This compelling photoessay was selected as a finalist in the LensCulture Portrait Awards 2016. Discover more inspiring work from all 39 of the winners and finalists.


“Metamorpolis” is a series of photographs capturing the incredible mega-city of Chongqing: one of fastest urbanizing city in China, if not the world.

The photos of this project were taken over five years, from 2010 to 2015. The project shows how the city has quickly spread itself out into its once rural surroundings.

Everywhere you look, concrete is taking over nature and a large, formerly rural population is being suddenly thrust into urban life.

—Tim Franco