Fan Ho - The Great Master of Lights and Shadows

[@judixx]

I am from Hong Kong and I haven't heard about Fan Ho for the longest time until recently. I was stunned by his photography. The images was historical but the art is timeless. To my English-speaking friends who may see Fan Ho as an Asian/Eastern photographer, his Chinese name Fan/藩 actually could mean " the outlying border/ the fence" -- which communicates an outsider influence. Fan Ho is very unique.

[@aboutphotography]

Judy Yau Oh I see. I hope you found the video to be useful. If you are more interested in Fan Ho check out my latest video. It is about him and his technique :) Thank you for your comment!

[@SquidDesign]

This is why I love KZbin... you can discover things/people you might not have even heard of otherwise. Thank you for covering this.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you liked it!

[@TXGRunner]

Fan Ho is my favorite photographer. Choosing a single photograph as a favorite is just too difficult. What I find especially intriguing with his work is how he used photography to build upon a genre of oriental paintings where extraneous detail fades away in haze, smoke, or mist, leaving just a few simple points of interest.

[@aboutphotography]

TXGRunner yeah sometimes it feels like a “photoshop” effect.

[@aboutphotography]

Check out my latest video about Fan Ho - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIWpdYOpm7VppKc (Edit Or Not To Edit That's The Question - Story Behind The "Approaching Shadow" By Fan Ho) As I was using multiple sources it was pointed out that there might be few inaccuracies in data I have found. I will list them here if you are interested. Thanks to The Fan Ho Estate for the information. If you find anything else, please let me know and I will add it. 0:55 - The untitled image is “Back to Mother” in 1955. 1:40 - The year for “Approaching Shadow” is 1954 (not 1945). 6:47 - Mr. Ho immigrated to the US in 1997 (not 1995). 7:32 - The title “As Evening Hurries By”, is actually the “Sun Rays” in 1959. Sorry for inaccuracies. I hope you enjoyed the video anyway 😊. You can find this content and more on allaboutstreetphotography.com blog.

[@artemorbid]

This is amazing. This is the first time hearing about Fan Ho. His images are absolutely stunning. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you for your comment! I am happy you like the video :)!

[@Bonobo3D]

I am surprised and delighted to find out about this wonderful street photographer Fan Ho. Thank you for this wonderful video, bringing his spectacular photos to greater recognition.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you liked it and find it useful! I do similar kind of videos so check out my playlist if you are interested in this type of videos.

[@janwilson9485]

Wonderful, cant get enough of Fan Ho he is, in my estimation a greatly under recognised photographer.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! See you around! More to come soon!

[@blindmonkeyartube5486]

A great artist who just makes me speechless. I felt the eternity of the moment when I saw his pictures. Thank you for sharing this.

[@aboutphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kannonfps]

fan ho is my favorite master , his use of the black and white , the shadows , the differents compositions , the mood , the energy , the feelings etc , i'm just overall blown away by his work and i'm glad that people do video like that to teach people about him , especially since his work is not appreciated enough in my opinion

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you for your comment. Yeah fan Ho is Amazing it is quite difficult to find another photographer just like him. You might also be interested in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIWpdYOpm7VppKc

[@scott-ish404]

Man, what a great way to stand out from the average YT's 'famous-photog's-quick-bio' vid in a way that's relaxing without sounding patronising (your presenting it from the armchair whilst the background slowly morphs into Fan Ho's masterpieces was the icing on the cake, IMO). And, to top that off, the very fitting background music was so in synch with it that it sounded more like a carefully composed soundtrack. Well done!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you very much! Looking forward to see you around 😊

[@freddylopez7536]

Love your sensitivity and your honest and expert observation. You are very thought provoked and select in your comments. So refreshing. So many over speak it. I'm now a member. Thank you.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you so much!

[@sharonpetroff6273]

This is exquisite beautiful images. Thanks for sharing.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! Glad you liked it! See you around 🙂

[@TheBarty82]

I couldn't breath while I see his works. Astonishing!

[@paulmstuart]

Just found your channel today via The Photographic Eye. Beautiful work by Fan Ho. Thanks for sharing.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! See you around! More to come soon!

[@jerryeisner1]

Martin this video and the sources you list to go deeper are wonderful to see. I'm a Fan of your sharing and your preparing such videos!!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! See you around!

[@davidmays1115]

These photographs are truly amazing. Fan Ho and Bresson are my 2 favorites.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! Happy you liked it!

