Photographer John Twiname is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this street/documentary photography. From the project ‘Framing Change: A Personal Journey Through China’. To see John ’s body of work, click on any photograph.

Kunming, 1987
Vendors and customers gather in a traditional bird market, exchanging avian companions.

Shanghai, 2014
A narrow alleyway buzzes with life, laundry overhead.

Nanning, 2009
Cyclists ride past a large billboard, contrasting past and present in modern China.

Kunming, 1987
A simple street scene in Kunming, China.

Kunming, 1987
A man proudly displays his birds at the local market, a common passion of the time.

Shanghai, 2014
A bride and groom pose for a photo on a Shanghai bridge, balancing tradition with modern flair.

In the late 1980s, China was on the verge of monumental change. Market reforms had begun to reshape the country’s economy, but in many parts of the mainland – daily life still echoed with the rhythms of the past. It was a time when Mao jackets were common, horse carts shared roads with bicycles, and tradition quietly endured in the face of an uncertain future.

I first arrived in China in my early 20s, backpacking with a camera and an open mind. I was fascinated by the contrast between what was visible on the surface and what was beneath it – an entire society balancing history with transformation. I returned in the early 2000s to live and work in China, eventually spending eight years immersed in its culture. I learned to speak Mandarin, and this helped me navigate the country’s shifting social landscapes, and came to understand China not just through observation, but through experience.

This photo series began with 35mm slide film, capturing everyday scenes in Yunnan: street markets, worn facades, stoic faces, and spontaneous smiles. There’s an honesty to these early photographs – ordinary moments that reveal so much about the era. They reflect a country not yet polished for the global stage, still moving at a human pace. As the collection progresses into the 2000s and beyond, the images begin to change – just as China did – the clothes, for example, became brighter. Shot with a digital camera, these later photographs document a new China coming into focus. What links these images is not just geography, but a sense of transition. They offer a visual diary of a country evolving relentlessly. This is a portrait of China through the eyes of someone who arrived as a visitor and stayed long enough to feel a part of it.

Qinghai, 2007
A man with a dramatic moustache grins, exuding warmth and personality.

Lijiang, 1987
Two men stand shoulder to shoulder, perhaps friends or coworkers, united in quiet solidarity.

Hongtudi, 2007
A herdsman sits relaxed, wrapped in warm clothes against a stark landscape.

Profile
I am a passionate photographer with a keen eye for capturing the beauty and essence of the world around us. My work spans a variety of genres, including landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, and abstract photography. I hope through these to tell compelling visual stories that evoke emotion, inspire creativity, and provide a fresh perspective on the ordinary.

All images and text © John Twiname