My Photos Showcase The Undeniable Skills Of This High-Risk Profession In Hong Kong (22 Pics)

The scaffolding they create is not just practical; it resonates with nature as a reminder of how birds construct their nests. Like avian architects, these men intricately weave their materials together, making use of the natural flexibility and strength of bamboo. Each structure is a manifestation of their skill and deep-rooted tradition. Through my photography, I strive to capture not only the scaffolders’ exceptional craftsmanship but also how these men can achieve with ease and nonchalance what is a great example of human ingenuity and dexterity.

This collection of photos is a part of my photo book 'Echoing Above' published in Hong Kong in May 2025.

The real click for me to start documenting this subject was witnessing the man in the photo Equilibrium. I remember feeling amazed and tense at the same time while watching him set up the bamboo scaffolding very high on a facade and with a simple rope as protection. He was moving between the metal support structure balancing on one foot, looking very confident while handling a large pole of bamboo that was his size.

It triggered me to try looking for more of these elusive men working high up above our heads with such skills without us noticing them. And later on, there was news from the Hong Kong government signaling their plan to start replacing bamboo scaffoldings with ones made from metal. So I felt it was the moment to record this practice before it disappeared.

These men usually work quite high above our heads, and in Hong Kong it is hard to scrutinize all the details of all the windows surrounding you as the density is very high. So most of the time I first heard them before seeing them. The typical sounds that attract me are bamboo knocking on each other, the drilling on the wall at the beginning when they fix the metallic base for the bamboo scaffolding, or the voices of these men when they are talking to their colleagues who usually stay by the other side of the window.

The finished result of the small bamboo scaffolding really makes me think of bird nests. They look like small structures alone up on a building facade. Just like a bird nest alone high up in the branches of a tree. And the intricate way the bamboo are attached to each other also look reminiscent of bird nests since each bamboo pole is woven to one another with a small black or orange strap. And actually, in Hong Kong, some birds would collect these fallen straps to build their own nest along with small tree branches.

For the book I chose the photo that best demonstrates the acrobatic skills and the confidence of these men as I truly admire how they work. I want to share how skilled and brave they are.

I am very excited that these photos will be exhibited in Hong Kong at Blue Lotus Gallery from May 10 to May 25! I can't wait to share my work with everyone there!

The vibrant and unique rooftop culture of Hong Kong serves as an intriguing backdrop to understand the intricate craftsmanship involved in the city’s construction practices. By observing the everyday lives played out atop buildings, one gains a deeper appreciation for the skilled scaffolders whose work on bamboo structures is both a practical necessity and a cultural expression.

You can explore a rich portrayal of rooftop life that complements the narrative of these construction artisans capturing authentic rooftop moments.