[@vers1fier]

My favourite Fan Ho work is his, yet limited, colour photography! I know he wasn't much of a fan (no pun intended!) of colour film, but his chromatic exposures were extremely rich with an array of tints and reserved saturation. Amazing stuff!

[@adrianschaub]

Great video about a great photographer previously unknown to me. Many thanks for sharing

[@roy5515]

Sir, I think it is karma....I am a retired Professor in Hong Kong with an interest in photography. Just this afternoon I brought my late father's 1949 Leica IIIf to repair a partly detached cloth shutter. He was a sculptor, painter and Interior designer. I came home and what did I find? Your video about Ho Fan, who is a contemporary of my Father in Hong Kong. I seldom take film photography now, but I repair the Leica in remembrance of my father, I have a few rows of films in the fridge and will shoot a couple rolls once the camera is restored. I grew up in Hong Kong in the 50s and 60s, and these photos brought back a lot of memories that are precious. Thank you so much!

[@aboutphotography]

Wow I like that! So I hope you liked the video. Thank you for leaving this message. It is always nice to read stories like this. I hope you are going to enjoy your Leica! I am thinking more and more about getting into film photography! I was about to visit Hong Kong last year but decided to change it for Taiwan as HK seemed too expensive for me at that time. But hopefully one day!

[@aboutphotography]

Also I have recently published another video about Fan Ho if you are interested :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIWpdYOpm7VppKc

[@roy5515]

All About Street Photography Thank you!

[@leemorrison9156]

Thank you for your video about Fan Ho. I’ve never heard of him before now. Really enjoyed watching

[@aboutphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your comment. See you around!

[@JasmineApple]

This was fantastic! Again, another photographer I had never heard of before. His work is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing!.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@SBala-wy3xc]

Excellent commentry, great pictures

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you enjoyed it!

[@agc33]

Fan Ho's work is incredible, your video has changed the way I will approach my photography from now on. Thank you!

[@aboutphotography]

Wow, thanks! I happy you like it! This is one of my earliest videos. If you like this I think you might like the latest one as well :)

[@theMuritz]

This has been a revelation for me. Thank you so much for your educated and subtle narration. This video is a decent frame for Fan Ho’s art.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you like it 😊

[@Cromatica]

Interesting video! Thanks for making and sharing about him!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am glad you liked it!

[@johnstarkey4959]

I have just discovered this genius, I absolutely love his style .

[@aboutphotography]

Glad you liked it! I have just published new video about him, check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIWpdYOpm7VppKc

[@weaverjumpsuits5199]

masterclass one thousand thank yuo 's

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! happy you liked it! See you around!

[@theblazephotography]

BW PHOTOGRAPHY means imaging in greyscale in a colorful world, which is not easy. Awesome! An excellent job has been done thanks for sharing have a nice day. Beyond imagination collection.

[@chinlopseye6716]

Perfect tone mood. Thanks for sharing the hidden talent of Asia. Best wishes.

[@aboutphotography]

Chinlop's eye thank you! Glad you liked it! This video is actually pretty old. I almost forgot about it 😀

[@kuma9069]

Beautiful & sensitive use of 'chiaroscuro' !! 🙏 💮 🎬 Many thanks.

[@benitacphcity]

Amazing Fan Ho 😍 Most beautiful work with light and shadow. My favourite photograph I believe is Hong Kong Venice from 1962. Thanks for sharing your thouhts on him and his work.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! See you around! More to come soon!

[@sigvardbjorkman]

These were some fantastic photographs

[@aboutphotography]

Yeah, wonderful photographer!

[@donaldgibson4459]

Thx. I'm a amature photographer. Fan Ho. I'm just amazed by his photos. I didn't know who he was, or see his images until yesterday. I now have a new inspirational feeling about black and white. How did he do it? I mean pull all the elements into a photo, on film at the critical moment. Just the most amazing thing to me. I love his high key images, and crisp contrast, and shadow detail. How does someone see all of that? Ok I'll stop. Don

[@aboutphotography]

haha I feel you! i felt the same. I mean he sometimes did composites so he kinda "made" the photos, but he also had a wonderful eye for art.

[@edgarbernal7210]

Loved your video, never heard of Fan Hu before but loved all his photos you fearured esp those branches and misty scene, so easternlike!

[@cy1512]

I’ve seen his work in the past but haven’t seen it in depth. Thanks for putting this together.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you liked it!

