Janek Zdzarski has three generations of photographers in his family, so he says with a wink that he had no choice but to become one himself. His eye for unusual angles and fleeting frames gives us a chance to see Beijing in a new, starkly beautiful light. A new exhibit called “Illusive Moments” (part of Caochangdi PhotoSpring) gives us a peek at his photos and videos capturing our easy-to-love-and-hate city. Read on as he talks about the dangers of photojournalism, why Beijing’s perfect for photographers and how the sounds of the city soothed him on his sickbed.

The Caochangdi PhotoSpring Festival officially began on Saturday, April 21 at Three Shadows Photography Art Centre. Opening week events (Photo Folio Review, talks and screenings, etc.) are wrapping up today, but since most of the exhibitions will continue through May and even June for some, you’ve got plenty of time to see them all. Just in case you’re unsure about where to begin, here are our picks from Saturday’s tour: 

Don’t know about you, but spirits are high around here on account of this awesome weather. What better time is there to welcome a new furry friend into your life, improve your photography skills (the fact that there’s not one, not two but three different workshops this week must be a sign) and/or discover new ways to live healthfully?

Most of you have probably heard the news: Social network giant Facebook has gone and purchased everyone’s favorite shoot-from-the-hip photo app, Instagram. (For a whopping 1 billion US dollars, no less.) But the big question on people’s minds here in Beijing: Will Instagram be blocked? Say it ain’t so!

This week, while some are clearing out for some filial tombsweeping, we’re congratulating the winner of the JUE Festival Next Gen photo competition, anticipating the maiden voyage of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman and checking out an Israeli artist’s take on how anxiety works its way into art.