Fan Ho: Capturing Hong Kong's Soul Through the Lens of a Legend

Hong Kong Venice, 1962  

Photography is not just about capturing moments; it's about encapsulating the essence of a time, a place, and a culture. One photographer who achieved this with unparalleled grace and skill was Fan Ho, a master of street photography. From his unique perspective, Fan Ho brought the streets of Hong Kong to life through his lens, creating a visual narrative that continues to inspire photographers and art enthusiasts around the world.

Quarter to Four 1950/60s

Fan Ho was born in Shanghai in 1931 and moved to Hong Kong at the tender age of 18. He soon fell in love with the bustling city's vibrant streets and intricate alleyways, and it wasn't long before he decided to document its everyday life through the art of photography.

Hong Kong in the 1950s and 1960s was a place of stark contrasts - a fusion of traditional Chinese culture and the influences of British colonialism. Fan Ho's photographs reflect this duality, capturing the essence of a city in transition.

Approaching Shadow 1954. 

What sets Fan Ho apart from many other photographers is his extraordinary sense of composition. His photographs are meticulously framed, and each element within the frame plays a vital role in telling a story. He often used elements like light, shadow, and reflections to create visual poetry on the streets of Hong Kong.

One of his most iconic photographs, "Approaching Shadow," exemplifies his mastery of composition. The image showcases a woman leaning against a wall in a narrow alleyway, with the play of light and shadow creating a dramatic and almost cinematic atmosphere. Fan Ho's ability to capture these fleeting moments is what makes his work so enduring.

On the Stage of Life 1954

Beyond the aesthetics of his photographs, Fan Ho had a unique talent for capturing the humanity of his subjects. Whether it was a group of children playing in the streets or an elderly man deep in thought, his images resonate with a sense of empathy and connection. Fan Ho's photographs are a window into the lives of people in Hong Kong during a specific era, revealing their struggles, aspirations, and joys.

As time marches on, Fan Ho's photographs serve as a time capsule, preserving the history and culture of Hong Kong during a pivotal period. The Hong Kong he documented no longer exists in the same way, making his work even more invaluable.

Fan Ho's photography is a testament to the power of capturing a place and its people through the eyes of a talented artist. His work continues to inspire photographers and art enthusiasts alike, reminding us of the beauty that can be found in the everyday. Fan Ho's unique perspective on Hong Kong has left an indelible mark on the world of photography, and his legacy lives on through his timeless images.

Exploring Timelessness: Rollei RPX 25 Black and White Film

Where subtlety and nuance reign supreme, there's a film stock that stands out for its purity and finesse — Rollei RPX 25. This emulsion, known for its fine grain and exceptional sharpness, has earned its place as a favorite among photographers seeking to capture the world in the most elegant and minimalist way possible.

At its core, Rollei RPX 25 is an embodiment of photographic minimalism. With an ultra-low ISO of 25, it demands an abundance of light, rewarding photographers with exquisite detail and unrivaled clarity. This film excels in situations where subtlety and precision are paramount.

One of the standout features of RPX 25 is its incredibly fine grain structure. This attribute ensures that every photograph exhibits a level of detail that borders on the surreal. Whether you're capturing landscapes, portraits, or still life, the level of intricacy this film delivers is second to none.

For photographers who relish the challenge of high-contrast scenes, Rollei RPX 25 shines. Its wide exposure latitude and capacity for retaining highlight and shadow detail make it an ideal choice for dramatic compositions that play with light and shadow.

RPX 25's ability to render scenes in a timeless monochrome palette makes it a favorite for those who seek to convey emotions and stories through black and white photography. Images shot on this film often possess a classic quality that transcends the boundaries of time, adding depth and emotion to your compositions.

Using RPX 25 requires precision and control. Its low ISO necessitates a steady hand and careful metering. However, this level of control empowers photographers to create images with a deliberate, contemplative quality, emphasizing the artistry of the process.

Rollei RPX 25 is a film stock that celebrates the elegance of simplicity. Its fine grain, exceptional sharpness, and timeless monochrome aesthetic make it a cherished choice among photographers who aim to capture the world with clarity and finesse. Whether you're a seasoned film enthusiast or new to the world of analog photography, RPX 25 offers a unique canvas for your visual storytelling and a path to exploring the true artistry of black and white film. Embrace the essence of minimalism with RPX 25 and let your images speak with subtlety and precision.

Kodak Panchromatic Separation Film 2238

In the world of black and white photography, every film stock has it’s personality. Among these, Kodak Panchromatic Separation Film 2238 which stands as a testament to Kodak's legacy of crafting fine emulsions for photographers.

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I developed this first roll myself, but I wish I had sent it out for processing.

Kodak 2238 has a rich history that dates back to the early days of cinema. Originally designed for the use in motion pictures, this film quickly found favor among photographers seeking the distinctive qualities it offered for capturing timeless stills.


