"Chengdu, an oasis of freedom in the Middle Kingdom" photographed for M le Magazine du Monde
Chengdu, known for its relaxed atmosphere, has become a hub for youth culture and creative industries, drawing young people away from China’s more pressured megacities like Beijing and Shanghai.
Despite increasing government control over cultural events, Chengdu retains its reputation for tolerance and laid-back living, making it a unique cultural center in China. I spent some days in the city try to capture that.
Solar panels factory in China for Le Monde
On assignment for Le Monde I photographed Eco Green Energy, a solar panels factory Co-owned by a French business man in Nantong, about 2 hours away from Shanghai, China.
Dalibor Nikolovski, President and Funder of Eco Green Energy photographed in Nantong, China, on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Corporate images for Evonik in Shanghai
Corporate Portrait Project for Evonik
I recently had the opportunity to work with Evonik on a corporate portrait project, photographing some of their employees for their image library.
China economy shot for Barron's
Beijing's decision to hold back on implementing substantial fiscal stimulus similar to previous economic downturns has left investors feeling disillusioned. However, policymakers find themselves constrained by the escalating debt burdens, a diminishing and aging population, and the increasing efforts of foreign enterprises to decrease their dependence on China.
China's huge demand for things like iron ore and oil made producers rich. The fast-growing economy led to millions of middle-class Chinese people spending on new services, like travel, insurance, and property management.
The business community is feeling cautious and uneasy due to the potential crackdown on the private sector under Xi Jinping. Sean Taylor from Matthews Asia notes that entrepreneurs have become less enthusiastic about start-ups. After the initial hope and optimism brought on by the pandemic, businesses are now hesitant and adjusting their expectations and strategies in response to the challenging economic environment.
The Chinese solar panel industry faces challenges from overcapacity, leading to price drops and financial concerns for firms. Beijing's renewable energy mandate has driven industry growth, but rapid expansion may lead to bankruptcies or acquisitions. This situation poses risks for China and international competitors, with up to 70% of solar firms facing financial turmoil. These complexities highlight the need for close monitoring and adaptation as the industry evolves.
"Dragon Baby" photographed for Helsingin Sanomat
As the birth rate in China continues to decline, there is growing speculation that the symbolic "Year of the Dragon" could potentially have a reversing effect. Referred to as "Drago Babies," the cultural connotations associated with this auspicious zodiac sign may serve as a powerful motivator for individuals aspiring to start families, potentially impacting the prevailing demographic trend.
I was asked to. photograph Hua Ying, 30 years old, whose decided to have a “Dragon Baby” in Wenzhou, near Shanghai for the Helsingin Sanomat
Cosplay dating photographed in Shanghai for Stern
Stern asked me to photograph Fang Huaitan, a girls that embodiesCharlie, a character of a video game popular in China and has been offering disguise dates for a few months to females in Shanghai.
Docking and maintenance of Busan and Venetia vessels for Peter Dohle in Shanghai and Zhoushan port
Earlier last May, I had the privilege of working with Peter Dohler, a renowned German seaborne shipping company, on an exciting photography project. They commissioned me to capture images of two of their remarkable vessels, named Busan and Venetia. Here some photograph taken between Shanghai Port and Zhoushan Port.
Shanghai general view for Bloomberg
Some images of general view of Shanghai photographed for Bloomberg
A man flies a dragon shaped kite along the bund in front of buildings in Pudong's Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai, China
Single mother story for The Wall Street Journal photographed in Shanghai
I’ve been asked to photograph GaoJie and Chris in Shanghai for The Wall Street Journal for a story about single motherhoods in China
China demography decline photographed for Le Monde
Some images photographed for Le Monde regarding the population decline in China
"China wants to move on from covid. In Shanghai I see the ghosts of lockdown everywhere" shot for 1843 Economist's Magazine
Some photos of Shanghai as opened up after 3 years of lockdowns, quarantines and restriction related to Covid photographed for 1843 Magazine/The Economist
Calvin Klein & Tommy Hilfiger corporate project
Assigned by Getty Images, I have photographed Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger office in Shanghai as part of their global rebranding, below some images:
Shanghai Lockdown photo published on French weekly Les Echos Week End
Some photo shot during the lockdown in Shanghai early this year have been published on Les Echos Week End
To see more photos regarding the Shanghai lockdown click here
Corporate photography for BP photographed in Shanghai
Earlier this summer I was contacted by BP to create a visual for their new Early Careers campaign, I photographed some employees of BP that have joined their program, here some photos:
Shanghai Lockdown remote portraits
During the lockdown in Shanghai that lasted 2 month I have photographed friends and acquaintances thru video call as they, as myself, were under a mandatory isolation required by the Chinese government.
Meanwhile the rest of the world have decided to open up China is. one of. the last place left where the strict no covid policy measure are in place.
Shanghai photographer Raul Ariano Blog
Photographer based in Shanghai, China.