Life on film

By Scarlett Shi

Press photographers use pictures to tell stories. They capture newsworthy moments and deliver them to readers. There are now more than 100 photographers working in mainstream, hard news operations in Hong Kong.

About 70 percent of them graduated from secondary schools. After studying photography at training centers, they began shooting for the press.

Matthew Leung is a press photographer for Sing Tao Daily. He changed jobs more than 10 times before becoming a press photographer, a position he loves.

“One of my friends recommended this job to me.

“Before doing photography, I studied in the Design and Photography Department at Hong Kong Christian Service Kwun Tong Vocational Training Center for 1 year,” said Mr. Leung.

According to Mr. Leung, after 1997, there was a gradual improvement of the working conditions of press photographers.

“Press photographers are required to work 10 hours per day.

“Now, the social environment of Hong Kong is relatively stable. We don’t have to work overtime, so we enjoy statutory holidays.”

However, the work of press photographers is still hard. Only a few press photographers are women.

“We go everywhere with about 5 pounds of equipment. Thus, the proportion of women photographers in Hong Kong is not more than 10 percent,” said Mr. Leung.

Some press photographers have to buy their own cameras for their jobs.

Eddie Chan, photo editor of a weekly magazine, Economic Digest, said his company does not provide cameras.

He invested about $30,000 in his camera. But it was worthwhile.

“I gain a lot from press photography.

“It gives me satisfaction. I am lucky to combine my job with my hobby. I am proud of myself after taking a good picture.

“It broadens my horizons and enriches my experience,” said Mr. Chan.

Mr. Chan recalls a day when he took a photograph of the corpse of an old woman.

“The old woman lived alone and nobody looked after her. Her corpse wasn’t found until it had started to smell.

“The tragic scene deeply touched me. I realized that I should be more concerned about our society.

“As a press photographer, it’s my duty to document newsworthy happenings. I hope readers can know more about the truth of our society,” said Mr. Chan.

Despite all the personal satisfaction gained, the job has its drawbacks.

“The prestige of press photographers is decreasing.

“The salary of press photographers is low. Some press photographers with bachelor’s degrees quit the job after working for 1 or 2 years,” said Mr. Leung.

According to Mr. Leung, the salaries of press photographers in Hong Kong are based on seniority. The monthly salary of a newcomer ranges from $6,000 to $7,000. For most press photographers in Hong Kong, the monthly salary ranges from $12,000 to $18,000. The present highest monthly income of a press photographer is about $30,000.

Said he: “The salary of a press photographer is about 20 percent lower than that of a reporter.”

Apart from having lower salaries, press photographers get less respect compared with that of reporters.

Mr. Chan said, “In recent years, the general sentiment towards press photographers has been unfavorable. People are unwilling to cooperate with us. This is a great obstacle to my work.

“Once, when I was walking on the street with my camera, someone even cursed at me for doing my job.”

Reflecting on the gap between his dreams and experiences in the real world, Mr. Chan described his function as that of a "shutter machine".

“What I’m required to do is to press the shutter button according to editors’ assignments.

“This limits the creativity and freedom of press photographers,” he said.

“In media organizations, photos are secondary to words. When a photographer works with a reporter, the reporter always determines the arrangement of photos.

“This only restricts the creativity and growth of press photographers.

“Consequently, the standard of photos in local newspapers is declining.”

Regarding the future of press photography, Mr. Leung is optimistic.

“The next generation will have a better understanding of photography and respect press photographers,” he commented.

 

Winning photo of preserved duck eggs by Eddie Chan in the Focus at the Frontline 2001.

Eddie's favorite photo.