Hong Kong Home

Hong Kong. What can I say? It's home, at least for now. I am comfortable here. Will I stay here forever? I dunno. I'd like to. But that is yet to be seen. Over the past 8 months (yes, it's been 8 months), I've been in more of a travel mode. But now, I am more in the 'find work fast' mode.

I've really enjoyed traveling around SE Asia and China. It's provided a range of experiences that have changed me and I will never forget. But now, it's time to get back to work. I can't really be as lazy forever. I hope I remember how to work.

I am not saying that I've not done anything at all. I've been shooting 10's of thousands of photos. I've shot many portfolio shots for lots of guys. I've built up my stock library. I've spent countless hours editing photos. But none of that work is paying me, and none of it is getting me a working Visa.

I spend a lot of my time now looking for work. I keep running up against walls, though. Sometimes, it's a language thing, sometimes it's a qualification thing. Sometimes it's both. But most days, I come across nothing. But I look every day, regardless. I've applied for a few jobs recently, but haven't had any responses yet. I've come to terms with the idea that I may not be able to find a photography job here, and have been applying to jobs that play to my Project Management skills. Once I get a working visa, then I can continue to pursue my photography. Well, I will always pursue my photography, but I need the job first, right?

I am comfortable here in Hong Kong. I like my little apartment, and have plenty of friends. My apartment is nestled in the hills of Central, in the SoHo district. I have a happy domestic life, and find no shortage of things to do to occupy my days. Now that is is summer, the weather in Hong Kong is very humid. Most days are hot - about +32c - and with humidity in the high 80's or 90's. I often wonder what the point is, of taking a shower before I go out. Within a few minutes of being outdoors, I am soaking wet with a mixture of sweat and humidity.

Last week, I had the opportunity to shoot an up and coming new model here in Hong Kong, named Gabe. It was a great shoot, and we were accompanied by one of the local stylists to manage the clothing on the shoot. I am happy with the results. Gabe has received favourable feedback on the photos. Hopefully, it will generate more work for both of us.

Weekend in Pee-Nang

I had a lovely weekend in Penang, Malaysia. I arrived in George Town on Friday night, and left on Monday afternoon. It was not long enough. Next time I come to Malaysia, I will definitely spend more time in this little town.

The thing that struck me about Penang, was how many old buildings were still there. Unlike many other cities in Asia, Penang is hanging on to its heritage. In 2008, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site - I suppose partly for this reason. The city of George Town has preserved much of the colonial heritage that makes it interesting. I really enjoyed exploring much of the small city on foot, and marveling in the multiculturalism. In one small area, I saw Muslim mosques, Hindu shrines, Buddhist temples and Christian churches - all within blocks of each other. I managed to find a pork lunch too - in a Swiss restaurant in the Little India area of this Muslim country.




One of the other things that surprised me about Penang, is that it is a high tech powerhouse. Many computer manufacturers have plants here, including Intel, AMD, Dell, Seagate, Western Digital, Motorola, and loads more. I had no idea that so much was made in this tiny state. And I've since learned that much of the product testing for the latest high tech gizmos is done here as well.

I shot a lot of photos of the historic areas of George Town, and I hope to return to shoot more. I can easily spend countless days photographing the many old buildings and row houses that cover every street. It's a photographers dream location.



I am back in Hong Kong for a little while again. I have some photographers to meet, friends to reconnect with, and pork to eat.