These nostalgic street photos from Hong Kong and New York are giving major 80s and 90s vibes 

Matthew Wong is a talented street photographer influenced by the neon signs of Hong Kong, 80s and 90s work of Greg Girard, and evoking nostalgia through use of colour. As a photographer who first caught my eye through our Young International Amateur Photographer of the Year competition, he shares more about his photography in large cities, how he started, gear, and hope for the future.

Our emerging photographer series aims to shed a light on up-and-coming talent. Photographers are offered a platform to share their work with a wider audience through the AP channels, with the scope of furthering their careers. We also get an insight into their inspirations, the camera gear used and future aspirations, as well as the journey taken into photography – which doesn’t have to be the most traditional route!

We’ll be sharing the work of photographers on our website and social media and even in the magazine. If you have recently started your photography journey or are a student / graduate, share your work with us at ap.ed@kelsey.co.uk

When and why did you start taking photographs?

I came across an Instagram post documenting the removal of one of Hong Kong’s most iconic neon signs. That inspired me to photograph neon signs myself, and I started taking photographs in the summer of 2023 after visiting an exhibition of restored signs.

Which genre do you tend to work mostly in?

I tend to work mostly in street photography, cityscapes and architectural photography, though I do enjoy portrait and landscape photography too.

What draws you towards your favoured genre?

…