The Natural City

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Wednesday, October 13, 2010 | 4 photos

It is with sincere and utmost enthusiasm that I approach this competition. Becoming a photographer for National Geographic has long been an aspiration of mine, as I am deeply passionate about photography, compelled by the discoveries of travel, and thirsty to pursue the curiosities and marvels of – what the American cosmologist Carl Sagan described as – our pale blue dot.

Additionally, I truly believe in documentary photography and its capacity to speak to the greater community in a potent visual language, particularly in regards to the importance of diversity and preservation - both cultural and environmental.

The photographs you are looking at were taken on a single afternoon in Hong Kong as I journeyed from the bird markets in Mong Kok to my hotel room in Sheung Wan. As a first time visitor, I felt swamped by the sweaty megalopolis of Hong Kong, and these photographs represent the sparse moments of clarity I experienced amidst the flurry of the city.

The humidity induced, pleasant languor that besets any fledgling Hong Kong visitor appears to have seeped into my photographs, their pink blush seemingly a result of the climate and commotion of the city. It is this tension between the built environment of Hong Kong and the natural elements it contains that I have attempted to explore in the attached photographs.

I would consider it an honor to be able to learn from such an experienced photographer as Jason Edwards and would take every means to ensure that each minute spent in Bhutan would be fruitful. I am excited to learn and challenge my views of my photography, and my position in the world.

I am full of bracing excitement upon writing this appeal to you, and hope that I have made my ambitions for this competition perspicuous. Thank you for your time.