This past weekend, the sun came out in its full glory, accompanied by clear blue skies and thin wisps of clouds.
For weeks, Shanghai endured a perpetual haze, gloomy skies and temperamental showers. “Plum rain” or 梅雨 (mei yu) – heavy precipitation and constant rain which occurs for several weeks at a stretch during early summer in the Yangtze River Delta – is more or less over.
But what this means also is that we’re now in the throes of a harsh summer. Today, the city is sweltering in 35 degree (95 Fahrenheit) heat, where mere breathing can cause a person to break out in sweat. And we all know it’s only going to get worse.
On the upside, the witching hours of the late afternoon, for a street photographer, are magical. Basking in the brilliance of an afternoon sun after weeks of gloom and rain, clear and stark shadows come out to play.
Everywhere you turn, everything you see, has so many possibilities that are ripe for the picking. You view the world in a third dimension where shadows speak a secret language that you only understand through your lens.
July 2010
kirklau
It’s gonna be reallllllllllly hot soon… and i can only see its gonna get worse.. but .. at least.. we can go out and shoot non-gloomy picture! haha
btw, Sue, u joining the worldwide photo walk?
Sue Anne
Hey Kirk, the beautiful weather also means brilliant hues and super shiny skyscrapers. I was so struck by the Jinmao building burning brilliantly from a distance. Maybe we can schedule some time to shoot from rooftops?
Also, I’ve been following the email thread for the Walk. I’ve visitors that weekend and until they arrive, I won’t know if they are fine touring alone. So if it’s ok, I’ll drop u a text if I can join. It’s been a while, be good to see all of u.
Nick
I love shadow shots – I’ve been taking a few in Japan too. Our 梅雨 (つゆ) has just come to an end now. I’m ok as long as I can see the sun 🙂
Sue Anne
Ah yes! I find it very quaint that 梅雨 is called that as it arrives around the time for waxberry season. I found your blog, and now recognize your work from Flickr. Thanks for stopping by, Nick! Japan is such a great place.
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