We chat with four photographers in Hong Kong about their backgrounds, services and style. Whether it’s a family photoshoot, wedding photos, personal brand shots or a portrait for a resume or social media page that you’re interested in booking, read on!
Photographers in Hong Kong
# Vicki – Founder of Unseen Studio
Where are you from and how did you get into photography?
I’m originally from Toronto, Canada, where I spent my whole life before making the big move to Hong Kong five years ago. My working background is a mix of analytical data and a creative eye for capturing moments – I graduated from the University of Toronto majoring in statistics and environmental studies. After spending a couple of years in the corporate world, I decided to follow my heart, leave the desk behind, and dive into photography full-time.
Tell us about your services.
I specialise in family photoshoots – everything from newborns and kids to pets and big family groups. I also shoot weddings, events and commercial products. For locations, I’m super flexible! I love shooting at my clients’ homes, at my own studio, or exploring spots around Hong Kong. I’m also completely open to travelling – I’ve shot in London, Toronto and Tokyo before!
How would you describe your photography style and approach?
I’d describe my style as very candid, though I always make sure to get those classic shots where everyone is looking at the camera. My main goal is to make clients feel relaxed, safe and comfortable, and I love embracing unexpected emotions, movements and actions, because those little “accidents” often turn into the best photos!
Tell us about a particularly memorable photoshoot.
Last summer, I brought my new film camera to my grandma’s place for the first time and took her portrait. The sun was shining beautifully through the window as I helped her sit up straight. When I pressed the shutter, I had no idea that this exact photo would end up being the one chosen for her grave.
My grandma practically raised me – I even slept in the same bed as her until I was 12. After she passed away last fall, looking through our photos made me so grateful I had captured so much of her life.
That experience really shaped my philosophy. I realised my job isn’t just about taking pretty pictures; it’s about keeping memories alive.
Favourite photo spot in Hong Kong?
If I had to pick one, I’d choose the West Kowloon Cultural District. I take my clients there all the time, especially during golden hour. You get the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline on one side and the best sunset view on the other – I absolutely love it!
6226 1024 | unseenphotographystudio.com
# Olena – Founder of Olena Mandryk Photography
Where are you from and how did you get into photography?
I grew up in Odessa, a beautiful port city on the Black Sea in Ukraine. I was fortunate to live in many interesting places around the world, but Hong Kong stole my heart. There’s just this amazing mix of city and nature that I find fascinating, with a very nice quality of life thrown in as well. I’ve been here for over ten years now.
Photography began as a hobby as a teenager. At 16, I started working as a model in Paris, and then over the next decade in nearly every other major fashion capital around the world. This gave me the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the most talented professional photographers.
But while fashion photography is fun and interesting, it can be ephemeral and superficial – and I realised that my true passion was capturing timeless, intimate, personal moments and preserving them forever. This naturally led me to focus on newborn and family photoshoots. That’s not to say we can’t keep it fun and interesting, especially the maternity shoots – where my fashion background can come in handy!
Tell us about the services you offer.
I focus on maternity, newborn and family photography. I’m most interested in the real connections and small moments between people. Most of the time I shoot either in the family’s home (usually the most comfortable for new parents), outdoors when the light is soft, or in the studio if they want a cleaner look. The goal is always the same: make people feel relaxed so the photos feel natural.
How would you describe your photography style and approach?
Soft, simple and intimate. I like neutral tones and clean compositions, so the emotions remain the focus. I try to create a calm atmosphere where people can just be themselves. Some moments I love most are the quiet ones – a newborn’s hand wrapped around a parent’s finger, or siblings laughing together. I want the final images to feel like a real window into that particular stage of a family’s life.
What has been one of your most memorable photography experiences?
One that sticks with me was photographing a grandfather meeting his newborn grandson for the first time. The second he saw the baby, his eyes filled with tears. That pure reaction reminded me why I do this – those moments are rare and worth keeping.
What’s the most photogenic place you’ve travelled to?
The Grand Canyon. The scale is hard to describe, and the way the light changes the landscape, especially at sunrise, is incredible. Standing on the edge and looking out felt almost otherworldly.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Family comes first, and our free time usually involves getting out and about and enjoying Hong Kong’s green spaces, islands and beaches. But these days a lot of my “hiking” is with a baby stroller, so we tend to stick to flatter, prettier paths like Bowen Road or the waterfront promenades.
