56 Minorities 五十六民族。

China boasts there 56 minorities to the world. Majority of them are in Yunnan. Fun fact, during the Cultural Revolution, Yunnan was one of the provinces that saw the large “migration” from the East. All for gentrification.

1-These people wear beautiful colorful clothing. They will not allow you to photograph them if dirty or in the fields working. Generally, they don’t like being photographed. I don’t blame them. I already imagine the Han driving his BMW down the road at 100km/hr (recklessly) and pulling over to the side of the road to stick his camera out the window. Honestly, I know what it’s like to stared at, and pointed at, so why should I do the same to these poor people.
2-They are used for tourism…shameful.

Yesterday, I took an old road that’s no longer used because of a new highway. In 10km uphill, 2 cars passed me and 3 dogs tried to eat me. I spotted some women, minorities, in the trees up on the mountains. They were beautiful yet I just looked and took in the image and sounds. The sound of their chatting that I can’t understand a word of. Yes yes yes, as a photographer I should grab these moments. But I find moments, i.e. at public markets, where I can snap a photo without too much disruption. Perhaps in the coming days I will find myself with a group that would happily allow me to take their photo.

Speaking of photography, I’ve gotten better at asking and most of the time they allow me. I’ve filled up 24gbs of photos in 3 weeks – which is hell-a-better than last time.