The play of light and shadow in my photographs creates a captivating interplay, much like the contrasting elements found in architectural spaces.Īs someone who grew up in and knows Hong Kong intimately, what are some places in the city that tourists might miss that have made the biggest impression on you? This method involves focusing solely on lights while allowing shadows to seamlessly blend into the background. In terms of composition, I draw inspiration from the artistic technique of Chiaroscuro. Through this lens, I've keenly observed shifts in urban culture, such as the diminishing presence of neon signs and oversized street billboards, and the encroachment of chain store giants on smaller, local businesses. One notable aspect from my architectural background is a deep engagement with urban morphology-studying the elements that form our distinctive city scenes. The tightening regulations on iconic features like neon signs and billboards serve as a visual metaphor for the broader challenges faced by Hong Kong-a struggle between a seemingly detached government and a population seeking to preserve the unique social values that define their city.ĭo you think your profession as an architect affects the way you take images?Īs an architect, my profession significantly influences the way I approach photography. Through my lens, I aim to capture the impact of these changes on the city's visual and cultural landscape. In 2022, my return to film was prompted by the desire to capture the essence of Hong Kong amid its rapid transformation before leaving Hong Kong. The limitations contribute to the creation of images with a timeless quality, capturing a moment in an artful and nostalgic manner. Despite these advantages, I found myself drawn back to the distinctive character of film photography.įilm's constraints-limited ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and a unique grain structure-impose a discipline on the photographer.

Post-processing capabilities, such as HDR and color correction, provided artists with unprecedented creative freedom. The digital era introduced undeniable advantages, enhancing sharpness, and distortion correction offered by contemporary lenses. “Film, with its inherent warmth and authenticity, seemed best suited to convey the city's evolving landscape.” After a hiatus, I returned to the realm of photography, this time equipped with a modern digital camera borrowed from a colleague.

However, the pursuit of capturing moments on film was accompanied by its own set of challenges-rolls often fell short of expectations, and a steep learning curve in mastering the technical intricacies. How does your first experience with film compare to how it is now considering digital advancements in photography? Do you think taking a break from it for a time made an impact on how you approach it now?Īcquiring my first film camera, the Nikon FM2, in 2006 marked the initiation of my photographic odyssey. You mentioned rediscovering film photography in 2022.

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