“Passing Merchants” by Shaoyi Zhang

We were drawn to the beautiful portraits and story-telling details in Shaoyi Zhang’s documentary portrait series, Passing Merchants, which illuminate the plight of small businesses in Shanghai facing extinction due to urbanization. Zhang explains that the demolition of old streets and soaring rental costs in newer areas has compelled these businesses to close or relocate. His interest in pursuing this project grew out of his awareness that these owners played a pivotal role in the city's prosperity, contributing to economic growth and community formation. While urbanization has lifted some out of poverty and improved living conditions, it has overlooked the preservation of crucial cultural elements and community bonds. Zhang says he finds his subjects by exploring areas rumored for demolition without any camera equipment. Engaging in casual conversations, he patiently builds trust with potential subjects, recognizing the sensitivity around being photographed. Zhang hopes that “Passing Merchants” will stand as a testament to the significance of these small businesses and the communities they help shape, emphasizing the need to preserve cultural heritage amidst urban development.

About the Photographer

Shaoyi Zhang, an accomplished portrait photographer with international exhibitions to his credit, embarked on his photographic journey at the age of 13 under the guidance of his grandfather and a Zeiss Super Ikonta film camera. This early exposure ignited a passion that would shape his career path. In his portraits, Zhang blends strobe light with ambient light to elevate the visual impact of his portraits and capture the essence of the individuals he photographs. Zhang shared with us his aspirations for his photographs to go beyond aesthetics, expressing the earnest desire that they become catalysts for spreading information, generating awareness, and inspiring positive social transformation. To see more of Zhang’s work, visit his website at https://www.shaoyi.photos/