Tags
2014, architecture, Asia, business, China, city, cityscape, culture, editorial, famous place, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island, istockalypse, istockphoto, landmark, life, lypseHK2014, markets, metropolis, people, photography, skyline, stock photography, streets, traffic, travel, urban, urban farm, urban landscape, Victoria Peak
Hard to believe two months have passed since I embarked on a new life chapter by moving to Asia. With timing on my side I was fortunate to start the journey participating in my second official iStockalypse in Hong Kong. For those of you who don’t know, this is a time where contributors get together to create new media based on a central theme/location. Once my friends NicolasMcComber and KieselUndStein were in I couldn’t resist. We have a ridiculous amount of fun shooting together and I couldn’t imagine turning down the opportunity to be part of this unique experience.
Now I did some research, but in general I like to travel to new places with limited plans and expectations. This way I can explore and see things with a fresh perspective. Coming from New York City and Miami the bar for urban environments is set pretty high through my eyes. Hong Kong far exceeds any preconceived notions I may have had. There is such an interesting mix of modernity, culture, color, architecture, and people. The blend of East meets West makes it generally easy to get around without speaking Cantonese. What’s most surprising is the overall cleanliness and efficiency of this international hub.
Sure in busy places there are LOTS of people. Popular areas, especially shopping districts are full of pedestrians. Even with the high volume of humans the city is safe. People even go out of their way to do something nice for a stranger, which is foreign to me. Walking down one street I accidentally drop a water bottle and a woman walks a block after me to let me know. There is a thoughtfulness present that I find refreshing.
Public transportation on Hong Kong Island provides a variety of options for getting around. Their metro is timely, keeps to schedule and can get you to the vicinity of your destination for a nominal fare. With a simple map getting around this way only takes a ride, or two before you’ll feel like a pro. Keep your eyes open for this underground train as it arrives in relative silence.
All forms of transport, metro, bus, tram, and ferry are unified through one form of currency, the Octopus card, which can also be used for purchases in convenience stores and food courts. The destination in mind determines the best mode of transportation. Figuring out buses and the tram system is a little more complex, but the assistance of a smart phone, gps and our dear friend Google will get you moving in the right direction.
Hong Kong is a sprawl of islands. Somewhere I read there are over two hundred. Although I’m sure that number includes uninhabited land masses in addition to the larger populated ones. Nine harbors on Hong Kong Island provide access to surrounding islands via ferry, or private boat. Most schedules offer several trips per day between the major nearby islands.
Aberdeen is home to one of the several harbors. High rises fill the residential area. There’s a small Buddhist temple in the center of town. Songs chirp from community birds brought outdoors by socializing seniors. Their melodies compete against the constant sound of traffic. Most alluring to me is the promenade along the water. There are junk boats, fresh fish hanging to dry, luxury yachts and ample people watching.
Need a break from urban overload? Get out of the big city and explore the outer islands. A quick ferry trip from Aberdeen will bring you to the fishing village of Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island. The air is fresh and it’s hard to believe that you are so close to a major world capital such as Hong Kong. Go hiking, swim at one of the beaches and enjoy a multiple course seafood dinner in a relaxed atmosphere alongside the harbor at dusk.
Markets & Shopping Plan to have some cash in hand for shopping at the many street markets. Fruit and vegetable stands are prominent along the sidewalks in the Western District and appear to be the popular way to shop for produce. I’m sure they exist, but I can’t recall passing one typical, Western style grocery store.
Kowloon Flower Market Road has flora a plenty. From green lucky bamboo to potted orchids, plant lovers can find all sorts of living additions for their homes and gardens. Florists offer spectacular bouquets and arrangements for those in search of decor and gifts.
Satisfy all bird needs at the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden. Traditional, bamboo cages are detailed on site by skilled Chinese craftsmen. Purchase live grasshoppers and other insects to feed your feathered pets. Buy exotic parrots, or simply come to socialize for the afternoon with your songbird in tow.
Luxury Shopping is one of the topics we focused on during the official Istock by Getty photo shoots. With professional models and released locations our lenses aim creating and capturing just the right moments that make you want to shop till you drop. This is certainly easy to do in a city like Hong Kong. There are endless designer stores and malls for those with deep pockets.
Chinese culture and history can still be found throughout the city. Places like the Kowloon Walled City Park are there to remember and honor what is no longer in existence. Quiet spaces can be sought out for both reflection and solitude.
With ever growing globalization what separates one city from another? Often I find that uniqueness within older areas of a community where gentrification has yet to bring it’s blanket of uniformity. Stacks of old wooden drawers and glass jars full of herbs, roots and spices still exist in many of the traditional Chinese medicine shops throughout Hong Kong. Stepping into one of these spaces is a visual treat. Although the shop shown here is authentic, the model happens to be another iStockphoto member, Benjamin Loo, who was kind enough to model as he had just the right look.
Urban Farming is something that always catches my attention. Growing food locally is possible in any location. Seeing these bright green leafy rows and wind turbine bring hope that all big cities will have sustainability through the growth of local produce, while also reducing pollution that comes with long distance imports.
Business never looked so good. These models from our second official shoot make me want a stylist of my own! With the urban background of the International Finance Center it was hard not to get fantastic shots showcasing the modern Chinese business person.
Victoria Peak, one of my favorite spots in the city is spectacular at night. High above the sparkling metropolis a breathtaking view waits to be seen. There is something special about looking down and being a simple observer as a part of the world filled with millions below continues on unaware that it is being watched.
Like what you see? Want more? Click here to view and license royalty free photographs from my trip to Hong Kong.