Street photography in Hong Kong

One thing that stood out to me, was that if there is a thing like an “urban jungle” Hong Kong comes very close to the image that forms in my head imagining one.

I’ve seen so many trees that seem to be just as old as the city itself, making you wonder if some of the older, rusty skyscrapers rose between the trees or if it was the other way around.

Public transportation in Hong Kong is incredibly useful and accessible. The Metro line is surprisingly fast, short and trains are leaving almost constantly.

Be sure to get yourself an “octopus card” for paying quickly at the entrance of the public transportation and many shops across the town.

You’ll get the card in metro stations and some supermarkets. Keep in mind though, there are times when the subway is closed, typically the last trains leave around 1/2 am.

Taxi

If you’re taking a taxi, don’t be surprised if you’re getting extra charged for bridges and tunnels. The classic red taxis are quite expensive, but charming. In case you’re coming from the border to mainland China, you want to get a red taxi, since those are the taxis typically driving inside Hong Kong.

A ride from Shenzhen border zone to Tsim Sha Tsui, in the hearth of the city, cost me 350 Hong Kong Dollar, which is around 42 Euros or 45 US Dollar.

There is a very convenient airport line that is fast and comfortable. Foreign sim-cards and apps function normally within Hong Kong, google maps is very reliable.

Ferry and special train

Ferries are surprisingly cheap and offer an alternative route to cross to central. To reach “the peak” of Hong Kong, which offers an incredible view over the city, there is a train from central offering transportation.

Estimate at least half an hour of waiting to get a ticket and around 220 Hong Kong Dollars, including a return ride (27 Euros, 28 US Dollars).

While the entire city is a street photographer’s dream, with interesting corners to be discovered off the beaten path. Hong Kong Central, with “the peak”, the longest escalator in the world and cozy cafés should not be missed.

The avenue of stars offers an incredible view and there is a skyscraper light show at 8pm. The Hong Kong park is a lot of steps and totally worth a visit as well. Instagram hotspot “choi hung estate” has an interesting neighborhood and very local feel to it.

Lastly, in case you’re looking to shop photography gear, “Sim City” got you covered with an insane amount of shops providing new and second hand lenses/cameras and accessories.

There are many more spots to mention, I’m sure and I might add more of those during my next visit to the city.

In Hong Kong it’s generally legal and possible to take street pictures, commercial usage is allowed, even if you take pictures of architecture or public artistic works, like sculptures.

Pictures clearly focusing on an individual should get a model release or some sort of other permission first, before they are used in any commercial aspect. The same goes for pictures taken inside of buildings needing a property release contract. Which is not needed, if you use the images non-commercially.

However, personal rights are to be taken seriously and respected, naturally, don’t take portraits without consent.

Hong Kong has one of the highest ratios of inhabitants to police officers, making the city very safe. Walking over a red light is an expensive offense and traffic gets managed quite well, making traversing through the history rich town effortlessly and again, safe.

From my experience, people are very friendly, open-minded, helpful and speak fluent English.