Lonely Flowers on Valentine’s Day

leica summicron 50 f2 + leica m9

Lonely Flowers on Valentine’s Day


This photo was taken on Valentine’s Day, where mobile vendors were selling flowers everywhere. The flowers were the only things that stood out in the gray winter landscape of the north.

However, the photo does not capture the moment when the lover sent the flowers, making it less exciting.

I believe this is a good photo because it captures the essence of Valentine’s Day. The image depicts both couples and a lone figure, which is a common occurrence. It is possible that the bouquet of flowers was a gift to herself rather than from someone else.


Local photography is more about mindset than location.

leica summilux 35mm f1.4 pre-asph + leica m2

Local photography is more about mindset than location.


As a street photographer, I am frequently asked if I have visited the Grand Canyon or Nepal. Despite the assumption that I must travel extensively to capture my shots, I consider myself a local photographer. People are often confused by this term and wonder how I can take interesting photos without traveling far.

Perhaps they are overlooking the fact that flowers bloom in abundance both locally and abroad during the spring season. Spring is everywhere as long as it’s enjoyable. Wherever there is photography, there are moments. Now that is local photography.


Is street photography lazy or hardworking?

leica summilux 35mm f1.4 pre-asph + leica m2

Is street photography lazy or hardworking?


It is said that the key to street photography is not skill, but persistence. I don’t like to stick to one thing, but then again street photography never stops, photography for me is more like laziness that doesn’t want to change.


Don’t waste every piece of film

leica summilux 35mm f1.4 pre-asph

Don’t waste every piece of film


Failure is the mother of success, but unsuccessful photos will not lead to successful ones. Each photo should give the photographer a sense of accomplishment so that it will last. Poor photos don’t lead to good ones; in most cases, they turn people into gearheads.


Unraveling the mystery of street photography

leica summilux 35mm f1.4 pre-asph

Unraveling the mystery of street photography

requires courage.


The key skill in street photography is overcoming cowardice. While it may be evident that there is no special moment to capture, it is important to press the shutter frequently to exercise both technical ability and courage. When the true ‘decisive moment’ arrives, you will be able to press the shutter with ease.

If you aspire to pursue street photography, you must work on your bravery and act promptly, or you will never achieve your goal.


The photographer is not only an artist but also a poet

The photographer is not only an artist but also a poet

leica summilux 35mm f1.4 pre-asph

If you have a nagging feeling when you lock the door, as if you have forgotten something, you will always find out later that you have indeed forgotten something. It could be the batteries, or the memory card.

Street photography also demands a sixth sense. When walking down the street, I often feel compelled to capture moments with my camera. Without much thought, I prepare my camera in anticipation of the perfect shot, and more often than not, the opportunity presents itself.

Perhaps like poets, photographers possess a sixth sense that allows them to capture inspiration in their work. In my view, photographers are poets in their own right, crafting prose poems through their lens that capture the essence of everyday life.


Photography is like flowing music

Photography is like flowing music

leica summilux 35mm f1.4 pre-asph

Sometimes, I swing to the rhythm. In fact, at this moment, we ourselves are the music. Music is the frequency of our beating hearts, and people are, in fact, the beating soul. Photography is not static; it is a series of fixed notes. When multiple photos flow together, they create a wonderful melody.


Feel the light without opening your eyes


It was a beautiful day. I stood in the park woods with my eyes closed. I felt the willow branches fluttering and the sun shining. A halo appeared above. Suddenly, I felt a light swaying and opened my eyes. I saw a little monkey playing with its owner, so I quickly took a picture. I learned that you can feel the light without opening your eyes. Don’t search for photos; let them come to you.


She got her speed from running, I got mine from the shutter, we were both fast


For a long time in the past, I thought photography was about taking pictures of scenery, friends, and family. When I saw Henri Cartier-Bresson’s street photography album in a bookstore, I had to close the book and hide my face to prevent strangers from seeing how excited I was. It turns out that street photography can amplify our sympathy and love and guide us to feel the enlightenment of life.

Since then, I often go out with a camera, sometimes a Leica, sometimes a compact. I don’t deliberately look for opportunities, but take my chances. Especially if someone is running in a hurry, I take a picture immediately. I know there must be a goal behind every person in a hurry. She and I have a common goal – to seize opportunities. It’s just that we express it in different ways, she uses running and I use shutter.