# Dark Dystopic City Photography Van Smit Captures the Somber Side of a Glamorous Hong Kong By Tiffany | Published 2014-01-27 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/van-smit References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/jonathan-van-smit-hong-kong-street-photography) New Zealand native Jonathan Van Smit has been known for his passion for travel. He doesn't just travel from a tourist's point of view, but he makes sure to experience and fully immerse himself in the culture of an entirely different culture. In his latest [series of photographs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1), Van Smit does exactly this in Hong Kong. Rather than sticking to his comfort zone, Smit ventures outside and experiences the real, [local Hong Kong](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hong-kong-tourism-board). Through his photographs, we see a completely new and dramatic side to the Asian city -- something drastically different from what the majority of people would imagine. The result is a collection of images that are far from our expectations as the pictures offer a completely different image to the glamorized urban metropolis, and instead, focuses on the theme of abandonment, the level of inequality and alienation that people face on a day to day basis. Each individual seen in the picture offers a story behind the pain, that can be seen either from the surroundings or their expressions. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Abandoned Urban Landscapes:** Opportunity for innovative urban revitalization projects that repurpose neglected spaces for community benefit. - **Inequality Awareness:** Potential for disruptive solutions addressing social and economic disparities through advocacy, technology, and policy changes. - **Authentic Cultural Immersion:** Opportunity for businesses in the tourism industry to offer immersive and authentic experiences, catering to travelers seeking a deeper understanding of local cultures. ### Where This Applies - **Photography:** Exploring techniques and styles that capture the raw and unglamorous side of urban environments, challenging traditional perceptions. - **Urban Planning:** Reimagining urban spaces and infrastructure to improve livability, address inequality, and create more inclusive communities. - **Tourism:** Developing experiences that provide travelers with genuine and meaningful interactions with local cultures and communities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [British Youth-Culture Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-and-away.md) - [Charitable Photography Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hong-kongmorning.md) - [AI-Generated Retrofuturistic Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrofuturistic-objects.md) - [Filipino-Perspective City Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/of-course-hong-kong.md) - [Dramatic Doomsday Bunker Images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alastair-philip-wiper.md) - [Airport-Based Retro Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twilight-of-the-warriors-walled-in.md) - [Laser-Cut Urban Artistry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laser-cut-city-maps.md) - [Travel Photography Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-within-the-detour.md)