Inquiries for 'Divorce Photography' Rise Among Couples in China
Capturing Farewell Moments on Camera... Package Priced at 360,000 KRW
Changing Attitudes Toward Divorce... Trend Grows Among People in Their 30s
Among young couples in China, the so-called 'divorce photography,' where photographers are hired to document the divorce process, is becoming popular. Analysts say this change reflects the growing acceptance of divorce within Chinese society.
According to Fengmian News on the 24th, photographer Ziwei in Shanghai received a booking last year from a couple about to divorce for 'divorce photography.' The couple requested Ziwei to capture scenes starting from the local civil affairs bureau handling the divorce procedures, walking together, having conversations, and then parting ways. The package, which included several photos and videos, was priced at 1,800 yuan (approximately 360,000 KRW).
A so-called "divorce filming," which records the divorce process of young Chinese couples, is becoming popular. ZWEI SNS.
After Ziwei completed the shoot and posted the video online, interest in 'divorce photography' surged. Orders from couples facing divorce continued to come in. He said, "Most of my clients are women aged between 30 and 35," adding, "Now, more clients come to me for divorce photography than for wedding or proposal shoots."
Another photographer, Xiaozao, said that even after raising prices by 50% to discourage clients, interest did not wane. Some couples persuaded Xiaozao by saying, "Divorce is not an end but a new beginning, and when our future selves look back on the path we've taken, we want to leave traces and make it more dignified."
As 'divorce photography' became a trend, some on Chinese social networking services (SNS) criticized 'divorce photographers,' suggesting they might be encouraging divorce. In response, Ziwei said, "Before accepting orders, I try to understand the reasons for divorce and found that many part peacefully due to lack of family support or financial reasons." He added, "There are times when clients are very sad during the shoot, and capturing those sorrowful expressions was much harder than photographing the happy moments of newlyweds." He also mentioned, "If clients come back to reconcile, I offer a half-price discount," and "I actually welcome verbal cancellations from divorce photography clients even more."
Experts analyzing the trend of divorce photography say it reflects changes in the social atmosphere in China. While divorce was once taboo in Chinese society, there is now a growing view of divorce as a personal choice. In fact, China's divorce rate is rising; according to recent statistics released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the number of divorced couples in China increased by 28,000 pairs last year (a 1.1% increase).
Wei Jia, an assistant professor at the Social Research Center of Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, explained, "Society's attitude toward divorce is continuously changing and becoming more tolerant. As divorce becomes more common, people want to record it as an important life event."
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