A long line of iconic Hong Kong trams, known as “ding ding trams,” waits on wet city tracks. This huge queue in the Sheung Wan district built up after a day of heavy rain and flooding. Towering glass skyscrapers reflect the overcast sky, creating a canyon of steel and light.
The closest tram is decorated in a high-fashion advertisement for Narciso Rodriguez. A monochromatic portrait of a girl gazes out from the side of the vehicle. Ahead, a parade of other trams stretches into the distance. Each vehicle carries its own unique branding, forming a moving gallery against the architectural backdrop.
This photograph brings together the layered character of city life through strong graphic composition, architectural structure, and human imagery. The monochrome palette strips away distraction, allowing light, shadow, texture, and form to take centre stage. This unusual image of Hong Kong trams offers both visual sophistication and narrative depth.
Photographer’s Note
“I waited all day to get out while the rain poured down. Eventually, in the late afternoon, the storms relented, and I was lucky to capture this unexpected sight due to nearby flooding. I stood by the tracks just as the clouds began to break. I wanted to capture the sheer scale of the tram line. The black-and-white edit helps emphasize the textures of the metal and the still wet ground. I found the juxtaposition between the elegant perfume advertisement and the gritty, functional tracks quite striking. “
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