Series description
This ongoing project is a curious look into the communities of Mantua and Belmont, near the Drexel University campus in Philadelphia, USA, which are affected by change and gentrification. The photographs in this series convey the togetherness within the local community, and reveal the surface of the place, as well as the people that make up the place. This is a relatively low-income community, but there is a sense of togetherness and great amount of hope, found in religion and shared spaces.
Mother and Daughter
This mother and daughter drove by the photographer and were curious about his camera. He asked them to stand at this corner where the pattern in the background matches their clothing. They naturally stood in this position so the photographer asked them to hold the pose.
© Ci Song, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Together, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Ms. Hollywood and Boo
They call themselves ‘Ms. Hollywood’ and ‘Boo.’ Ci Song encountered them having lunch with another friend. Boo said he has lived in the neighbourhood for over 40 years, and has watched it change from a relatively dangerous place to a place where children and students can feel safe walking around.
© Ci Song, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Together, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Three Friends
These three friends approached Ci Song and asked him to take a photo of London (middle), because it was her birthday. This is the second photo he took of the group. He found a wall with textures and shapes similar to the bow of the girl on the right, and posed them to create a visual flow within the frame.
© Ci Song, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Together, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Three Kids
It is interesting to see kids playing without their parents interfering. This group asked Ci Song to take a picture of them, and he found this wall at the exterior of their house, with a cable appearing within the frame. He asked them to stand naturally, but they preferred this pose, with a toy and dollar bills.
© Ci Song, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Together, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Untitled
Ci Song always remembers this garden between a road and a fence, with a banner that reads ‘gone but not forgotten.’ This woman was getting ready to attend a wedding, while her nephew watched the photographer trying to capture an image of the garden.
© Ci Song, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Together, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
A Mother in Front of her House
Ci Song met this mother in front of her house, and they took a few different pictures before he asked her to pose in front of the house. He asked her to lean on the metal railing of the stairs and look to the camera. Her pose created a shape that flows somewhat like the stairway.
© Ci Song, China Mainland, Shortlist, Student Competition, Together, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards