKS RICK!

Umbrella repair - street vendor in Shanghai

Before I toss out an umbrella after a windy walk in Chicago, I'll remember this guy. A street vendor that specializes in umbrella repair. A lost art in this disposable society? In the US, sadly so, but here in Shanghai....well....not yet.

I had such a short time to wander the streets of Shanghai. To try to capture the essence of this great city in a couple of days is quite foolish. I attempted (kind of unsuccessfully I might add) to bone up on my street portrait skills. Most of the folks in this city I approached were not really receptive to the camera. A few, like this man, really didn't care. He was so focussed on the task at hand that I seemed to just disappear in the background. 

Thai-Chi on the Bund in Shanghai

Well, its about time to get on my way to the airport to head home. There are countless images to post, but this one kinda says it all for me. Sunrise along the Bund here in Shanghai is quite magical. For some reason, I like it in black and white. Anyway, more on all of this later for sure. Gotta go!