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Candid ‘Sniper’ Photography Capturing Daily Life in Asia

Debbie Kelly04 mins

Exploring the Sniper Photography Series by Matt Hulse

The Sniper photography series by British filmmaker Matt Hulse offers an exceptional glimpse into the daily life and landscapes of North Korea, Hong Kong, and Mongolia. Using a phone camera paired with a clip-on telescopic lens, Hulse captures unparalleled views from high vantage points, resulting in thought-provoking imagery.

The photo series 'Sniper,' by British filmmaker Matt Hulse, was shot in North Korea, Hong Kong and Mongolia. The images were taken from high vantage points using a phone camera and a clip-on telescopic lens.
The photo series ‘Sniper,’ by British filmmaker Matt Hulse, was shot in North Korea, Hong Kong, and Mongolia. The images were taken from high vantage points using a phone camera and a clip-on telescopic lens.

Photography from Pyongyang

All the photographs taken in Pyongyang were captured from the Yanggakdo International Hotel, one of the few hotels in North Korea that allows foreign visitors. Hulse’s unique positioning allowed him to document the cityscape without breaching any local regulations. He emphasizes that “there’s nothing stopping people taking photos from their hotel windows.”

The Pyongyang photos were all captured from the Yanggakdo International Hotel, one of the few North Korean hotels that foreign visitors are permitted to stay in.
The Pyongyang photos were all captured from the Yanggakdo International Hotel, one of the few North Korean hotels that foreign visitors are permitted to stay in.

Capturing Eerie Moments

While residing in Beijing, Hulse frequently visits North Korea as a tour guide. During his downtime at the hotel, he managed to encapsulate the eerie essence of Pyongyang. This juxtaposition of routine and the architectural environment allows viewers to ponder the narratives behind each photograph.

Hulse lives in Beijing and regularly travels to North Korea as a tour guide. He captured the eerie Pyongyang shots during his downtime at the hotel.
Hulse lives in Beijing and regularly travels to North Korea as a tour guide. He captured the eerie Pyongyang shots during his downtime at the hotel.

Moreover, Hulse notes that despite the documented restrictions for foreign visitors, he did not encounter any issues while taking these photographs. His perspective suggests that to the outside observer, he would simply appear as “a guy with a phone taking photos of the beautiful city.”

Despite the well-documented restrictions facing foreign visitors to North Korea, Hulse says that he didn't break any rules capturing the shots.
Despite the well-documented restrictions facing foreign visitors to North Korea, Hulse says that he didn’t break any rules capturing the shots.

Interpreting the Images

Hulse also shares that individuals’ fascination with North Korea significantly influences their interpretations of his work. He acknowledges that “nothing really goes on in the photos other than what’s in the viewer’s mind.” In essence, each viewer brings their own references and associations to the artwork.

Hulse admits that people's fascination with North Korea changes the way they interpret the images.
Hulse admits that people’s fascination with North Korea changes the way they interpret the images.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, the Sniper series not only showcases the unique landscapes of North Korea, Hong Kong, and Mongolia but also invites viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and biases regarding these locations. Hulse’s work highlights the narrative power of photography and its ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought.

Hulse spotted a man adjusting a TV aerial from the 18th floor of a one-room apartment in Hong Kong.
Hulse spotted a man adjusting a TV aerial from the 18th floor of a one-room apartment in Hong Kong.


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