Richard Ford Photography

F80, 20 2.8, tmax 400 @ 800i in D76 1:1 Passed by this couple while walking home one day.  Beijing circa 2007/2008. During SARS in 2003 - many locals of Beijing did not know the full extent of the disease until one break away leader, Wu Yi (the only female in the top China cabinet) blew the whistle on the full scale of the situation.

After that, a very strong public opinion developed that "Foreigners" were the cause of the problem, and that foreigners brought in the disease (Because we live and sleep with wild animals outside China you see).

For someone who has witnessed SARS first hand and now pig flu (H1N1) - the out stretched arm at maximum distance and profiling of the foreigner for testing and not a local brings back many of the memories of SARS and how stigma, stereotype and prejudice are very effective tools for use in an act of political "spin".
Trying out a 50 for a change from my usual 28/35 and 85. Not sure what to think of the focal length yet... but seems to work here without me being in their face, yet also not a mile away spying without interaction. The Fuwa were the Beijing Olympic Mascot's - meaning "Helpers". A young boy places a Fuwa necklace around his fathers neck. TMAX 400 @ 1600 in D76 1:1 TRI-X 400 pushed to 1600, Beijing. Some seek shelter in others, some with umbrellas.  Beijing 2007. Sneak up on one side of the corner, prepared the shot, focus manually, frame, hold breath, check background, then shout the name for "Guard" in Chinese - wait for neck to twist - fire 3 frames....   New TMAX 400 Farmers and surrounding rural inhabitants make the long, cold walk into the small trading town of Kuitun in north Xinjiang Province, China. On the streets in Beijing around Chaoyang I waited for 4 hours in this place.  3/4 was the best I could do with all the hair flicking going on in the wind....

FM3a, AIS 28 2.8, TMAX 400 @ 800 in DDX, K2 Filter Fountain in the village in Beijing's central shopping area.   Xpan. Beijing Subway - slow shutter. F80, 20 2.8, k2, tmax 400 Beijing 2009
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