Senior Camila Xu is a published author and photographer. Her book, Suzhou: In the Moment is a love letter to her home, Suzhou, China. Through poignant words and reflections, and photographs that are at once intimate yet probing, Camila explores the place she calls home. We spoke with Camila when the book was released; her thoughts, shared with us and through the forward of her book, follow.

Your book is a combination of photographs and commentary. Tell us about your work and inspiration.

It is a book of photographs and stories that capture Suzhou, my hometown. Through the lens of its people and their unique stories, the book offers a glimpse into the spirit of the city. As the author and photographer, I created each piece to explore cultural sustainability and share the city’s beauty and authenticity.

Every photograph I take is a piece of my life, a memory etched in time. When these images are woven together, they form a tapestry of my experiences, reflections, and emotions. Constantly flying from Connecticut to Suzhou and vice versa, I am afforded the privilege of experiencing two vastly different environments. When I returned home from boarding school in the summer of 2024 to my hometown Suzhou, I wandered the city that felt both familiar and strange, old and new, traditional and transformational. It’s necessary to hold whatever ideas, even conflicting ones together in order to experience the fullness of place. This book is not just about Suzhou; it is about my journey to reconnect with a city that I am deeply rooted in, care about, and love. It is a tribute to Suzhou's achievements in sustainability, its rich cultural heritage, and its continuous transformation. 

What made you decide to honor the historic city in print? What did you hope to convey through your words and images?

In Suzhou: In the Moment, I delve into the concept of cultural sustainability within this historic city. Deeply rooted in my love for Suzhou, I admire its harmonious balance between preserving tradition and embracing modern developments. Through photographs and stories, the book captures the unique blend of the old and new, celebrating the people, traditions, and evolving culture that make my hometown truly one-of-a-kind.

Suzhou, known for its breathtaking classical gardens, intricate canals, and ancient architecture, has always been a city steeped in history and culture. The elegance of the Lingering Garden, the beauty of the Administrator's Garden, and the charm of the Garden of the Master of the Nets are timeless treasures that continue to inspire visitors to capture social-media worthy ‘moments’. Yet, Suzhou is also a city in flux, constantly evolving and embracing modernity. The skyline is now punctuated with sleek skyscrapers, and bustling commercial districts are teeming with life.

New renovations and developments have transformed the cityscape, making Suzhou a vibrant hub of innovation and growth. The infusion of new cultural elements, the influx of professionals from nearby cities, and the city's strides towards sustainability all contribute to its unique and competitive character. Despite having been born here and spent much of my early years in Suzhou, I realized that there was still so much to discover and understand about this dynamic city. When strangers on the street asked for directions, I found myself admitting that I, too, was a visitor in my own hometown.

Talk a little bit about the process of building the book and crafting the story.

The idea of publishing a book struck me as I considered how to pursue my passion for both sustainability and photography. I envisioned a project that would not only showcase the beauty of Suzhou but also highlight its rich cultural heritage and the importance of preserving it amid modern development. This journey began with exploration: immersing myself in the stories of the city’s residents through casual sidewalk chats and discovering hidden streets and alleys. Simultaneously, I captured Suzhou’s landscapes and community through photography, striving to reflect the authentic form of the city and its unique blend of tradition and modernity. After gathering the content, I focused on creating a visual and textual narrative that complemented each other to show the city I loved and wished to share. This journey has been fulfilling, allowing me to blend my passions for sustainability and photography while sharing the beauty and significance of my hometown with others.

Have you always been interested in photography, and have you studied it formally?

My passion for photography began in seventh grade, sparked by my first camera—a Leica Q gifted to me by my mom that fall. Having never held a camera before, I eagerly began exploring on my own, experimenting with enthusiasm and curiosity. Soon, I learned how to manipulate settings by watching videos and connecting with other photographers. I initially joined a community of Leica users, many of whom were seasoned professionals with exceptional skills. In this supportive environment, I frequently sought their advice and acquired invaluable techniques. Over time, my network grew; I met photographers while shooting the same subjects or by reaching out to those whose work inspired me. Although I’ve never formally studied photography, I’ve learned through self-guided resources and from the talented individuals I’ve met along the way.

Photography has always brought depth and meaning to my life. Henri Cartier-Bresson once said, "To photograph: it is to put on the same line of sight the head, the eye and the heart." This philosophy resonates deeply with me. Photography allows me to see the world with fresh eyes and find beauty in the mundane. The simple act of looking becomes an adventure, as I document fleeting moments of joy, struggle, and connection. Maintenance staff laughing together in the park, their broomsticks slung over their shoulders, or an elderly woman picking biluochun tea leaves in a field, her worn clothing a testament to a life of hard work—these are the images that tell the true story of Suzhou.

Susan Sontag, in her insightful reflections on photography, writes, "Photographs really are experiences captured, and the camera is the ideal arm of consciousness in its acquisitive mood." Sontag captures the essence of what photography means to me. It heightens my appreciation for the sensory experiences that often go unnoticed. I listen more intently to the conversations around me, savor the subtle aromas in a park, relish the flavors of diverse drinks from different cafes, and feel the textures of the walls I pass by. I slow down, savor, listen, and—most importantly—look. My camera has become a second pair of eyes, allowing me to observe the world in slow motion, capturing details that would otherwise be missed.

Are there a few photographs in the book that you find especially meaningful personally, or especially representative of your connection to Suzhou? 

In the book, I describe this photo in with these words?

“I've often contemplated removing myself from this work, as if my presence disrupted the tranquility of the moment. Then, I remembered that this is also my narrative, so I chose to remain—a testament to my journey and a reminder of that time when my father first brought in a fish tank into our home, back when I was pointing at the fish curiously, standing where the little boy is now.”

“This picture reminds me of something I once read and certain experiences I've had. Women in love like to slip their hands into their partner’s pockets, couples tie each other’s shoelaces, feed each other, and help each other with their backpacks. These actions are not done out of necessity but as a way to express love. Rather than acting out love, the love between this elderly couple comes from within—a lasting love. This kind of love is also sustainable, as love is sustainable when it transcends fleeting emotions and is rooted in a deep, enduring connection, which emerges with the passage of time.”