Meet Our Guest Instagrammer: Kevin Mak in Kyoto

We love Kevin Mak's eye for finding beauty in the everyday chaos of city living. The Hong Kong native and one of our 24 Best Travelers on Instagram has seamlessly melded his career as an international architect with his love of photography. Read on to learn how he's blended the two and head over to Instagram for a #FathomTakeover from his trip to Kyoto, Japan.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Hong Kong. The neighborhood I grew up in had buildings that were all very similar to each other — with rooms inside of towers, small windows, and low ceilings. My preconception of what a building should be was completely turned upside down when I started traveling and saw how different spatial qualities could impact behavior. My study and practice as an international architect has become a lifelong training in respecting the beauty of life through place and space; and my interest in photography has found its way into my work by helping me extract and express these aesthetics.

Over the last few years I've traveled to some really amazing places, including Tibet, Nepal, India, Turkey, and South Africa. Two years ago I started to do photo documentation for architectural projects; this year I've furthered my work with creative collaborations on topics relating to cities and lifestyle. I've been inspired to make photography and travel an integral part of my life. It's surprising to me that my career and personal interests could blend so well in this respect.

How would you describe your photography style?

Urban, spatial, and narrative. I like taking the storyline of a lonely traveler in a metropolis struggling to find moments of hope and enlightenment. These points in time are subtle, personal, and not detached from my daily life and its vibrant environment. They are small observations within the everyday that become the most beautiful moments in life.

What do you love most about photographing your travels?

I see travel itself as an art form and an attitude of not playing safe with ordinary life. I love how photographs are able to translate these experiences into a tangible art form, which inspires not only the person who takes the picture but also everyone who sees it. I almost cannot detach photography and travel as both of them seamlessly work together to create something beautiful.