TAIPEI (TVBS News) — British photojournalist Chris Stowers, renowned for his 35-year career, shared insights into his professional journey and significant moments captured in Taiwan's history during an exclusive interview with TVBS.
Stowers, the first foreign artist-in-residence on Matsu in 1997, discussed the challenges and complexities of photojournalism. He emphasized the uniqueness of each subject and setting, adding depth to his photographic work.
Reflecting on his experiences in Taiwan, Stowers highlighted emotionally charged moments, such as public demonstrations and political rallies. He recalled covering Taiwan's first direct presidential election in 1996, the KMT to DPP power transition in 2000, and the 2014 Sunflower Student Movement.
Stowers has observed the expressive nature of Taiwanese people in crowds, contrasting their usual reserved demeanor. In a project for the LA Times, Stowers documented homelessness in Taipei, bringing attention to the severity of the issue. He described the unseen lives of those living in boxes, detached from their families.
Stowers, driven by a passion for uncovering untold stories rather than photographing celebrities, believes in the power of photojournalism to inspire action. He differentiates successful photojournalists by their ability to observe unnoticed, aiming to capture genuine emotions.
Recently, Stowers published "Bugis Nights," a travel memoir recounting his experiences as a photographer in Asia. To discover more about "Bugis Nights," please visit: https://earnshawbooks.com/product/bugis-nights/