Beautiful China: Drifting Camera exhibition a testimony to trust

A special photo exhibition kicked off in Beijing on Sunday, featuring photos taken by 34 individuals across China, all taking turns to use just one Hasselblad camera.

In October 2022, vlogger LKs started his Drifting Camera project. He chose 34 photography buffs, each from a different Chinese province and region, among his huge 3.4-million follower base on Bilibili, a Gen-Z dominated video site.

No themes were specified, negating the need to feel obligated to present each city or region, since each shutterbug has their different forte and preferred subject. Each practitioner had five days with the camera to shoot just about anything, according to LKs.

LKs paid 62,000 yuan (US$8,500) for a Hasselblad X1D2 camera and a 65mm F/2.8 lens. Not sure whether the project would be completed, he put blind faith in the 34 people that they would not steal or break the expensive camera.

After the project was completed, the camera was returned to LKs in mid-August after 300 days. Other than some scratches, the equipment was in good condition.

Many of LKs' followers were initially worried about the camera. However, after seeing the various themes of the photos – candid portraits, city landmarks, beautiful scenery, and street photography – most were touched by the project, especially with the sentiment expressed behind the photos.

It would have been impossible to pull off the project but for the trust among the 34 people, said LKs.

If circumstances permit, he will probably start another Drifting Camera project – this time going around the world, he said.

If you go:

Date: through August 31 (10:30am-6:30pm)

Venue: White Field (free admission)

Address: White Field, First Ceramic Street, 798 Art District, Beijing

北京市朝阳区798艺术区陶瓷一街中段B25号