Photography Blog

Hong Kong: Victoria Peak and Harbor

Posted by Chris Wray on Mar 9, 2011 in Architecture and Urban Spaces, Photography, Travel | 8 Comments

Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong skyline | 9-exposure HDR panorama | Canon 50D 10-22mm wide angle lens (click image to enlarge)

One of the many highlights of my Hong Kong excursion was seeing the amazing vista of Victoria Harbor from atop Victoria Peak’s Sky Terrace. Simply called The Peak by locals, it rises 552 m (1,811 ft) above sea level, giving way to a breathtaking panoramic view of Victoria Harbor, central Hong Kong, and the surrounding islands. The densely packed skyline clearly shows two of the most prominent skyscrapers: The International Commerce Center (left 1/3 of image), the tallest structure in Hong Kong, topping at 108 floors and the 90 story International Finance Centre (left of center), featured in Batman The Dark Knight.

Regarding the photo, I was torn as to whether I should crop the concrete railing of the Sky Terrace for a cleaner look, but opted to keep it, as I’d loose too much of the skyline on the right. I like the symmetry of the landscape slope to the left and diagonal form of the railing to the right. I also like the Chinese Temple Dog, as he keeps watch over the city. Let me know what think. By the way, have a look at the awesome night shot of Victoria Harbor on A Day Not Wasted.

If you’re a buff for skyscraper trivial, have look at SkyscraperPage for a complete line up of Hong Kong’s tallest beauties.

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8 Comments

Chris Kenison
March 9, 2011
Wow! Nice shot, Chris! I love it. Did you end up stitching any together or is it just one shot?
Chris Kenison recently posted..Roads- Glen- MT
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Chris Wray
March 9, 2011
Yes, this pano is three frames merged in Photoshop. Each frame is a 3-exposure HDR. I was running the 10-22mm lens, but tightened the shot to 14mm.
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Toad Hollow Photography
March 9, 2011
I had to remind myself to breath when I encountered today’s post here Chris, this is ASTONISHING, my friend! I love it! I think the composition is spot on, no changes needed at all. I love the statue in the right part of the the frame, I think it give the overall image a little context. Absolutely top drawer my friend!
Toad Hollow Photography recently posted..Whippletree Junction
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Jesse Pafundi
March 9, 2011
Killer work Chris. Love the subtle processing
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Nathan Schepker
March 9, 2011
Great pano! You captured it perfectly!
Nathan Schepker recently posted..The Lunch Break Series 7
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Mark Blundell
March 9, 2011
thats a sweet pano really shows how mega built up the place is – AWESOME!
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bluechameleon
March 15, 2011
Wow…that is some amazing shot. The wide and/panoramic is mind blowing. Bravol.
bluechameleon recently posted..over the rainbow
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Viveca Koh
March 16, 2011
Wow, this is spectacular! I like the way the stone lion (?) is watching over the city 🙂
Viveca Koh recently posted..Two urban explorers at West Park abandoned asylum- in the grounds by Viveca Koh
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