I’m excited as my time in China approaches. In preparation, I’ve bought 100 rolls of Kodak Portra 400 (ISO) color film for the two film cameras I plan to bring. I have also been researching used lenses for I am finding that lenses that are more compact (smaller) bring less attention to my camera and allows me to photograph more freely. So I have begun to get my equipment ready.
With the new semester, I have begun to expand my current project on the Chinese and Chinese American community in New York and New Jersey; I have begun photographing people in their homes rather than focusing on the general community. During the photo shoots there have been many stories shared about the experience of racism in the United States, which is not surprising knowing the history of first and second wave Asian immigration/migration to the United States. It is still saddening to hear.
As I talk about my trip with many of my friends from China, I have received much advice. This has ranged from accepting staring as a cultural norm to keeping my identity as a homosexual male unknown, as well as to not take photos in front of police to wearing a mask while in Beijing due to pollution. Of course there is probably truth in my friends’ experiences, but I also understand that this is from their viewpoints. But my friends’ support and help has been amazing. Another friend of mine has been trying to prepare me for the trip by introducing me to many traditional dishes from Shanghai and Beijing; they have all been delicious.
And on top of all of this, I am waiting to begin work on my passport and visa. With my recent name change, I must wait for the right time to file for both of those important documents. Once those are done, I will get my plane tickets.
So I have been preparing my equipment, continuing to be involved with the Chinese and Chinese American community in New York and New Jersey, obtaining advice and knowledge from friends, working on the technical aspects of preparation for my time in China, as well as reviewing my Mandarin as much as possible.
Before I know it, June will be here and I will be boarding a plane to China.