Images Probe Beijing's Soul

Cameras help extend our vision; photos frame the time, and a moment lasts forever.

To record this historical and modern city as well as the special moments in its run-up to the 2008 Olympic Games, 14 world-class photographers from home and abroad were invited to focus on Beijing this September during the "Vision Beijing" photographic event.

Whether it was the foreigners' first trips to China's capital city or a chance for local photographers to take a closer look at their hometown, they had much to say about the city and gave compliments and made suggestions. China is a large country that is undergoing amazing development; it has a profound culture and wonderful people, according to these masters of photography. Astonished at Beijing's modernity, they also expressed a sincere hope that the historical city's unique culture and traditions could be retained.

Sponsored by the Information Office of Beijing Municipal Government and organized by the Beijing Foreign Cultural Exchanges Center in association with Beijing This Month magazine, "Vision Beijing"was planned a way of capturing the colourful life of Beijing, the real Beijing with its flesh and blood, glass and steel in its fine details and moments.

The event provided a rare opportunity for these workaholic photographers to communicate and interact. At a roundtable meeting held on September 11, they held a passionate discussion on topics such as international cooperation among photographers, the challenges photographers face in the Internet age and what the upcoming 2008 Olympic Games means to photographers. They all agreed that in an age when everyone can be a "photographer" with the wide use of digital cameras, professional photographers should take on more social responsibilities, exert their rich experiences, use their special angles and express their points of view. In addition, they are eager to get "people's understanding and support."

During the days of shooting, the photographers were moved by what some may consider trivial scenes, such as sweaty workers at Olympic construction venues, people playing chess in a tranquil hutong, children undergoing strenuous athletic training, people concentrating on the flag-raising ceremony held at Tian'anmen Square each early morning. The world-class photographers, who expressed astonishment at these "unforgettable moments in Beijing" included Gideon Mendel, Yves Gellie, Kay Chin Tay, Yoshiaki Nagashima, Gao Lei, Shi Zhimin and others. Renowned photographers Joseph P. McNally and Paul Alexander Chesley arrived in Beijing just as the first group of photographers were departing Beijing.  

At the Foreign Cultural Exchange Center and BTM, we haven't finished sorting all the photos from these photographers, but we selected a few representative shots to provide a glimpse of the subjects that captivated the masters. And, below, we list some of the photographers'comments about their experience with this magnificent city.

1.    Gideon Mendel, one of the fewer-than-ten winners of the "W. Eugene Smith Grant" around the world since its establishment (the most prestigious worldwide award for professional photography)

"It is my first trip to this mysterious country. What I'm concerned about is to touch the real life. Getting to know the people, and then you can understand the special culture. Therefore, when I shot the 2008 Olympic construction venues, I had the idea of staying with the workers for a whole day to reach their life."

2.    Yves Gellie, World Press Photo awards recipient, freelance photographer for the Sunday Times, Life and Stern

"This is my fifth trip to Beijing. The last time I came to China, I focused on the lives of rich people in Beijing. But this time, I changed the subject to ordinary people here."

3. Yoshiaki Nagashima, member of the Japan Photographers Association, winner of a first prize from the American Art Magazine Association

"This is my seventh trip to Beijing, so I'm quite familiar with the scenic spots here. What surprised me this time was the Sanlitun area."

4.Gao Lei, graduate of the Institute of Photography, Paris; works with the Editing Photo Agency; contributes to Paris Match, La Vie, Le Point.

"I haven't returned to China in four years. I sense the great changes, especially those within people's minds. I need to talk with people from all walks of life, then I can produce good photos; this is my basic rule."

5.Shi Zhiming, a photographer who works for the Associated Press, the New York Times, Photo District News, Pacific Discovery and International Architecture.

"I could hardly find an old trace of Chinese traditions. I hope Beijing will not abandon its attractive uniqueness while becoming a modern cosmopolitan city."

6.Li Shaobai, director of the photography department at Chinese People magazine

"I like to shoot the moments that most people ignore, for example the moments depicting the life in the hutongs."

7.Fu Yongjun, director of the photography department of Beijing-based The First newspaper.

"Compared with words in news reports, photos offer more convincing information without fetters."