A Decade in the Himalayas for an Atheist ▎ A French Travel Photographer
Florian Delalee
Travel Photographer
Florian Delalee currently lives in Shanghai, China. Having traveled across Asia for a decade, he captures stunning landscapes and diverse cultures through his lens. He is a great admirer of the photography in *National Geographic* magazine, which inspires global travelers to further explore the world—a sentiment that directly resonates with Florian's own photographic journey. Personal website: floriandelalee.com
Florian Delalee Photography Works
From France to Shanghai, China
I was born in France and previously worked in the industrial sector. At the age of 21, I was deeply captivated by the photography of my former manager, who also became my mentor in learning photography. During a business trip to Shanghai, China, I purchased my first digital camera and began exploring Asia in my spare time.
At 24, I seized the opportunity to move to China for work and settled in Shanghai. As an international metropolis undergoing rapid changes daily, Shanghai offers a multicultural living environment that embraces the differences between Eastern and Western cultures. Here, I have the chance to meet interesting people from all over the world, sharing diverse life experiences and stories with one another.
Shanghai | Photography by Florian Delalee
Across Asia, Seven Returns to the Himalayas
My decade-long journey across the heart of Asia has transformed me into a travel photographer. This new identity has brought me richer life experiences, broadened my horizons, and allowed me to discover diverse cultures in different regions. Hearing or witnessing unfortunate stories has made me realize my own fortune and taught me to cherish the life I live today.
What fascinates me most about the heart of Asia are its vast and magnificent landscapes, unlike anything I witnessed during my childhood in the French countryside. In 2013, I made my first trip to the Himalayan plateau, sparking a deep fascination with the landscapes and culture of Tibet. Over the years, I have returned to the Himalayas seven times and visited Tibetan regions in Yunnan, Sichuan, Tibet, and Gansu, each journey bringing me extraordinary experiences.
Himalayas Mount Everest | Photography by Florian Delalee
The landscapes in China's remote regions are incredibly diverse, featuring deserts, mountains, grasslands, and alpine terrains. These geographical environments have shaped ancient cultures, yet preserving traditions in such a rapidly changing world remains a challenge. Though remote, these places are tranquil and expansive, bringing me an unparalleled sense of inner peace—a stark contrast to the vibrant and high-efficiency lifestyle of Shanghai.
Tibetan Plateau | Photography by Florian Delalee
Photography, the Connection of Light, Shadow, and People
In every landscape I photograph, I strive to refine my composition and my approach to light and shadow, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the control of light and shadow is most crucial.
I greatly admire the photographs in *National Geographic* magazine, especially the work of photographer Steve McCurry and the Romanian photographer Mihaela Noroc, who travels the world. They journey to distant places, even entering dangerous war zones, risking their lives to bring back incredible photographs.
I also deeply value the connections I build with local people. Seeing the smiles on their faces brings me joy. In the heart of the Himalayas, locals are often happy to be photographed and sometimes even take photos with me.
Sichuan | Photography by Florian Delalee
Lake Namtso | Photography by Florian Delalee
Atheist, Respect for Religion
I often hear stories about local nomads or pilgrims along my journeys. They warmly welcome me into their homes to enjoy yak milk tea and yak meat, and share with me the daily life of their temples.
I remember during a solo trip to Langmu Temple, my Chinese skills were limited, but the locals were exceptionally friendly to me. In the temple, religious ceremonies are usually not allowed to be photographed, yet the monks showed no wariness toward me. They granted me the rare opportunity to photograph portraits and even the rituals, an experience I will never forget. Their trust in me filled me with deep gratitude.
Langmu Temple | Photography by Florian Delalee
Though I am an atheist, it does not mean I lack interest in other religious beliefs. To me, Buddhism is a fascinating philosophy and can serve as an alternative to other faiths. Concepts like karma (the law of cause and effect) and the pursuit of inner peace, as well as the importance of establishing connections in our lives, are things I have learned during my travels to Buddhist sacred sites in places like China, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
In the future, I will not stop exploring. This August, I am planning a trip to western Sichuan. Using photography to tell stories and discover new perspectives has always been my passion. Over the next year or two, I hope to find sponsors to hold an exhibition of my Himalayan plateau travel works in Shanghai, sharing more of my best pieces with everyone.
