Echoing Above: Birds - Romain Jacquet Lagreze's Portfolio

Echoes of Flight, Hong Kong, 2025.
Limited edition print available

Amidst Hong Kong’s highly urbanised districts, a wide variety of bird species have made this jungle of glass and stone their home. The most commonly seen are spotted doves, pigeons, and sparrows. However, with a closer look, one can uncover many different species, such as bulbuls, blue magpies, starlings, black kites, great egrets, and even the exotic cockatoos soaring freely through the urban canyons.

These birds have adapted to live among the towering buildings, and their existence is intimately tied to the Chinese banyans that grow wild in the middle of the city. These trees, with their gnarled roots and leafy canopies, provide a haven for the birds, offering shelter, food, and nesting sites. In return, birds help to disseminate the trees’ seeds, ensuring their continued propagation.

As they flit between the trees and buildings, their songs and calls fill the air, adding a vibrant soundtrack to the urban landscape. I often had to rely on my ears to locate these elusive creatures, honing in on the distinctive calls of the cockatoo, the soft coos of doves, or the flapping of pigeon wings. While capturing these moments through my lens, my attention was particularly drawn to the sight of birds flying through rays of sunlight filtering down between the buildings. I love how the soft glow on their feathers highlights their freedom, transforming the cityscape into a living canvas. The elegance of their flight against the backdrop of concrete reflects the indomitable character of nature thriving in all environments of our planet, including the very heart of our cities.

Flying Low, Hong Kong, 2025.
Limited edition print available

Flock over Mong Kok, Hong Kong, 2025.
Limited edition print available

Flying Above, Hong Kong, 2023.
Limited edition print available

Light's Embrace, Hong Kong, 2024.
Limited edition print available

Caught in the Light, Hong Kong, 2024.
Limited edition print available

Sunlit Ascent, Hong Kong, 2025.
Limited edition print available

Magpie on Blooming Kapok, Hong Kong, 2025.
Limited edition print available

Sunbathing on the Burgeoning Tree, Hong Kong, 2025.
Limited edition print available

Diving Dove, Hong Kong, 2025.
Limited edition print available

Taking Off, Hong Kong, 2025.
Limited edition print available

Echoing Above the coffee table book Available here
Chapter I: Trees (23 photos) | Chapter II: Men (27 photos) | Chapter III: Birds (30 photos)
Hardcover, 104 pages, 270mm (H) x 220mm (W)
Published in 2025