I bought a one-way ticket to Shanghai, thinking I'd stay for a year. 12 years later, it feels like home.

Graeme Kennedy, a Canadian photographer living in Shanghai for 12 years, initially planned to stay in the Chinese city for just one year. His journey began in a small town of Canada where he grew up, surrounded by nature and outdoor activities. However, his wanderlust led him to Thailand, then to London, and eventually to Shanghai in 2014, despite his limited understanding of the country.

Initially working in marketing and creative direction for a British international school and luxury hospitality company, Kennedy's passion for photography grew, eventually becoming his full-time career. He started his own photography business in 2019, earning very little at first but slowly building a portfolio and referrals. Kennedy's appreciation for food and its cultural significance became a significant focus of his work.

He recently co-started the "SaintCavish" YouTube documentary series, which was nominated for a James Beard Award, despite having a small budget and crew. Kennedy now feels most at home in Shanghai, surrounded by a community of creatives and entrepreneurs, and visits his family in Canada occasionally.