Ryan Cruz’s “Dragon Breath” series captures the visceral, high-octane energy of Binondo during the 2023 Chinese New Year.
The photographs freeze explosive moments of fire-breathers exhaling massive, billowing plumes of orange flame that cut through the darkening Manila sky. Framed by the district’s chaotic charm—tangled overhead wires, festive red banners, and the glowing screens of a captivated crowd—the performers appear as modern-day warriors in vibrant, flame-patterned gear.
Each image masterfully balances the raw, dangerous heat of the spectacle with the gritty textures of the urban landscape, turning ephemeral sparks and thick smoke into a cinematic display of light, shadow, and movement.
by Ryan Cruz
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