As an amateur photographer, I’ve become more refined in my approach and techniques & I sort of fancy myself as a urban/environmental/street/ enthusiast who specializes in candid portraits. Consequently, I often showcase galleries that express a wide range of emotions that are not limited to contrived poses; however, with that being said, nothing (in my opinion) beats a great shot of a naturally occurring smile. Throughout my journeys in China I was able to capture some of these magic moments and this gallery is the Smiles of China. The smiles of China captures photos from Shanghai, Lijiang, Dali, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shangrila (Zhongdian):
A cute child sharing a special moment with Mom – Shanghai, China
A lovely lady smiling naturally at a local market – Lijiang, China
A performer beaming during a Communist performance – Guilin, China
An elderly lady flashing an authentic smile – Dali, China
A cute girl eager to have her photo taken with her friend – Shangrila / Zhongdian, China
This farmer takes a moment to pause for a photo (love the t-shirt too!) – Dali, China
A lady at a local market radiating a warm smile – Lijiang, China
This elderly gentleman smiles as he walks along the Bund – Shanghai, China
A candid moment at the night tourist night market – Lijiang, China
A boy flashing a smile while sitting down – Shanghai, China
An exuberant girl jumps up and down – Shanghai, China
A girl dressed up in traditional ethnic attire – Dali, China
A newlywed bride smiles for the camera – Shanghai, China
Some great captures their mate – I love the elderly gent in Shanghai. Cheeky smile!
Are you using a 50mm?
Thanks! I do use that lens along with an 18-250 mm.
What great photos! Just looking at these put a big smile on my face 🙂 I love that the people were happy to smile for you so that you would catch these moments.
Emily, I really feel lucky about that as well. Thanks for checking these out 🙂
What a great way to cheer up! Thank you!
Thanks Abi! I was hoping this gallery might help others feel that way 🙂
I see that China has no dental plan. KIDDING! Well, kinda… 🙂
Great photos as always Sam!
LOL
I’ve smiled so little the past two days, this makes up for it!! Great photos.
Ah, I’m very glad to hear this! Thank you 🙂
The t-shirt contrasting with the big smile is hilarious!
LOL, the funny story behind this was that I didn’t even notice until I was editing my photo back in the GH 😛
These are beautiful!
Thanks Erica 🙂
I love the one of the farmer with the funny shirt! 🙂
Yeah, I honestly didn’t even notice until I got back to my hostel and was editing the photos 😛
My favourite is the woman in the market because she’s looking at you.
I was really surprised at how friendly some of the ladies were at this particular market. I know sometimes when I’ve gone to take photos at markets I’ve been met with a cool response, but I was really lucky in this case 🙂
I love this. It’s a beautiful theme, to tie a string of photos together based on smiles. I teach ESL and have many Chinese students, so I feel connected to their culture even though I’ve never been to China. They are generally happy, expressive people.
Thanks Jenna, I’m also an ESL teacher now based in Korea. I hope you get a chance to visit China someday soon.
I didn’t know you were an ESL teacher or that you were teaching in Korea. How great it must be to travel in Korea and other countries!
Jenna, I’m quite fortunate to have this opportunity! Teaching has been a great experience.
You must be happy after taking each photo just as I am happy now seeing them. Love when people express joy and love. Great post!
Ah, thanks for saying that Jade. It was fun to put the gallery together as it brought back lots of great memories.
A smile often adds wonders and for me its the best kind of portrait photography. Lots of great smiles in this collection. I love how you are able to capture people with their best faces present 🙂
Thanks Sherry, nothing beats a natural smile IMO 🙂
Well done!
Thanks Cam 🙂
Such lovely portraits. Love that little girl 🙂
Thanks Sophie, she does look adorable 🙂
Nice post! Love all the beautiful smiles you captured!
Thanks Shirlene 🙂
Love the photos mate. Some really great shots here. Even a few candid shots too!
How many did you ask permission to take? I find it’s a really great way to meet locals while traveling.
Thanks Chris, I often ask for permission but I’m not afraid to take some in stealth mode either 😛
The photos definitely make you smile in return! Nice work.
Thanks for saying that 🙂
I love all these smiling photos, they spread happiness
Thanks Leif, I do think a smile is courageous 🙂
Oh my gosh — I can’t stop smiling now. Love these photos — wonderful subjects. My favorite is the first one!
Thanks Cathy, that was my favourite shot as well and the the main reason I put it at the front. I just think she looks so adorable 🙂