Finding My Niche in Photography

A Tale of My Journey as a Street Photographer

Keith Chen
5 min readJun 15

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Photo by author. Shot in Pittsburgh.

Photography has always held a special place in my heart, allowing me to capture the beauty and essence of life through the lens of my camera. Within the vast world of photography, discovering my niche became an essential step in defining my unique style and creating a visual narrative that resonated with both myself and my audience. Join me on an immersive and transformative journey as I recount my experiences as a street photographer, exploring the vibrant cities of Hong Kong, Japan, Barcelona, and New York City. Through this personal lens, we will discover how embracing a niche can shape and elevate our photographic endeavors, providing a glimpse into the captivating stories that unfolded before my camera.

The Beginning of My Journey: Hong Kong’s Dynamic Streets

Photo by author. Shot in Hong Kong.

My journey as a street photographer commenced with an insatiable desire to capture the true essence of life in bustling urban environments. It all began in the vibrant streets of Hong Kong, a city brimming with energy and cultural vibrancy. Eager to document the interplay of people, architecture, and everyday life, I found myself wandering in the local residential areas, like the famous Choi Hung (rainbow) Estate, witnessing the everyday life of the people in this city.

Photo by author. Shot in Hong Kong.

It was here that I first honed my skills in capturing candid moments, documenting the chaotic beauty of street vendors, bustling commuters, and vibrant street life. The fast-paced atmosphere of Hong Kong served as the perfect backdrop for me to experiment with different techniques, perspectives, and compositions, allowing my unique style to take shape.

Discovering the Aesthetics of Tokyo: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Photo by author. Shot in Tokyo.

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Keith Chen

Photographer, Product Manager @ Google, Professor, Runner, Hiker, and World Traveler. Took photos from 50+ cities (and counting). Language : 中文 / EN