Hong Kong-based photographer Derry Ainsworth’s debut photobook, Highs & Lows, documents top-down views of the city over a span of more than a decade.

The aerial pictures capture not only mundane urban elements like housing blocks and freeways but also beaches and small islands from an unusual bird’s-eye perspective.

“I think Hong Kong probably has some of the world’s best and most interesting top-down views. I think these views are so unique to Hong Kong, due to the sheer density of the city, mixed in with [the] close proximity of natural landscape,” says Ainsworth.

Since moving to Hong Kong from the UK in 2014, Ainsworth has had to further train his eye for composition. “To find something visually appealing, you have to look past the density and really look for interesting shapes, repetition or contrasts,” he said.

“I think with aerial photos, it’s very easy to just shoot any view and rely on the general outlook for a nice photo. But to make something remarkable, you need to focus on your composition and subjects.”

In his 11 years in the city, Ainsworth has seen additions to the skyline, new housing estates, and some new infrastructure builds. “But the older neighbourhoods have visually remained the same, and actually make for some of the most interesting subjects.”

Sham Shui Po and the Yau Tsim Mong district are among his favourites.

“I do a lot of street photography and I can walk those neighbourhoods week after week and keep discovering something new and interesting to photograph,” he said.

“There’s something about the everyday scenes of life in Hong Kong that I’m so drawn to capturing,” Ainsworth added. “I really enjoy it.”

The photographer also credited his architecture training with helping him develop a keen eye for what he called “urban perspectives.”

“Hong Kong also presents a striking contrast between modern and old urban areas, and the city’s raw patterns and textures truly come to life from above,“ he said.

“I’ve spent a big part of my life documenting this city in my own unique way, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”