Gathering Cafe: An Afternoon's Respite

Introduction

After a long, winding walk down Wu Kang Road, the Shanghai heat started to settle deep into our bones. The vibrant green of the branches and the occasional glimpse of the bright daytime sky through the urban canopy had been beautiful, but a break was much needed. We ducked into Gathering Cafe, a cool oasis from the bustling street.

The clinking of tableware and the gentle murmur of conversation filled the air. We found a small wooden table, its surface bearing the faint marks of handwriting and perhaps a faint wood stain from countless previous visitors. The cafe's interior was a pleasant blend of natural elements, with thoughtfully placed houseplants in simple flowerpots and warm lighting creating a cozy atmosphere.

A refreshing iced coffee was exactly what we needed. As the condensation beaded on the glass bottle, the chill of the drink was a welcome relief. While we savored our coffees, the world outside continued its rhythm. Through the window, we could see glimpses of passing land vehicles – a sleek luxury vehicle with its distinctive automotive lighting, or a more common family car. Occasionally, a car door would open and close, signaling new arrivals. Above, the intricate network of overhead power lines crisscrossed the sky, a reminder of the city's ceaseless energy.

It was a simple moment, a quiet interlude on a busy day. Just a cup of iced coffee, the comforting presence of wood and furniture, and the perfect light for a photograph captured with my Ricoh GR II, freezing this peaceful moment in time.

Gears & Settings

Gears & Settings

Figures

Camera

Ricoh GR II

Lens

GR Lens 18.3mm F2.8

Creative Style

Positive Film

Date

2 July 2025

Location

Shanghai

Photos

Land vehicle, Car, Vehicle.#: 1 | SS: 1/800s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 28mm

Car, Land vehicle, Vehicle.#: 2 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 28mm

Overhead power line, Branch, Wire.#: 3 | SS: 1/800s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 28mm

Wood, Hardwood, Wood stain.#: 4 | SS: 1/125s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 28mm

Handwriting, Wood stain, Hardwood.#: 5 | SS: 1/60s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 28mm

Ingredient, Produce, Food.#: 6 | SS: 1/90s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 28mm

Wood, Furniture, Table.#: 7 | SS: 1/30s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 28mm

Handwriting.#: 8 | SS: 1/250s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 28mm

Tableware, Ingredient, Food.#: 9 | SS: 1/125s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.8 | +/-: 0.7 | FL35: 28mm

Brown, Hardwood, Wood stain.#: 10 | SS: 1/45s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 28mm

Car door, Luxury vehicle, Fender.#: 11 | SS: 1/500s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 28mm

Interior design, Lighting, Light fixture.#: 12 | SS: 1/200s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 28mm

Automotive lighting, Luxury vehicle, Family car.#: 13 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 28mm

Photograph, Leg, Summer.#: 14 | SS: 1/1000s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 28mm

Flowerpot, Houseplant, Restaurant.#: 15 | SS: 1/1000s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 28mm

Public space, Pedestrian, Shade.#: 16 | SS: 1/1250s | ISO: 400 | F: 5.6 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 28mm

Blue, Daytime, Branch.#: 17 | SS: 1/4000s | ISO: 400 | F: 5.6 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 28mm

Daytime, Branch, Overhead power line.#: 18 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 28mm

Branch, Sun, Lighting.#: 19 | SS: 1/125s | ISO: 100 | F: 16.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 28mm

Bottle, Alcoholic drink, Glass bottle.#: 20 | SS: 1/1500s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.3 | FL35: 28mm

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