From Spain’s soulful flamenco to Mexico’s Day of the Dead parades, the world is filled with traditions and stories just waiting to be seen. To document these cultures, Jerome visited five fascinating destinations: Indonesia, Thailand, France, Spain, and Mexico. Each stop revealed unique ways of life that have stood the test of time, and that continue to thrive today.
For Jerome, the most unforgettable moments were shaped by people he met along the way. “When you capture images of culture, they mean so much more when you understand the meaning behind them,” he explains. “It’s about talking to people and finding the story you want to share through your photos.”
For the final leg of his journey, Jerome travelled with Joseph Radhik – one of India’s top portrait photographers and OPPO Imaging Expert – to document Indonesia’s lesser-known cultures with the OPPO Find X8 Pro.
Their journey began on the beautiful island of Bali, where they filmed the Kecak dance — inspired by the Hindu epic Ramayana, about Prince Rama’s heroic quest to rescue Princess Sita. Unlike other Balinese dances which are accompanied by gamelan (Indonesian percussion instruments), the Kecak dance relies entirely on vocals, with performers creating powerful, rhythmic chants. Usually performed at sundown, the Kecak dance is highly cinematic, with intricate costumes and dramatic movements.
From Bali, Jerome and Joseph travelled to the highlands of Papua for a real adventure — meeting the elusive, indigenous Dani tribe. Living in a remote region largely untouched by modern influences, the Dani offer a rare glimpse into an ancient way of life.
The Dani tribe lives in harmony with their ancestral land, and this is reflected in every aspect of their traditions. They farm, hunt, and gather in ways that sustain the environment, mirroring the respect for nature practised by their ancestors. Men carve tools from wood and stone, while women weave intricate clothing from plant fibers. Even their distinct adornments come from nature — skin dyes made from plants, clay, or ash, and facial piercings carved from pig tusks. Elders share stories and wisdom, ensuring that the tribe’s deep connection to their roots endure for generations to come.
Culture can seem like a relic of the past — something to be preserved, yet disconnected from the present. While the Dani tribe uphold their ancestral way of life far from modern society, Jerome’s journey also introduced him to the next generation that is actively integrating their culture into today’s world.
In Spain, Jerome met young flamenco performers who are passionate about sharing their stories. They wanted him to understand the history of flamenco, and the deep emotions behind each performance. More than just the music, song, and dance, flamenco is their identity, and one that they wear proudly.
Across the globe in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Jerome was inspired by the next wave of batik artisans. They speak with deep respect for their art form, and are modernizing batik with eco-friendly textile techniques, and with new designs that raise awareness about current affairs.
In Northern Thailand, Jerome met Bowwy, an ambitious culture advocate from the Lisu tribe. Using her Master’s degree in Tourism, she organizes tours to introduce visitors to her village’s traditions. When Jerome was invited to showcase at Paris Photo 2024, he was honored to share images of the Lisu on the international stage.
In a world that is constantly evolving, the preservation of culture is more important than ever. Traditions and art forms passed down through generations are not just a testament to human creativity and resilience, but are also a bridge connecting us to our shared heritage. Leveraging OPPO’s cutting-edge image capabilities, Culture in a Shot demonstrates how technology can help preserve these traditions for future generations. With just a smartphone, everyone in the OPPO community can capture and share incredible cultural stories from across the world.
Culture in a Shot reveals that traditions are not mere relics of the past, but living stories that continue to shape our world. By capturing these portraits, we honor the diversity that defines our identities and celebrate the cultural legacies that make our shared planet so extraordinary.
Traveling to these incredible places, I saw firsthand how culture connects us to something deeper, that transcends generations. I hope that these images inspire people around the world to celebrate the traditions that make us who we are.
– Jerome Teo, Discovery Photographer
