Chinese New Year Market at Dihua Street

Vantage Point

Crowded.

But it’s Taipei. It’s a street market. It’s Chinese New Year. What else would you expect? And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Elderly Shopping Ninja

I’ve been living in Taipei for 10+ years now and, amazingly, this was the first time I had ever been to the Dihua street market. Even though I couldn’t stay long and only had 1/2 roll of film left (and not even black & white film, at that) I’m really happy I tagged along with the Taiwan Photo Club post-meeting and thankful to TC Lin’s friend for the ride.

A treasure trove of goodies.

With all the energy and activity that CNY brings to an already active street market, there was tons to shoot. The real difficulty was in getting a composition that had a central focus and not something that got too much in and thus was visually confusing. Because of the intense crowds and the narrow street, 35mm scale-focused to a couple of meters worked well and I was able to shoot quickly as people passed by, even if I could not myself move quickly.

CNY Snack Hawkers

Before Chinese New Year arrives and the street shuts down for the holiday, I really want to go back with some Tri-X. If anyone else out there is up for some street photography, let me know.

This Way!

Sign Making

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