Graffiti, Light, and Mystery: YIP CHUN KIT on Framing the Unexpected

Photographer YIP CHUN KIT has been awarded the Silver Award in the Best Photography Award UK 2025 Season 1 for his atmospheric and intriguing photo Urban Hidden Beauty: Underground.

Taken during a trip to London, the photograph reveals a lesser-seen side of the city. While exploring a district known for iconic landmarks like the London Eye and major museums, Yip stumbled upon an unexpected space filled with graffiti beneath Waterloo Station. The location, later identified as Leake Street—home to London’s longest legal graffiti wall—offered a raw, vibrant contrast to the polished city above.

“People often focus only on the obvious beauty of a place,” Yip reflects. “But if you take time to explore, you’ll discover the hidden beauty in quiet corners.”

What sets this image apart is its spontaneous nature. Yip didn’t plan the shot, nor did he use artificial lighting. Instead, he let the scene speak for itself. “I appreciate the natural composition—the play of light and shadow you can’t find above ground.”

Rather than presenting a wide view of Leake Street, Yip chose to reveal only a portion of it, enhancing the mystery and inviting curiosity. “I hope this photograph sparks something in the viewer—a desire to go out and explore.”

1. Could you share the background and setting of this award-winning photo?

During my trip to London, I found myself in a district filled with famous landmarks, including the London Eye and various museums. To my surprise, I came across a spacious subway-like area adorned with vibrant graffiti. Intrigued, I decided to spend some time there taking photos of this fascinating place. After doing some research, I discovered that it is known as Leake Street, which is one of the eight former railway arches beneath Waterloo Station, adjoining London's longest legal graffiti wall.

2. What emotion or message were you hoping to convey through this photograph?

People often focus only on the obvious beauty of a place, ignoring the inconspicuous streets and corners. However, if one takes the time to explore, they will discover the unexpected hidden beauty.

3. Is there a particular detail in this photo that you especially love?

I appreciate the play of light and shadow in this photo. It captures a natural composition that isn't visible above ground, without any settings or lighting.

4. Did you have any specific inspiration or artistic concept in mind during the creation?

I am a photographer who lives in the moment. Before I studied photography more extensively, I rarely took photos with a specific theme or purpose. I would capture scenes that presented themselves to me whenever I immersed myself in a particular place or environment. The moment I stepped into Leake Street, the extraordinary graffiti captivated me, and I found it impossible to leave.

5. What do you hope viewers will feel or reflect upon when they see this photo?

Unlike many of the photos I found online later, I did not capture the entire scene of Leake Street. Instead, I chose to reveal only a small portion of it to evoke a sense of mystery. I hope this photograph will spark the curiosity of viewers, encouraging them to discover the location and explore it on their own one day.