How HK Street Photographer Edas Wong Captures Optical Illusion Photos

Hong Kong street photographer Edas Wong has become known for his unique style of photography that creates optical illusions and captures funny moments.

Wong's photos often depict multiple subjects appearing as one, thanks to his use of light, contrast, and perspective. The Hong Kogner has a talent for being in the right place at the right time, capturing a moment of unexpected humour or wonder.

Some of his most striking photos include an elephant appearing to blow a cloud out of its trunk, and a commuter unknowingly mimicking an advertisement behind her. Wong's technique of manipulation results in optical illusions that are both intriguing and hilarious.

His ability to capture the moment and create a unique perspective has led to the photographer’s work being shared widely on social media and winning international awards. The Beat Asia caught up with the Instagram-famous artist to hear his life story and how he brings humour to chaotic Hong Kong city life.

What is your background and life story?

My name is Edas Wong, and I am a self-taught amateur street photographer. I was born in Hong Kong. In 2005, I moved to Stockholm, Sweden with my wife to work as an engineer in the R&D department of a leading mobile network. In 2014, we had to subsequently move back to Hong Kong where [we] currently reside and work till now.

What made you pick up street photography first as a hobby?

I got interested in street photography and became serious about it in 2012 when I was in Sweden. At that time, I felt serious stress due to my work and wanted to find a non-technical (or creative) hobby to balance my work, which required heavy logical thinking.

The reason why he chose street photography is because I didn't need to learn an advanced technique or have expensive gear, I just pick up a small camera and shoot.

What does this hobby mean to you?

For me, street photography is treated as mindfulness and is [a] part of life. When I enter 'concentration mode' for street photography, I am fully being 'here and now'. It makes me relaxed and happy.

How did you home in on this craft of optical illusions and juxtapositional photography?

Photography is a media for artwork. For me, art is about observation and artist observes and studies the targeted objects, and then “re-forms” something new by his or her perspective.

This is the reason why I like optical illusion or juxtaposition. I normally study the relations between objects/humans and re-form something new by their characters with my perspective. In the whole process, I relax, walk and highly concentrate [on] observation without thinking.

What emotions do Hong Kong streetscapes and walking Hong Kongers give to you?

Some photographers prefer to shoot abroad. For me, there is no different of being [in] Hong Kong or abroad to shoot. Like I said before, street photography is part of my life.

I feel comfortable to shoot in Hong Kong, an environment which is familiar to me.

Where do you get your inspiration to craft certain photographs?

In the past few years, I started to decrease on reading photos from other photographers. I don’t want to “seek” something to shoot.

If I “seek”, it becomes a copycat. I prefer to keep observing, not seeking. I would say the street inspires me.

What’s your most favourite creation?

It is the photo which I call “Man in a hurry”.