Day 1

Hey, this is Kin Chan Coedel! I’m a photographer based between Paris and Shanghai, but my work often takes me off the beaten path. I’m drawn to stories that blur the lines between past and present, city and nature, tradition and reinvention.

This week, I’m taking over @fotografiska to share some of the worlds I’ve stepped into—through portraits, cultures, and the wisdom I have encountered along the way.

To start, here’s a series I shot for Vogue US, exploring the significance of braiding in Tibetan communities. More than just a hairstyle, these intricate braids carry history, identity, and cultural tradition—continuing to evolve while staying deeply rooted in the past.

For the coming days, I’ll be sharing more stories and images from my work. Hope they spark curiosity and inspire you to see the world through a different lens. Stay tuned x

Day 2

Kamman & Dhadda, a series created in Ahmedabad, India, during the city’s vibrant kite festival.

This festival is a time when people of all backgrounds—Hindus, Muslims, and others—come together, filling the sky with color. Working with locals, I explored the invisible threads that connect a city and its people.

The title Kamman & Dhadda—meaning “Crossbow & Spine”—the two elements that make a kite strong, just as tension and support shape both communities and traditions.

More to come tomorrow.

Day 3

For Day 3 of my @fotografiska takeover, I’m sharing a place that has fascinated me since childhood—Tibet.

I first began visiting different regions of Tibet during covid, a time when much of the world was in isolation. Stepping into these landscapes, where life moves to the rhythm of tradition and the past and present exist in harmony, felt like entering a parallel universe. The contrast was striking—while cities elsewhere were shutting down, here, the mountains stood unchanged, rituals carried on, and a deep-rooted way of life endured.

These works have become some of my most recognized, but for me, they are also a personal journey—one of discovery, respect, and endless fascination.

More soon. Hope these images transport you as much as they did me.

Day 4

Through my time in Tibet, I came to know the community of Ritoma village, where daily life is deeply tied to tradition, craftsmanship, and the land. It was here that I was introduced to Norlha Atelier, a workshop where artisans—mostly women—have kept the craft of working with yak khullu alive.

Yak khullu, the soft underlayer of wool, has been used for centuries, but Norlha has transformed it into something more—creating sustainable livelihoods while preserving an ancient practice. Seeing the artisans’ dedication, skill, and the care woven into every piece was a powerful reminder of how tradition can evolve without losing its soul.

See you tomorrow.

Day 5

Another hair story—this time, I traveled to the south of China to the "Long Hair Village." Here, Yao women grow their hair for a lifetime, cutting it only once at 18. More than just beauty, their hair carries generations of tradition, symbolizing identity and strength, cared for with fermented rice water.

I wanted to explore how heritage continues to evolve, blending tradition with new influences. The balance between preservation and reinvention is something I’m always drawn to.

Day 6

I’ve always been drawn to animal stories, especially those that reveal the impact of human interactions. In the current Afterlife issue of Atmos Magazine, I explore the journeys of elephants who have endured lifelong abuse.

But elephants are not alone—countless species around the world face different versions of human-driven challenges, from exploitation to habitat loss due to climate change. As I continue working on stories like this, I hope they can contribute, even in a small way, to a deeper awareness and a more meaningful connection between us and the natural world.

Day 7