Vertical Horizon in Hong Kong
I arrived in Hong Kong in 2009 and was immediately fascinated. I bought my first reflex camera a few months later and started to explore the city to find the best spots. For a long time I had this habit to lift up my head when discovering new places, especially when I feel surrounded. When I do that my thoughts stop and I can contemplate the place with more depth. This series is my way to share this contemplation with others.
Place you live: Hong Kong
Specific location your photos were taken: In most of the districts of HK.
Can you sum up Hong Kong? Hong Kong is a fascinating city unique in the world. Although the territory is not small, its unusual topography (full of mountains and small islands) makes a big part of the land hard to develop. So all the people are living in the same areas which favored the construction of high-rise buildings. This created a unique way of living and probably the most vibrant city in the world.
Occupation: Photographer
Preoccupation: Recording the place I am living in before it changes drastically.
What is your perfect day in Hong Kong? Wake up early, go take some photos in the morning, have lunch in a dim sum restaurant, spend the afternoon in a shopping districts, discover a new good spot for dinner, and possibly make some more photos at night.
What is the best thing about your spot? The diversity of activity. Here you can go for a hike in the mountains, enjoy the beach and the sea or spend some vibrant time living life in the city. It is up to your mood.
What is the worst? Crowd sin the city when you are in a hurry can be troublesome.
What would be surprising about this place to an outsider? The density of building and the massive crowd.
If your city was a person or character who would it be? Tetsuo
Who are three of your favorite photographers right now? Edward Burtynsky, Ho Fan, Michael Wolf
Love these Vertical Horizon photos as much as we do? Check out Romain’s photo book!
Name:Romain Jacquet-Lagreze
City:Hong Kong
Best place to eat?
Dim Dim Sum in Jordan
Best place to shop?
Local Tip?
Don’t spend all your time on the island.
If someone was visiting what must they do?
Wander and get lost in Mong Kok.