In the 1920s, Shanghai was a bustling city full of life and culture. A photographer named Sam Sanzetti captured this energy in his studio portraits. Born in Russia, Sanzetti came to Shanghai at age 17 after a series of adventures brought him from Vladivostok. He started by shining shoes to make ends meet but soon found his calling in photography.
Sanzetti’s studio became famous for its beautiful portraits. His work stood out because he paid close attention to detail. People came from all over to have their pictures taken. His first studio opened on Nanking Road, near the Bund, one of Shanghai’s busiest areas. As his business grew, he expanded to four locations and hired 41 employees.
The photos show how people dressed and styled themselves during that time. Women wore elegant dresses with intricate patterns, while men donned suits or traditional clothing. These portraits reflect both Western and Chinese influences, showing how cultures mixed in Shanghai. Each photo tells a story about the person in it.
What made Sanzetti’s work special was his ability to capture natural expressions. Instead of stiff poses, his subjects often looked relaxed and confident. This made his portraits feel more personal and memorable. His talent turned ordinary people into stars, if only for a moment.
