Hi all,

This is a photo record about the Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate, which was built in the 1960s as a resettlement estate. It is scheduled to be demolished in 2009.

I was the photographer consigned by the Hong Kong Government and these photos were taken between 08/2008 to 4/2009.

I would like to share the works at http://ntk.johnchoy.com

Please visit and comment.

Cheers,

John

John, Absolutely fabulous stuff. I've never been in Hong Kong, but I spent three years in various parts of Asia and these pictures bring back some powerful memories. Good job!

After a quick glance: Astounding. I esp. like this panorama approach for documenting. Will look at it longer later on. Are these reprojected circular fisheye views or did you just stitch?

Christian

very impressive... are you planning to publish a book ?

No plan at this moment for there are many things involved. Ironically, somehow I thought making a book in HK is to a certain extent creating waste. A website meanwhile is the most economical and environmental friendly way to share.


I did by stitching. I use ptgui. Some of the images were composed by at least 50 single shots. and with each shots as a layer saved as PSB, I final edited it in PS CS4.

John

I love Hong Kong, and these are great! They capture the HK I know - although these are even more rugged than Mong Kok. Certainly a valuable record.

Out of curiosity: if the original intent was to publish for web, why did you go through the hassle of stitching tens or hundreds of megapixel images - but not Zoomify them? You could have just used a fisheye lens and get the same screen res results.

Beautiful and very moving work!

This is consistently beautiful and distinguished work. I think just about everyone could take a lesson from you. I respect the way you are able to make each image count.

Luke Kaven

Immersive and original. Thank you.

John

First of all, thanks you for viewing and comment.

In order to let u guys know how did this idea came out, I have to say it was firstly due to a job ( A documentary photo project about the estate according to what the government required).

Secondly, as I 'd never been to this estate before or just that I was a complete stranger to them, I had to find a way to get acquainted with them, and the best way I thought was to try the panorama approach. And I was also keen on experimenting panorama at this moment.

Anyway, I was a layman and is still a layman about panorama. I don't know how to create a 360x 180 QTVR.

I thought it was especially detrimental at the start of this project if I did anything inappropriate according to the eyes and mind from people in this estate. It is because bad news ( gossip ) would easily spread out within this little community. I had to be very careful. However, Shooting for Pano needs a tripod and it was the least offensive way for a stranger. it was one of the many interpersonal skill I started this project out.

After the first few pano were taken, I make a print as gift to the people who I had promised. They thought it was funny and unusual. They were not used to see photograph like this before and they liked it a lot. In this way, I gained my " fame " and it facilitate my job a lot afterward. Hence, it was at first a mean for communication. But as it went, I decided to let it be one of my personal project too.



These pano were shot using a prime 24mm lenses. By stitching, I can retain a more realistic perspective ( front to back ) than a fisheye. I shifted the the idea about decisive moment. Why is it necessary for documentary photography. As long as I didn't pose my subject, I thought " within a short period of time " and PS editing can also tell the real story. Moreover, I intended not for web purpose only, I want to print BIG because it will show the details of the scene. every little details such as the electrical appliances at home or the price list in the restaurant will be a history sooner or later. So I think higher resolution is necessary.


John

Thanks Denmark photographer Hans Nyberg for making an interactive version for me.

This can now be seen at www.panoramas.dk/2009/Ngau-Tau-Kok-hongkong.html

I'm following up the LNTK, for those who interest in this case, pls visit it at
www.johnchoy.com/?cat=4

The new work is also fascinating and beautifully executed. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Eric

Thanks for the update - good to see the changes, and that things seem to be ok for the people. Is this new housing in the same location, or did they have to relocate?

they are relocated in the same district, just a street apart.