How to get the best out of Hong Kong’s streets for your photos: a Magnum nominee’s advice
Delivering a workshop in Hong Kong, London-based Magnum nominee Matt Stuart says luck can produce a striking shot, but persistence, watchfulness and speed are essential
London-based street photographer Matt Stuart doesn’t like posing for pictures but he’s game to ham it up for our photographer at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, where angled, pink-tiled pillars create triangular shadows.
Posed photos aren’t what Stuart is known for – his are based on chance, perfect timing and being fast. They are quirky and light-hearted: a man walking down a street holds a walking stick to his face with the handle looking like a joke nose; a large dog appears to be sitting in the front seat of a car; a man stands near an ad depicting a giant pointing finger.
Having taken photos for 20 years and published a book called All That Life Can Afford, Stuart has become a Magnum Photos nominee, meaning his work will be assessed over a two-year period, and he could eventually become a member of the prestigious photography association.
He was recently in Hong Kong to host a three-day workshop on street photography for Magnum, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. His 15 students, paying more than HK$5,000, came from places including France, Singapore, Myanmar and Hong Kong, and were mostly amateurs.
As the group spreads out around the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry pier and Cultural Centre, Stuart gives them one-on-one help, nudges them to get closer to their subject, reminds them to keep their elbows in, or gives pointers on where to stand, and even suggests what to shoot.
“Look at those two women,” he says, pointing to two Caucasian women about 15 metres away, wearing striped tops and khakis. “They must have asked each other what they were wearing and decided to do the same.”