[@harte708]

Wow. Amazing photography. I am so impressed and inspired! As an amateur/semi-professional dslr photographer, I am just totally mind blown that these beautiful photographs are created in film. What an absolute master of his craft! Thank you for the education!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! See you around!

[@al201103]

Incredible work and a photographer I had not encountered before. Thanks for this wonderful overview of his work and life - fascinating and stunning.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! Inam glad you found it useful! Who is your favorite photographer?

[@alieskandari6036]

Many thanks for introducing Fan Ho. Really talented guy

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@Troygdesign]

Ty for sharing this wonderful artist

[@gilltim5711]

Thanks for posting. This is the first time I've heard of Fan Ho! I'm going to load up on books of his work now. Thank you for introducing his brilliant work.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! See you around! More to come soon!

[@gilltim5711]

@@aboutphotography Say, may I ask you a question about Robert Osborn, the photographer who takes those beautiful black and white photos of cowboys and Indians? Do you know what camera he uses, and what lens? I know it's a Nikon, but I don't know which model, and I don't know which lens. And any idea how he gets those beautiful silvery prints? The skin texture is just stunning. Thanks.

[@julianperkins81]

Wow, superb! I didn't know anything about Fan Ho, thank you!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! See you around! More to come soon!

[@carbonejack]

Thanks. Very well done. Fan Ho is new to me. His work is amazing.

[@aboutphotography]

Jack Carbone I am happy you liked it! I have just published new video about him, check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIWpdYOpm7VppKc

[@saurabhnarang4060]

Thanks for introducing fan ho....loved it

[@aboutphotography]

saurabh narang Glad you liked it! I have just published new video about him, check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIWpdYOpm7VppKc

[@joseluisavilagonzalez9626]

Simply precious!!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am glad you liked it :)

[@SebasEstuvoAqui]

Awesome video Bro, really interesting know this and discover more about photography.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you liked it! I will be happy to see you around in my channels community!

[@jonathan-xu2932]

First time know Fan Ho, those photos are really amazing!!

[@aboutphotography]

Yeah, I hope you enjoyed the video 😊

[@davidhendry7424]

Thanks. I'd never heard of him. A master photographer. I've enjoyed find these amazing images.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you liked it. This is actually one of my oldest videos from that series. So you you are interested ib this kind of content fell free to check them out 😊

[@zacharyf.9936]

Another great video. You do such a great job!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you like it!

[@luisabastos2339]

Beautiful images . It was the first time I heard about Fan Ho. I liked very much how you explain and done this video. Congratulations.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you liked it!

[@gd3945]

Thank you for all the work you put into your channel!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you for your kind words! See you around!

[@markdex1713]

Thanks for introducing me to this wonderful master

[@aboutphotography]

Mark Dex thank you! I am happy you liked it!

[@camloff]

A very true photographer FAN HO my best artist. He is unique. Outstanding eye for lovely looks of Hong Kong in B & W.

[@looptimelapse]

Quality photographer and this is a quality video. Ty

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

Every bit as good as I thought it might be!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! Happy you liked it!

[@alanplummer]

Very inspirational! Thank you for presenting this to us!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you!

[@stephenjudge4356]

Great video, I had never heard of this photographer. So glad you introduced me. I find his work links strongly with what drew me to photography as a youngster. Especially his reasons for using black and white and the way he used light.

[@prashanthb6521]

Absolutely stunning. My kind of images.

[@aboutphotography]

Glad you liked it! I have just published new video about him, check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIWpdYOpm7VppKc

[@Washingtonjopir]

Thank you for uploading this video. I didn't have time to watch this video...so i save it in watch later....then i remember about this art...again i search this video for 3 months..finally after 3 months i checked my watch later list...and found it.

[@aboutphotography]

So nice of you

[@Washingtonjopir]

@@aboutphotography thank you

[@stigottesencreations]

Thank you very much for this very interesting video - I really enjoy the videos about the great masters of photography, and Fan Ho is absolutely one of my inspirational favourites.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am glad you liked it! 😊

[@johnmartlew5897]

1:29, how is this possible? 3:24, left and centre, took a moment to grasp, 6:20, this one also, 8:34 that water is impossible? These are my favourites and first impressions. Now that I know from comments his methods were not all camera skills but some dark room magic, I see the impossible become possible. Love it!

