In a bustling city where tradition meets modernity, photographer William Shum has immortalised a moment that encapsulates the spirit of Hong Kong. His award-winning image, taken in the vibrant Yau Ma Tei district, showcases the striking interplay between the city’s historic architecture and its famous red taxis, a testament to the rich tapestry of urban life.
The Allure of Yau Ma Tei
Yau Ma Tei, one of Hong Kong’s oldest districts, is a locale steeped in character and local culture. Shum describes it as “authentic and full of local life,” drawing inspiration from its older residential structures, bustling street-level shops, and the unceasing flow of traffic. This area, with its unique atmosphere, serves as a canvas for Shum’s street photography, allowing him to capture the essence of the city in a single frame.
His passion for this neighbourhood is palpable, as he immerses himself in its vibrancy. “The older buildings and the street life here tell a story that resonates with both locals and visitors,” he notes. It is this very ambience that sets the scene for his captivating photograph.
A Moment in Time
The photograph captures a fleeting moment: a red taxi gliding past a dense backdrop of residential buildings, each window and air-conditioning unit contributing to the image’s layered complexity. Shum’s meticulous approach involved waiting on the roadside for half an hour, patiently anticipating the perfect taxi to appear.
“I wanted it to be positioned centrally in the frame to achieve a harmonious balance with the towering building behind it,” he explains. His choice of burst mode on the iPhone 13 Pro Max allowed him to snap multiple images in quick succession, ensuring that he would capture the taxi precisely when it was most impactful.
The contrast between the taxi’s clean lines and the intricate, chaotic backdrop highlights a quintessential aspect of Hong Kong: its ability to blend the old with the new, the simple with the complex. Shum’s image does more than just showcase a taxi; it tells a story of a city in constant motion, where every detail contributes to a larger narrative.
Winning Recognition
Shum’s talent did not go unnoticed. In 2025, his work garnered accolades at the Mobile Photography Awards, where his photographs of Hong Kong were celebrated for their artistic merit and authenticity. The recognition is a testament to his skill in capturing the often overlooked beauty of urban life through a mobile lens.
His approach is a reminder of the power of photography—not merely as a means of documentation, but as an art form that can evoke emotions and provoke thought. Shum’s winning image stands as an emblem of his dedication to portraying Hong Kong’s essence through a unique perspective.
Why it Matters
In an era where mobile photography is ubiquitous, William Shum’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the artistry that can be achieved with just a smartphone. His photograph not only captures a moment but also encapsulates the vibrant essence of Hong Kong. It invites viewers to appreciate the beauty in everyday scenes and highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating local culture in an ever-changing urban landscape. Through his lens, Shum inspires us to look closer at our surroundings and find beauty in the ordinary.