Choi Hung Estate

Choi Hung Estate, known as the "Rainbow Estate," is a photographer's delight in Hong Kong. Its vibrant, multi-colored facades offer a unique aesthetic, perfect for urban and architectural photography. The basketball court, with its stunning backdrop of rainbow buildings, provides exceptional Instagram-worthy shots. Visiting Choi Hung Estate, you'll capture not just photos, but the spirit and joy of Hong Kong's community living.

Photography Guide

Equipment

• Focal length: Wide-angle to telephoto is suitable.
• ISO: Keep low during the day.
• Aperture: Aim for f/8-f/11.
• Mode: Use aperture-priority or manual mode.

Shooting Tips

• Narrative: Capture residents in their daily activities for a story.
• Perspective: Take long shots to highlight the building’s features.
• Focus: Use a lamppost as a foreground interest, and add depth with a large aperture.
• Wide-angle: If confident, get closer and create a stretched-out image with a wide-angle lens.
• Lighting: No specific requirement. On dull days, focus on the building, excluding the sky. On clear days, use an ultra-wide lens to capture both the sky and the building.

Route

Exit from Choi Hung Station Exit C4 and walk towards Hung Ngok House (紅萼樓). Look for the entrance next to the building.

Shooting Reference

Surely sightseeing is our main goal, but capturing spectacular photos for future reminiscing isn't a bad idea, right?

Often, we wish our images were unobstructed by random passers-by. However, these incidental characters can add a layer of context, imbuing your photos with a captivating narrative.

In some of my shots, a teenage boy playing basketball and a man exercising in front of the estate lend a unique voice to the images.

Camera Shooting

Being a favored photo spot, Choi Hung Estate is often bustling with locals and tourists seeking that perfect Instagram shot. If you've captured a stunning image, consider sharing it with your model - who knows where that could lead?

Phone Shooting

Look around and you’ll see, not everybody comes with a bulky camera. Your mobile device can serve just as well. After all, professional gear is a tool, not a necessity. Your creativity and the ability to materialize your vision are what truly make your work stand out.

Instagrammable Photo Shooting

Outfit Suggestions

• Monochromatic Outfit

A monochromatic outfit in black or white could offer a strong contrast to the colorful residential blocks and give your photos a modern, edgy vibe.

• Color Blocking

Wear an outfit with color-blocking to mirror the estate's colorful facade. This could include a skirt and top in different bold colors, or a color-blocked dress.

Conclusion

• Use a variety of focal lengths, maintain a low ISO during the day, and aim for an aperture of f/8-f/11. Leverage aperture-priority or manual mode for best results.
• Add narrative to your shots by including residents, focus on architectural details, and experiment with wide-angle shots.
• Lighting isn't a constraint; use the environment as per your creative vision.
• Arrive at the location by exiting from Choi Hung Station Exit C4 and walking towards Hung Ngok House. The basketball court above the parking lots is the iconic spot.
• While capturing photos, remember to see the beauty in random elements and use them to add depth to your photos.
• Both camera and phone photography can yield great results. The key is your creativity and realization of your vision.
• Share your stunning captures with others; it may open up new opportunities.

Photography at Choi Hung Estate is not merely about clicking pictures, but about capturing the vibrant spirit of Hong Kong's community living.