Hong Kong’s Gary Ng becomes the first photographer from Hong Kong and Asia to win APA Photographer of the Year.
Hong Kong architectural photographer Gary Ng has been awarded the highest honour, Photographer of the Year, at the 2026 Architecture Photography Awards (APA). He is the first recipient from Hong Kong and the first from Asia in the competition’s history. The achievement follows his double-win at last year’s APA, further affirming his distinctive visual language and international perspective in architectural photography.
Architectural photography is about more than documenting landmarks or building façades. Through light, composition, scale and viewpoint, it offers a fresh interpretation of the relationship between people and urban space. Gary’s work finds visual tension in precise geometric forms, architectural materials and atmospheric surroundings, allowing familiar cityscapes to appear both fresh and emotionally resonant.
The APA Photographer of the Year title represents the competition’s highest recognition. Entrants must demonstrate an exceptional and consistent standard of work among an international field. Beyond technical skill and composition, the judges consider whether images offer an original visual perspective on architecture, urban culture and spatial narratives. Standing out among leading photographers worldwide requires sustained observation, patience in waiting for the right moment, and a deep understanding of architectural detail.
This year’s APA also features several award-winning images celebrating Hong Kong’s architectural character. From the texture of its high-density urban fabric and the striking lines of contemporary landmarks, to the rhythm of light moving between buildings and quiet fragments of everyday life, the selected photographs reveal the city’s distinctive design language. Gary Ng’s achievement is not only a proud moment for Hong Kong; it also demonstrates how the city’s built environment and creative talent can resonate on an international stage.