I also enjoy meeting friends for coffee, I like to practice yoga and meditate, and I frequently drag my husband to the ballet, exhibitions and theatre. These things keep me balanced and grounded, and feed my creative side.
6219 5132 | IG @olenamandryk_photography
# Asmita – Founder of Asmita Das Photography
Where are you from, and how did you get into photography?
I am a “Hong Kong yanto-yan” – I grew up in India and HK has been home for the past 15 or so years. I have an undergrad degree in Pharmacy and an MBA in Human Resources; I worked in HR for several years before making photography my fulltime job. I’m a self taught photographer who started as a food blogger (IG @onewholesomemeal).
Tell us about the services you offer.
Food, products and portraits, including family photoshoots and personal branding. I can shoot on location or in my studio in Sai Ying Pun.
How would you describe your photography style and approach?
The most important thing for me is to capture the most relaxed and authentic version of a person. I’m genuinely curious about people and their backgrounds, so I guess I naturally put people at ease; my studio is also set up in a way that helps with that – along with some nice music, and maybe a coffee or tea. With families and kids, I just let them be and capture the moment.
What has been one of your most memorable photography experiences?
Each one has a story that has stayed with me. Recently, I was meant to do a personal branding shoot for a Hong Kong influencer and everything that could go wrong did: a crisis at home, Red Rain warning, her makeup artist running late… We ended up starting more than an hour late, with a lot of ground to cover. I had to make a quick change to the studio setup because the weather meant we couldn’t use natural light anymore. It was all quite stressful, but when the client walked in, her energy was so calm and composed that the shoot just flowed. It was like magic, and before we realised it, we were four hours and over 400 images in – and no one felt exhausted!
That’s the beauty of a calm mind and positive energy; it really is everything. Sometimes the clients bring that naturally; often the photographer has to help create it for the client. Good photos aren’t about the light or the equipment. Those are important, but the most important is if you can plug into the energy of the subject and bring it to a place where magic happens.
What’s the most photogenic place you’ve travelled to?
I grew up in India and live in HK – both extremely picturesque places with a photo ready to happen around every corner. Apart from these two, I would say Lake Como and Istanbul – both have so much nature and culture.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I work all the time… such is the life of a mother who has her own business! But yes, I do decompress with yoga, meditation, books… and sleep!
6481 9131 | asmitadasphotography.com
# Diana Jou – Founder of Semi Circle Studio
Where are you from, and how did you get into photography?
I was born in Taiwan but raised in California. In 2011, I came here to work for an international newspaper, and I’ve been here ever since.
My background is in visual journalism and studio art photography. I had an adventurous career as a video journalist before pivoting to writing and publishing a bilingual children’s board book called Thank You, Auntie.
Tell us about the services you offer.
I offer fun and casual family photography sessions exploring the city or cosy sessions at home. One thing I love is looking for cinematic moments in everyday life – my documentary sessions (half-day) capture a slice of life of childhood and parenthood in this dynamic city like no other. I also offer beautiful and natural images of parents doing everyday things, like helping to put on a toddler’s shoe, getting breakfast ready, playing with their kids, and tending to crying babies. All of these are things that parents take for granted but will soon fade into distant memory as the next stage of life enters.
How would you describe your photography style and approach?
I’m a visual storyteller – I have a journalistic and documentary approach to family photography. I love finding natural light and photographing people’s homes filled with love and personality, or creating a custom route that explores Hong Kong together. For young kids, I let them take the lead and show me their personalities.
What has been one of your most memorable photography experiences?
A family of five had been booking sessions with me since their first child. When they had to leave Hong Kong during the pandemic, we did an adventure session exploring all the nooks and crannies of Central – from the tram to the wet market and graffiti walls to the temples. They were down to get silly and creative. We all had such a good time exploring the dynamic energy and diverse scenery of Hong Kong.
What’s the most photogenic place you’ve travelled to?
Myanmar is one of the most beautiful places for a visual storyteller. When I worked at the Wall Street Journal as a video journalist, I covered the by-election in 2012. I was at Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s home when she won the historic election. It was amazing to witness the joy and hope at that moment, set against the complicated history and rich culture.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love urban walks and art museums. Walking around and seeing the city alive always inspires all sorts of ideas.
6013 6757 | IG @semicirclestudio | semicirclestudio.com
This article on photographers in Hong Kong for family photoshoots, weddings and portraits first appeared in the Autumn 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