One of the standout features of Kodak 2238 is its fine grain structure. This emulsion is renowned for producing exceptionally detailed and sharp images, making it a favorite among photographers who demand the utmost clarity and precision in their work.


While Kodak 2238 excels in fine detail, it also boasts an impressive exposure latitude. This means that it performs admirably in various lighting conditions, allowing photographers to confidently shoot in challenging situations and still achieve outstanding results.

The film's fine grain and wide latitude make it particularly well-suited for portraiture and fine art photography. Skin tones are rendered with a natural, pleasing quality, and the film's ability to capture subtle nuances of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to artistic compositions.

Kodak 2238 is celebrated for its ability to convey a timeless monochrome aesthetic. Images shot on this film often possess a classic, cinematic quality that transcends the boundaries of time, making it a choice for photographers seeking to evoke nostalgia and emotion in their work.

While Kodak 2238 was originally designed for motion picture use, it is still available in limited quantities for still photography. I found it at Ultrafineonline.com, where I also found a few other stocks that I wanted to try out.

Kodak Panchromatic Separation Film 2238 is a testament to the enduring charm of black and white photography. Its fine grain, wide exposure latitude, and timeless aesthetic make it a choice among photographers who want to capture moments with a nostalgic look. Whether you're a seasoned or new to the world of analog photography, Kodak 2238 is a medium worth exploring, offering a unique canvas for visual storytelling.

10 Obvious Reasons Why You Should Shoot Some Film in Street Photography


Street photography is an art form that captures the essence of everyday life in candid moments. In a world increasingly dominated by digital technology, I see many photographers shooting film over the last two years. While digital cameras offer convenience and instant results, there's a timeless charm and unique experience to shooting film in street photography. These are the 10 obvious reasons why you should consider shooting film on your next street photography adventure if you not doing so already.

Film photography encourages a slower, more deliberate approach. With a limited number of exposures on a roll of film, you'll find yourself carefully composing each shot, resulting in more thoughtful and intentional photographs.

Film is not perfect, and that's part of its charm. Film grain, light leaks, and unexpected imperfections add character to your street photographs, making each image a unique and authentic representation of the moment.

Shooting film hones your exposure skills. Without the luxury of instantly reviewing your shots, you'll learn to read light, make exposure calculations, and adapt to changing conditions of your surroundings.

If you choose to develop your own film, it will give you greater control over the development process, allowing for creative adjustments in contrast, tonality, and color grading. This hands-on approach can result in images that truly match your artistic vision.

Film photography teaches patience. You'll eagerly anticipate the moment you can develop and see your images, fostering a deeper connection to your work and a sense of anticipation that digital often lacks.

Shooting film connects you with photography's rich history. You'll appreciate the techniques used by legendary street photographers who captured iconic images long before the digital era.

The finite number of frames on a roll forces you to make every shot count. This limitation encourages creativity, making you more selective and purposeful in your street photography.

Film photography culminates in tangible prints. Holding a physical photograph you've created is a gratifying experience that digital images, often lost in the depths of hard drives, can't replicate.

Different film stocks offer unique color renditions. Experimenting with various films allows you to achieve distinctive color palettes, adding a creative element to your street photography.

There's a nostalgic charm to film photography that resonates with both photographers and viewers. Shooting film in street photography can evoke a sense of nostalgia and transport viewers to a different time, enhancing the emotional impact of your images.

While digital photography offers many advantages, shooting film in street photography provides a distinct and rewarding experience. It encourages a deeper connection with your craft, a unique aesthetic, and a sense of nostalgia that can elevate your work. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or new to the art of street photography, embracing film can unlock a world of creative possibilities and enrich your journey as a visual storyteller. So, grab your film camera, hit the streets, and capture the world through the timeless lens of analog photography

Capturing the Essence of Chinatown, NYC: A Street Photography Journey

Nestled in the heart of Lower Manhattan, this iconic neighborhood is a mecca for photographers seeking to capture the authentic spirit of the city. With its bustling streets, rich cultural tapestry, and dynamic scenes, Chinatown offers a vibrant canvas for street photographers. In this blog post, we'll delve into the art of street photography and share some valuable tips and insights for exploring Chinatown through your lens.

Chinatown can be a sensory overload, and that's precisely what makes it a street photographer's paradise. The symphony of honking horns, the aromas of sizzling street food, and the kaleidoscope of colors from storefronts and street art create an atmosphere unlike any other. Embrace the chaos, it's where the magic happens.

Put on some comfortable shoes, grab your camera, and embark on an journey through the streets, blend into the surroundings and let the scenes unfold naturally. Street photography is about capturing candid moments, but if you see something interesting don’t be afraid to ask for subject to pose for you.

Through the lens of street photography, you have can capture its essence. So, don your comfortable shoes, grab your camera, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting streets of Chinatown. Happy shooting!

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