Alex Ng This is an exceptional image that perfectly captures the spirit of snapshot photography: **expect the unexpected**. Under a No. 10 typhoon signal, with huge waves crashing along the waterfront, the man at the centre of the frame remains calmly seated on the bench. His stillness against the violent movement of the waves creates an extraordinary visual contrast, giving the image both tension and an almost surreal quality. Equally impressive is the photographer’s composure. In a sudden and potentially dangerous situation lasting only a brief moment, the photographer still maintained complete visual control, arranging the man, the bench, the wave and the bridge behind into a remarkably clean, precise and almost symmetrical composition. This is not a photograph that could have been planned. The photographer could expect dramatic waves during a super typhoon, but not this man, in this position, with the wave rising in exactly this form. The real skill lies in recognising the unexpected instantly, making the visual decision immediately, and releasing the shutter at the decisive moment. The image shows not only the power of the typhoon, but also exceptional observation, judgement and reaction under pressure.
A man sits on a bench on the Tseung Kwan O Promenade as powerful waves roar towards him on September 24, 2025, when Super Typhoon Ragasa paralysed the city. The deadly super typhoon triggered the highest level, No. 10 storm warning for nearly 11 hours, edging as close as 100km to the south of Hong Kong, disrupting work and transport services and forcing the suspension of school classes.