The Power of Images
Paul Yeung Tak-ming will never forget a photograph from his undergraduate photojournalism class: a mother bathing her daughter, whose body had been ravaged by illness. The image was captured by American photographer W. Eugene Smith, who documented the suffering in Minamata, Japan, caused by mercury-laden wastewater deliberately discharged into the environment. For Yeung, it was a revelation—photography could be such a powerful storytelling medium.
That moment planted a seed. Brimming with passion, Yeung and several classmates threw themselves into photography, taking the School’s photojournalism courses and using their cameras to document social events. They even compiled works from multiple classes and, with School funding, published a photojournalism collection titled Tension. Yeung laughs as he recalls that it “took forever to sell out,” then adds, “I’m grateful to the School of Journalism and Communication for giving me the space to develop as a photographer.”
After graduation, Yeung became a photojournalist and now teaches at university—transforming from a student inspired by his teachers into an educator inspiring others. Wong Ka-hei, currently a fourth-year undergraduate, is among Yeung’s students. She describes him as “a truly kind and generous mentor” who never hesitates to share professional knowledge, offer advice, or provide encouragement. “When I worked at a newspaper, I discovered that the photojournalism techniques and perspectives he taught us applied directly in the field.”
Through the School, Wong secured an internship as a photojournalist and became part-time staff after completing the program. She hopes to stay in the industry after graduation because the role has broadened her worldview. “Every day I interview and photograph different people and events.” The work has also created lasting memories, like covering the New Year’s Eve countdown. “It’s a major annual event, and few people get to shoot up close from the press area. I was extremely satisfied with that photo series—it made me genuinely happy.”
But photojournalism holds deeper meaning for her. “It’s a fascinating medium—using images to document various events in society and history. Because photographs capture specific moments in time to show readers what a news event is about, I find this act of ‘capturing’ especially meaningful.”
Yeung has worked in news and documentary photography for over two decades, publishing photo books and mounting exhibitions. He says photography fulfills his need for expression. “I may appear well-behaved, but I’m somewhat rebellious at heart. My father was strict when I was young, so I felt constrained. Through my work, I can truly express myself and voice my opinions about society.”
Profiles:
Paul Yeung Tak-ming graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2000. His works have been exhibited locally and internationally. In 2017, he published his first photobook, Yes Madam, Sorry Ah Sir. He currently works as a freelance photographer, university lecturer, and curator.
Wong Ka-hei is a fourth-year student at the School of Journalism and Communication at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. At the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association’s Focus at the Frontline 2024 competition, she won third place in the Single Feature Photo category and received a Merit Award in Photo Essay—both in the student categories.
