An Anthology of Local Hong Kong Folklore Landscape Photography Vignette in 2023

Hong Kong photographer Man Kam-ho (Rokuro)'s work "Afterglow Outside the Cage." Courtesy of Rokuro

Local Hong Kong veteran photographer Rokuro selected ten of his featured folklore landscapes in a photography vignette to share with our readers, showing Hong Kong’s uniqueness through these wonderfully captured scenes.

Folklore Customs

Hong Kong photographer Rokuro’s work “Staring at each other.” Courtesy of Rokuro

This little sketch, where the eyes meet, is quite fascinating to the author. Viewers might have different interpretations. How do you feel about it?

Hong Kong photographer Rokuro’s work “Fireworks to Worship the God.” Courtesy of Rokuro

I finally got to capture the scene I had been waiting for. Colorful ribbons were flying all over the sky, making the Tin Hou festive atmosphere at Tsing Yi Stadium even more lively and joyful.

Hong Kong photographer Man Kam-ho (Rokuro) ’s work “Afterglow Outside the Cage.” Courtesy of Rokuro

Entirely by accident, I took this small sightseeing boat intended to reach the pontoon for shooting the events on the Birthday of Tin Hau.

By chance, I came across the twilight emanating in the west, alongside hundreds of flags flying on the barge on the lower right. With the red lanterns and birdcages hanging on the boat, a motley of colors full of Chinese characteristics looks a perfect combo.

Although the scene looks a bit packed, this fleeting view is definitely not the one to be missed.

Random Street Shot

Hong Kong photographer Rokuro’s work “The Big Yellow Duck in Red Rain.” Courtesy of Rokuro

“Mom told me to watch the dragon boat, but I didn’t want that. I just watched the ducks....(extract of a popular children’s rhyme).” It was a day when the “red” rain started, but these two elderlies still had fun with their beloved grandchild, holding umbrellas and not caring at all about getting soaked. What a warm picture in the same frame for the two generations. Hearty familial love, isn’t it? I feel exactly the same now, myself a grandfather too!

“A Moment Before the Storm” by Hong Kong photographer Rokuro. Courtesy of Rokuro

A light rail train was approaching, and I did not have time for a second thought. My mobile phone became my best pal. A good camera is never as good as a bright mind, and a good lens is never as good as keen observation.

“A Bird’s Eye View” by Hong Kong photographer Rokuro. Courtesy of Rokuro

I have been to Shan King Estate in Tuen Mun many times. Unfortunately, it always happened that either the rain was not heavy enough or there were not many umbrellas around. This time, although it can hardly be the best picture I am after, I would still give it a “fairly good” rating. (Provided by Rokuro)

Natural Scenery

“Sea Haze” by Hong Kong photographer Rokuro. Courtesy of Rokuro

There used to be a lot of mist in spring. I rushed to one unknown hill in Ting Kau before dawn and took a rare picture of the early morning haze shrouding the entire Ting Kau Ma Wan area.

Hong Kong photographer Rokuro’s work “Moon Enclosed within Fog.” Courtesy of Rokuro

Some could judge this picture as a bit bland, but I was able to finally capture the bright moon in the thick morning mist, the rays through the trees, plus the lights from a tent that happened to be there at the right time, setting up a perfect duo. It just brings me back to one Chinese poetic line depicting this rare scene, “The bright moon comes to share its rays.”

Hong Kong photographer Rokuro’s work “Tin Shui Wai and Akki Mount.” Courtesy of Rokuro

I went up to a highland to take pictures of the sunrise in the early morning. The ground was still foggy with mist, and the visibility was not good. Here is one scene of Tin Shui Wai with Akki Mount in the background.

“Sunset on Yuan Tou Shan” by Hong Kong photographer Rokuro. Courtesy of Rokuro

The sun sets in the west, and a few birds are resting on the bare branches. The most sensational thing is it is almost dusk. The sun turns to the afterglow, the branches are withering from their flourishing recent past. What a cherished feeling deep in my heart...