Life through a lens

Zhou Jie takes a series of the 12 photos showing different views of the Chinese landscape in 12 lunar months. This is one of them.

The 24 solar terms, based on the position of the sun, were used by ancient Chinese to guide their farming activities.

She has created more amazing photo series with Chinese themes, like a series describing the twelve traditional two-hour periods – the way ancient Chinese measured time.

Zhou took up photography four years ago, when she was a medical student at Shanghai Jiaotong University. She is largely self-taught.

"I am sensitive to the colors and composition of a picture," she says, and attributes her talent to having studied painting as a child. She was taught by her father, an art teacher.

"Taking a spectacular photo requires the photographer's visual intelligence, love and understanding of the subject," she says.

Her favorite subject is the landscape of the southern area of the Yangtze River. She has visited the area numerous times but still feels there is more to explore, especially in the secluded, ancient water towns and villages unspoiled by swarms of tourists.

"Wandering in these places is healing. I sometimes want to escape from the city and live an idyllic life here," she says.

She compares this region to water. "This area is very peaceful and calm, but underneath the surface it is profound and powerful."