location-photo
camera
DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Built-in Lens
Shutter Speed
1/160 sec
Aperture
f/4.5
Focal Length
24mm
ISO
100

Ma Tau Kok Colourful Buildings Look Down

avatar
@derryainsworth
At this location, it's almost as if you're looking down on a section of the city that's created with building blocks. This uniform and colourful section of HK makes for a fascinating aerial view — so grab your drone and head to Ma Tau Kok for this one-of-a-kind shot. (Before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

  • Drone
  • Polarizing filter

How to get there

N22° 19' 15.6432"E114° 11' 30.2424"
This image of the colourful buildings in Ma Tau Kok was taken using a drone while standing on the south side of Ma Tau Kok Rd. You can either take a taxi or bus to get to this location, but before going, please note that this location isn't easily accessible by MTR. By public transportation: - Closest bus station: Cattle Depot Artist Village (via 28M, 28MS and 49 buses) - Head northwest on Ma Tau Kok Rd toward Ying Yeung St

Tips

When to go

Best season

All months

Best time

Mid-day, Late afternoon
You can find similar conditions in Ma Tau Kok during any month of the year.
If you visit around midday, or into the late afternoon, the light will cast stronger shadows between the rows of buildings and will give your image more definition. Visiting on a sunny day will help with contrast in the shot, whereas an overcast day will smooth out the image and not provide as much distinction between the buildings.

Field tips

Before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements.
Try lining up the buildings in the center of the shot to create a symmetrical composition.
If you use a 45 degree look down perspective (like I did), you'll capture diminishing splashes of colour from the facades of the buildings as they recede into the photograph.
You may wish to use a polarizing filter on your drone, as it can help to make the colours pop a bit more.
Another thing you could try is changing the rotation of the composition to give different angles and leading lines. For example, looking straight down instead of at a slight angle.

Current weather

Ma Tau Kok
Rain
73o
F
Wed
73o
62o
Thu
68o
66o
Fri
69o
67o
Sat
70o
68o
Sun
70o
68o

Blue Hour

21:52
73o
Rain

Sunrise

22:15
73o
Rain

Golden Hour

10:10
73o
Rain

Sunset

10:39
73o
Rain

Do nearby

Check out the lovely little art shops that are just behind this location in the Cattle Depot Art Village. It's an area that's full of creative, quirky things to buy.
You might also want to check out the waterfront promenade going towards Hung Hom. It's a nice place to take a walk while marveling at the skyline of North Point and Fortress Hill on the opposite side of the harbour.

Locations nearby

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