Roy Chau

What first drew you to street photography, and how did Hong Kong become the main stage for your visual storytelling?

I was initially drawn to street photography because of its capacity to capture spontaneous moments that infuse life with interest. The energy and vibrancy of urban environments create a dynamic backdrop for storytelling. My journey began with traditional photography, focusing on landscapes and portraits, but a few years ago, street photography captured my fascination. The creativity it offers is boundless—limited only by one’s imagination. Naturally, as someone born and raised in Hong Kong, this city became my main stage. Its unique blend of cultures and ever-evolving landscapes provides an endless source of inspiration. I also find joy in shooting street photography when I travel to other cities, with Tokyo being a notable favorite—it’s another amazing place for this art.

Your project focuses on the whimsical and sometimes surreal behavior of tourists. What do you find most fascinating about observing people in unfamiliar environments?

I find it incredibly intriguing to observe how people react to new surroundings. Tourists often let down their guard, revealing candid emotions and behaviors that they might conceal in familiar settings. Their interactions with the city can be incoherent, creating a lively chemistry of contrasts. The gap between their expectations and the reality of Hong Kong leads to surreal moments that illustrate stories of curiosity, wonder, and sometimes confusion—it’s these authentic, fleeting interactions that I strive to capture.

When you walk through Tsim Sha Tsui with your camera, what are you usually looking for — gestures, contrasts, emotions, or unexpected humor?

When I walk through Tsim Sha Tsui, I seek a combination of gestures and emotions that convey a story within a single frame. This area is a melting pot of contrasts—an ongoing juxtaposition of the modern and the traditional, the mundane and the extraordinary. I look for lively, candid scenes that defy the ordinary, where bizarre and harmonious elements coexist. Unexpected humor often emerges in these interactions, and it brings me joy to illuminate those moments that capture the essence of life around me.

Your images often capture spontaneous moments. How do you balance patience with intuition when shooting in busy public spaces?

Balancing patience with intuition is vital in street photography. I often observe my surroundings, waiting for that perfect moment to unfold. It’s akin to fishing—you have to be patient, but once the moment arises, you must react swiftly. Sometimes, you may wait a whole day with no “catch,” while other times, the most compelling scenes appear when you least expect them. I always stay prepared, keeping my camera at the ready with quick snap settings so I never miss an interesting moment.

Many of your photos contain a mix of humor and subtle social commentary. Is this something you intentionally seek, or does it simply emerge from the scenes you find?

The humor in my photos often emerges organically from the scenes I encounter. My keen interest in the quirks of human behavior naturally lends itself to humor and social commentary. I don’t set out to make a particular statement; rather, I aim to frame the images in a way that highlights both the absurdities and beautiful complexities of daily life. The interplay of humor and commentary resonates with viewers, making the images feel relatable. The humor belongs to the subjects in my images—I simply observe and capture the candid moments.

How do you approach photographing strangers while maintaining respect, authenticity, and ethical boundaries?

Respect and authenticity guide my approach to street photography. I strive to be unobtrusive and considerate when capturing candid moments. If I sense someone is uncomfortable being photographed, I either shift my focus or move on to the next shot to ensure they feel at ease. Building a rapport, even in fleeting moments, is key to creating genuine images that honor the subjects. I believe it’s crucial to maintain authenticity while ensuring no one is harmed in the photos I take.

What do you hope viewers notice first when they look at your series on tourists in Hong Kong?

I hope viewers are first struck by the emotions reflected in the tourists’ faces—whether it’s wonder, confusion, joy, or surprise. These expressions capture the unique experiences Hong Kong offers, fostering a connection between the viewer and the scene. Beyond that, I want them to appreciate the underlying stories and cultural nuances, prompting reflection on their own experiences as travellers.