[@aboutphotography]

Yeah some are photomontage. But still very nice. The pic with the boat is beautiful. One of my favorite. :)

[@stuartwalker121]

@@aboutphotography His most famous image, Approaching Shadow, that prominent shadow on right hand side was burned in, in the darkroom. The photograph didn't exist in reality until Fan Ho made it so. It's a very beautiful image and Fan Ho's genius was that he could see.

[@CO8848_2]

I am from Shanghai, just found this video. Amazing!

[@aboutphotography]

C O thank you! 😊🙏

[@AlokSomani]

Now that's a photographer that inspires me. I have always gravitated toward dramatic lighting, silhouettes, even losing details in the lights and shadows, but "dynamic range" got my head screwed up for a while when editing. Lost what I really liked about the image. Thank you for sharing this.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you for your comment! I am happy you liked it! Who is your favorite photographer?

[@AlokSomani]

@@aboutphotography You know, I don't really follow photography in that way...don't know that many photographers. But I can say just from watching this video and looking at some of his other stuff, Fan Ho would be up there.

[@aboutphotography]

Alok Somani oh I see.so I hope you enjoyed the video and I am happy you found it useful 😊

[@AlokSomani]

​@@aboutphotography I did enjoy it and found it useful, so thank you! Sorry to disappoint with my lack of knowledge about other photographers, lol. I actually find it to be both a pro and a con to look at other people's work too much, especially when you're still in the stages of developing your own style.

[@aboutphotography]

@@AlokSomani Haha, no worries! Yeah I know what you mean. Sometimes you can get inspired by others work but sometimes I am little lost and feeling little overinspired :D

[@nicolebleck3068]

Thanks for this great Video....

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you!

[@stevehunt4660]

I am a bit late to the party but thank you for sharing the work and story of Fan Ho.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! See you around! More to come soon!

[@happygarden9970]

Nice job and yes I am a big fan of Fan Ho.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you liked the video 😊

[@DiviPhotos]

Very nice video thank you for sharing

[@aboutphotography]

Divi Photos I am happy you liked it! See you around!

[@TerenceGoh21]

That HK Venice brogue such overwhelming feelings to me. I love that picture. great video

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@c.augustin]

Very well done! I've heard the name Fan Ho and seen some of the pictures before, but the way you present them made me aware that his art is not the "usual" street photography, and his use of light and shadow is something I should study and learn from. Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you liked it! Are you more into street photography?

[@c.augustin]

@@aboutphotography No, I'm not into street photography at all, more into landscape and nature. But there are aspects in Fan Ho's photography that are valid for landscape too, and some of the shots you've shown are more landscape-like than street.

[@aboutphotography]

Yeah, I would say “cityscape” with people in them. I am slowly collecting information about Ansel Adams since I think even though he was landscapist his techniques are briliant.

[@c.augustin]

@@aboutphotography Yes, Ansel Adams was really great when it comes to the technicalities of photography (and composition). I like his work (I guess that you are not surprised ;-)), but never used the Zone System - modern color negative film (and even B&W film) has enough dynamic range to just look for the shadows, and digital cameras operate completely different (just make sure that the highlights don't blow out). I think the most important aspect of his workflow is the editing (primarily dodge & burn), and maybe the concept of pre-visualization (I don't think that he was the first one to come up with it, but it plays a big role; I've read his books, but this is long, long ago …).

[@juna61]

I just found this channel... i love it.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! You are very kind! 😊 this is actually one of my oldest videos, if you like this photography content there are more videos like this on my channel. So feel free to check them out.

[@Spirituaity]

Precious video. Downloaded

[@aboutphotography]

I am happy you liked it!

[@photographingtoronto2350]

Really well-done, great photos, perfect music and well-informed commentary. Your parents were right!

[@aboutphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it! this is one of my oldest thought 😂 I kinda feel like it’s not very good 😂 check out my latest vid if you are interested in this type of content. I believe it is little better 😂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWTXo6KQjK-Ujs0

[@photographingtoronto2350]

@@aboutphotography I will watch your other videos and give you my thoughts.

[@panalumix6701]

Thanks for sharing ✌️

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! If you are interested in Fan Ho check out my newest video 😊

[@realspacemodels]

Thank you for this video. Even with a degree in photography, I had not heard of Fan Ho before. His images are stunning.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you liked it! This is one of my very first videos. Feel free to check out my later work 😊 you might enjoy it aswell 🙏

[@realspacemodels]

@@aboutphotography I will be watching your series. I found you because of your Ansel Adams video. Also excellent.

[@aboutphotography]

RealSpaceModels thank you! I appreciate it! See you around!

[@tedsmusic5556]

Wonderful!

[@aboutphotography]

Many thanks!See you around! More to come soon!

[@pereirakelvin67]

Stunning pictures

[@aboutphotography]

Pereira Kelvin glad you liked it!

[@LexArias]

Excellent video... Fan Ho's work has been a inspiration to me..

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you very much!

[@cditfurth]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I appreciate your comments!

[@fernandevaudan7774]

Thank you for let me know this photograph, the pictures have a soul.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! I am happy you liked it :)

[@bfs5113]

Most impressive fact about Fan Ho is his age and I believed he retired at the age of 30 while began at the age of 15 and won many awards. Unlike many other Masters that were pros and had publications and grants to back them up. Fan Ho was just an enthusiast and shot with the same TLR for 15 years. Even Vivian Maier's works was a lifetime of many decades.

[@aboutphotography]

oh wow I did not know that.

[@cristiandeglinnocenti4257]

Thank for your Work here. Fan Ho deserve a deep study.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! Glad you like it.

[@ANDREASKATSIKOUDIS]

Nice work! Thank you!

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you!

[@Hungtube1]

Thank you for making this video. I love his amazing work too......"Photographing in black and white offers me a sense of distance: a distance from real life. I think this kind of distance is important.’ - Fan Ho"

[@brucecggallagher1949]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful photography. I am so happy I subscribed to your channel. Cheers from Victoria, British Columbia.

[@aboutphotography]

Thanks for subbing! See you around!

[@greta6860]

Love his work. Just found out about him a few months ago from a design class ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I shoot film & his work is super inspirational

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you for your comment. I am happy you liked it. This is one of my earliest videos. Check out the latest ones, you might like it as well 🙃. Thank you and see you around!

[@pranavsaxena664]

Absolutely wonderful!❤❤❤

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! Glad you like it!!

[@wealthyrpro]

Good info....keep them coming

[@aboutphotography]

Thanks, will do!

[@JayMacroPhotos]

Great video. I like Fan Ho.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@voltgaming2213]

His photography reminds me of Makato Shinkai flims, his flims and fan ho photos has this mystical quality to them , they perfectly capture the setting and emotion of a moment and also another similarity is portraying lone subjects in a crowded place creating sense of loneliness in a massive world

[@aboutphotography]

Yeah you are right!

[@Rajupkd]

Salutes to Sir Fan Ho .... love from India !!! 🙏

[@aboutphotography]

Sathyameva Jayathe Thank you! I am happy you liked it!

[@CantiloupeIsland]

Nicely done.... Thank you

[@aboutphotography]

I am happy you liked it!

[@lifeisshorts2115]

omg!!!!!!!!!! he's one of my idol, his photos are well just look at his photos and you'll know the answer

[@aboutphotography]

Zarge Cabal check out my newest video, I have just posted aboit him again 😊

[@charlesrankin1855]

Thank for new info.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you for watching!

[@ekchuahstudios9066]

keep up the good work, we enjoy your video's

[@aboutphotography]

Ek Chuah Studios thank you very much! 🙏

[@rogerare907]

Wow, 😮what an amazing talented photographer! He had a real good eye for spotting perfect photos opportunities. I wish I were that quick witted! 😅

[@aboutphotography]

Roger Are yeah, but some of his shots were results of hours and hours of sitting and waiting as well 😀

[@jhoang861]

His shots are mostly planning and waiting for the right moment.

[@aboutphotography]

I would say both. I have read somewhere he basically had two approaches when taking the photograph. One being the hunt, sitting and waiting and the other one “creating” images with photomontage and so.

[@GarethDanks]

Great video mate definitely my favourite street photographer. I had no idea that shot was posed my favourite shots is the One of the boat in the small Canal

[@aboutphotography]

I am happy you like the video. Yeah I love that shot too!

[@sebobastiseppobas]

I see many similarities to Allan Schallers work. Good stuff.

[@aboutphotography]

Yeah, I also like his work a lot.

[@rsmallfield]

Wow. Thank you.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! See you around!

[@puspenbain45]

GREAT..... ❤️❤️

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you! 🙏

[@mikeyb6737]

awesome video

[@aboutphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it! See you around!

[@lucya8916]

Wow - Fan Ho's photographs really speak a present story even though the shots were taken decades ago. To use light and shadows to compose the image and capture relatable emotions which are timeless is such a talented skill.

[@aboutphotography]

Thank you, I am happy you liked it!