One of the many things I love about my work is the contrast. Last week I was in rural Chiang Rai photographing rice planting, the next in a bustling metropolis.

I’ve just returned from Shanghai. Although time was short I did manage to discover a few of the city’s more interesting areas and photograph its famous skyline.

Prior to my visit I had heard a lot about big shiny Shanghai but truth be told I was underwhelmed by the experience.

Try as I might I found it difficult to find its soul. Sure, there’s the historic grandeur of the Bund and its promenade that buzzes with life in the evening but other than the discovery of the city’s few remaining old districts (more on those in a later post) that have somehow managed to survive the demolition ball of progress, Shanghai left me cold.

In its defence, many I spoke to where keen to assert that city was unlike anywhere else in the country and should be considered as a separate entity. And that’s probably the best way to view it. I certainly look forward to exploring more of China in the future.

Although less than inspired,  I did mange to capture some striking images. May be I’m just spoilt living in colourful, creative and friendly Bangkok…