“A camera is just a tool; the photographer’s mind and heart are what create the image.” – Fan Ho

Fan Ho is best known for his black-and-white photos that capture light and shadow. He is often labeled as the master of light and shadow. His works include the use of intense contrast of light and shadow to enrich the storytelling that is hidden in his photos. He also captures the contrast between old and new, emphasizing the rapid growth of Hong Kong that he cannot keep up with. 

 

Photo analysis:

This photo features a staircase with three people going in different directions. Lines, tone, and contrast are a few significant techniques used in this image. The lines that shoot across the frame are strategically folded on top of each other to create visual interest and balance the weight on both sides. The tone is presented by the light that shines onto the three people walking on the staircase, highlighting the main subjects of the photo. The beautifully crafted contrast between light and shadow illustrates the fierce difference between the figures in and out of the light. It symbolizes the rapid modernization in Hong Kong and widening inequality. Some people thrived due to modernization,  while others were left in the dark corners of the world, wandering on the brink of death.