Faces We Love: Shanghai

Authors and Curators: 

Derek Muhs and Marisa Tarin 

Book Tour Organised by Love Books Tours 

Review: 

If the world were blind how many people would you impress? - this quote really stayed with me. In a world so obsessed with how we look and what we show others of ourselves - does any of that really matter? 

Having spent a long time looking through Faces We Love I am ashamed to say the next sentence but - If I were to have gone to a bookshop or library I probably wouldn’t have given a book like this a second glance. I’m not a massive non fiction person. I’d rather read a story or a mystery. 

But I loved this book for so many reasons and now the thought of being able to glimpse in to other worlds,cultures and lives is one which I seek. There are so many stories and mysteries in this book it is an endless mine of wonder and emotion. 

The photographs in this book are so perfect in their simplicity. They look easy, (although I am sure it takes a lot of skill to capture them - certainly my own photographs of everyday life don’t look anything like these) effortless and deep. 

The joy on the faces of people going about their everyday lives, the bond between families, the harshness of work. All these things that are so many miles away from home but that are so connected to our own lives. It really is true that there are so many more things that connect us that hold us apart. 

I really loved this book and so did my little bookworm (aged 5) as soon as she saw me take it out of the envelope she was fascinated. She spent ages looking through it so carefully- asking questions about these people, noticing little girls doing things she does or doesn’t, making up stories for others. A book that spans generations- this should be treasured!

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Blurb 

Faces We Love - Shanghai

Through this collection of 100 mostly full-colour photographs captured by a team of passionate artists and photographers, Faces We Love Shanghai takes you on a journey through the city's narrow alleyways and secluded backstreets. Each photograph reveals an untold story, showcasing the beauty and joy behind the everyday moments and people that are often overlooked. Also featured in the book are photographs of a community working together as a team, supporting one another in a time of tremendous stress and anxiety, as COVID-19 swept the globe and the world pointed its finger at China. In a world divided, this stunning photography book cuts through the language barriers and cultural divide to bring you a work of pure craftsmanship -- a collection that shows the true beauty of capturing people as they really are. Highlighting the raw and honest moments of life in Shanghai that are at times heartbreaking and hopeful, serendipitous and authentic, Faces We Love Shanghai is a love letter to a city visited by many but truly seen by few.

Author’s Bio:

Derek Muhs is an entrepreneur and has been investing in real estate, health care and media. Derek was a producer on two award-winning documentaries, and then founded Human Touch Media. As a world traveller and 25 year volunteer he enjoys capturing the stories of everyday people through visual storytelling. In 2022 he launched Faces We Love, a private collection of photographs capturing one of his favorite cities in the world, Shanghai. Human Touch Media projects have been featured on Netflix, along with international film and photography festivals including TriBeCa.

Marisa Tarin has had a love for photography since being a child in Argentina and watching her uncle, a photographer, capture unforgettable portraits of people.  After immigrating to Spain, her professional life focused on real estate law and later offshore corporate law.  Marisa has travelled much of the world and on her journeys with her camera in hand she collected a catalogue of moments with local people, better understanding their story through a simple photo. Marisa was able to transition from her legal activities to launch Human Touch Media and be a curator and photographer on the Faces We Love Shanghai collection. She has been active as a volunteer in education for many years and is currently in the process of relocating to India and exploring future Faces We Love collections.