BatesTopher Photo

Exactly six months ago I took this collection of photos, which documented six months of protesters taking action, with the scars those days, weeks, and months had taken.

Talking about what this looked like and felt like back to friends and family in the west.

What it meant when generations, and communities came together to speak out as one giant peaceful voice.

I wondered if returning to the west I’d see something like this. Here we are, the journey has been arduous, painful, and come with extreme losses. Yet, it seems, as a culture, we are here, ready, showing up, and in it for change, which we might just get.





#香港加油



https://www.instagram.com/p/B501fl7J9DW/

8 Dec 2019 - six months in and still 800,000 people took to the streets of Hong Kong and peacefully marched for their five demands. I’m was here to celebrate love, gathering, family, union, and hope for a future on Saturday; and Sunday’s march was that too. It wasn’t riots. It was generations of Hong Kongers peacefully coming together and with one loud voice asking for their lives to be better now, and for their future. I did not plan on going out, however as much fear or images in the past has made it seemed unwise; once here that wasn’t what you felt. From the first aid workers at almost every block, to the photojournalists, there were always people to help. Let alone the marchers, friendly, and compassionate. As I leave, I’ll look to those first responders and photojournalists to keep me informed, and risking themselves to keep those I love safe. Along with a place that is near and dear to my heart. ©batesTopher photo #hongkong #香港

i’m at a loss for words, and my heart, it hurts.
see you tomorrow Hawai’i.
©batesTopher photo

double happiness.
©batesTopher photo

I’ll miss you man.
🖤