Street Photography in Kuala Lumpur

Petaling Street is the heart of Chinatown, a covered market street of stalls selling food and souvenirs. Sandy, a photographer based in Singapore, found vendors shouting to passersby while locals mingled with tourists, and worked it with a 35mm. Shutter Groove recommends about 8:00 in the morning, when low sun cuts across the street and people are eating breakfast while stalls set up. After dark, neon and shop lights take over. Stand at one end under the roof and shoot along the street for layers of signs and faces. The crowd gets thick in the evening, so keep your bag close.

Kwai Chai Hong is a restored back alley in Chinatown, decorated with murals and art installations about the area's history. It is one of the most photographed corners in Kuala Lumpur, which means you will share it with people posing. Make that the subject. Frame the person holding the phone along with the person posing, or wait for a passerby who echoes a painted figure on the wall. Late afternoon and evening are best, when the alley lights come on. It is small and gets congested, so step aside for people coming through.

Central Market is an Art Deco market building next to Chinatown that now sells local crafts and souvenirs. Shutter Groove likes its colorful facade and the activity inside for candid shots. It is a useful place when it rains, which in Kuala Lumpur often means a heavy afternoon storm. Shoot shoppers against the painted facade from across the road, or look for artisans working at their stalls inside. Ask before photographing someone at work up close. The Pasar Seni train stations are next door, so it is an easy starting point.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple, on Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. Its tower gate, the gopuram, is covered in detailed statues and makes a strong backdrop for people passing below. Shutter Groove notes that the Pasar Karat flea market has moved to the area near the temple, and it is busiest on weekends, with vintage watches and old clothes. Shoot the gate from across the street as worshippers come and go, then walk into the flea market for characters. Remove your shoes to enter and ask before photographing anyone inside.

Merdeka Square is the big open square at the center of colonial Kuala Lumpur, surrounded by old buildings including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It is a short walk from Chinatown. Sandy used a 135mm here to pick out details of the architecture. For street work, late afternoon gives warm light on the facades and long shadows across the open ground. Use the wide space for small figures: a single walker crossing in front of the arches. There is little shade, so avoid the middle of the day.

Pudu Market is a busy wet market east of the center. Robin Wong, a Malaysian street photographer who has shot here for years, calls it one of the best places in KL and says the people are generally friendly and don't mind being photographed. Go at dawn, when the market is loudest and the light is low. Look for butchers and fishmongers under hanging bulbs, and customers bargaining across the stalls. Floors are wet and there is a lot of moving traffic in the lanes, so wear shoes you don't mind ruining and watch for carts.

Chow Kit is known for one of the city's largest fresh wet markets, with narrow aisles of fish and produce. It mainly serves a Muslim customer base. Robin Wong calls the area a holy grail for street photography and says he always came home with keepers. In 2016 he wrote that the old main market building was being demolished, and a newer market block now stands in the area. Come early in the morning for trade and porters. The market aisles are tight, so a wide lens helps. This is a gritty part of town; keep your gear close and your approach friendly.