Edward Barnieh, Hong Kong Heights

After moving from London to Kong Kong in 2008, Edward Barnieh has spent some time scaling rooftops and ridges, capturing the contrasting city from some awesome heights.

What took you to Hong Kong?

I moved to Hong Kong in 2013 to work in animation, but I found when I got her that photography took on a more important role in my life.

What is your favourite part of the city and why?

I love the calm at the top of any mountain that looks down on the city.

What is photography to you?

It’s a fantastic past time as it almost feels like I’m creating memories. Which in turn brings you closer to the people you’re creating these memories with.

Why do you like to document your urban surroundings?

I am a huge geek for seeing how areas develop and change. I can look at Before and after photos of cities for way too long haha! Some photos serve as a record of how a place was, is and will never be again.

What is it about your personal experiences of Hong Kong that influences your photography?

The way people are packed in tight in Hong Kong has influenced my photography massively, with both the architecture and the streets providing countless opportunities. And the kind of weather that I didn’t grow up with, whether it’s typhoon sunsets or rolling fog, has got me taking lot more photos.

What compels you to photograph Hong Kong from a height?

It's about showing people things that they are used to seeing, but from a brand new angle. Shooting from an alternative angle can be breathtaking.

Tell us a story behind a memorable moment while photographing Hong Kong from a height:

Recently I went to a rooftop with a friend. I’m not very adventurous when it comes to these things, but my friend climbed a sign on the edge of the building, but the angle from below didn't really convey just how much of a daredevil she was being. there was a burnt out ladder that had been struck by lightning that was parallel with the sign, and gave me a better angle for a shot. Not adventurous by rooftopping standards, but way above the norms I would go to for a photo. I climbed the ladder, got the shot, and it’s a shot that I’m quite proud of.

To see more of Edward's stunning photographs, follow him on instagram: @edwardkb