Day 22/365 – Preparing for the Storm: A Typhoon in Kaohsiung

Today I didn't venture far from home. With a typhoon heading toward Kaohsiung, I wanted to stay close and capture something that tells the story of how we prepare for these powerful storms.

Just around the corner from my apartment, there's a gas station in Lingya District. This morning, I noticed something that perfectly captures the moment: all the fuel pumps were covered with plastic sheeting—a simple but deliberate act of preparation.

Why This Matters

Typhoons are a regular part of life in Taiwan. They bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding. Infrastructure needs to be protected, and communities have learned through experience what needs to be done. Covering gas station pumps with plastic might seem like a small detail, but it's actually a crucial step in typhoon preparedness. Water damage to fuel dispensers can be costly and dangerous.

This image represents something deeper than just weather preparation—it's about resilience, planning, and the way communities adapt to their environment. It's about knowing what's coming and taking action before it arrives.

The Photograph

Shot on my Leica, I wanted to capture the geometry and color of the gas station alongside the practical reality of the plastic covering. The bright blue and red branding contrasts with the translucent plastic, creating a visual tension between the everyday and the extraordinary—between normal operations and emergency mode.

This is the kind of story I love to tell through photography: the human response to nature, the small details that reveal bigger truths about how we live.

Watch the Full Video

Check out the complete Day 22/365 video here: https://youtu.be/Dlr9EmLi9iQ

If you're interested in learning how to photograph environmental and cultural stories like this, I offer photography workshops throughout Taiwan. We can explore how to find meaning in everyday scenes and capture the essence of a place. I also offer global and online mentoring for those who want to develop their documentary and street photography skills. Join my Patreon for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights.