© Matteo Vannini

Why we liked it: we felt that Matteo’s photo was both familiar and uncommon at the same time, the urban landscape could represent any sprawling metropolis in the world yet the temples that dot the city, the coloured rooftops and the contrast between high rise and small buildings make this photo quintessentially Asian.

Matteo, tell us something about you and how you started with photography?

My name is Matteo Vannini, I’m 30 years old, born in Bologna (Italy) and I began to travel around the world for my company since 2004. From the beginning of my career I have worked in Asia, especially in Japan , China and Korea. In Japan, the passion for photography exploded in me. I wanted to find a way to express my experiences and impress in the memories. So in 2008 I bought my first DSLR and since then not a day goes by without taking a photograph.
You can see my website, blog and portfolio at the following link: http://www.oby.photography.

Where was this picture taken? Can you tell us something more about it?

This picture was taken in Busan (or Pusan) the biggest city of South Korea, after Seoul. It was taken on top of the Busan Tower, a symbol for the citizens of Busan and tourist destination. From the station Nampo, you reach Yongdusan Park from which rises the tower of 120m. I used a Fujifilm X-T1 and a 10mm wide angle lens.

What are you trying to convey with your photography?

I think Ansel Adams said: “I always thought good photos were like good jokes. If you have to explain it, it just isn’t that good.”
Anyway, I’ll try.
Asia’s population growth is at the top of the world. Walking through the city you feel small, very small, into an ocean of people, cars, houses, asphalt and concrete.
Watching this “small” world from above, this feeling is even greater. We are small pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that will never end.

So, you said that you travel a lot for your work, where have you been in Asia?

I’ve been In Japan (Tokyo, Utsonomiya, Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka) several times a year from 2004 to 2010.
In China (Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai) several times a year from 2011 to 2013.
In South Korea 3 times this year.
I’ve also married asian culture in 2010. Literally because I met my wife in Tokyo, but she is non Japanese… she is Taiwanese (long and funny story).

OK let’s keep the long and funny stories private and tell us one final thing, what is your long term goal with photography?

I love photography and I love to travel. My goal is to become a full time travel photographer.

Do you travel as much as Matteo? If you have some memory to share register here and submit your pictures! “All of Asia” ends on the 30th of December 2014.