Fan Ho, a celebrated Hong Kong photographer, was born in Shanghai in 1931. His family moved to Hong Kong in 1949, and it was here that he began developing his creative practice. His work was marked by an experimental approach, often incorporating surrealistic elements, and his unique style has been widely celebrated and has earned him numerous awards and accolades.
Ho started out as an actor, but he soon realized he was more passionate about photography. He started by taking pictures of the streets of Hong Kong and then moved on to fashion photography. He was also an avid collector of vintage cameras and quickly became known as one of the most influential photographers in Asia.
In the 1950s, Ho began experimenting with different techniques, such as double exposure, close-ups, and infrared photography. He was also an early adopter of color photography, which he used to great effect in his photographs of everyday life in Hong Kong. He was particularly skillful in capturing the hustle and bustle of the city's streets and markets, as well as its bustling nightlife.
Ho's photography quickly gained recognition from both local and international audiences, and he was invited to participate in several exhibitions in Europe and the United States. In 1979, he was awarded a Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society, and in 1998 he was awarded an honorary Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society.
Ho's work has been featured in numerous publications, including Life magazine, and his photographs have been exhibited in major galleries and museums across the world. He has also been the subject of several books and documentaries, including the award-winning documentary, “Fan Ho: A Life in Photographs.”
In addition to his photography, Ho has also written extensively on the subject, including his book, “Hong Kong Yesterday,” which was published in 1997. He has also served as the chairman of the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers since 1993.
Ho continues to be an influential figure in the world of photography, and his work continues to be celebrated and admired by many. He is a true pioneer of photography, and his work has been a source of inspiration for many photographers.
Despite his success, Fan Ho remains humble and unpretentious. He has said, “I don't think I am a great photographer. I just try to be honest about my work and make it as good as I can.” His words are a testament to the passion he has for photography and his commitment to creating images that capture the beauty and vitality of the world around us.
Fan Ho Video
1950s Hong Kong Captured In Street Photography By Fan Ho