I am John Cavana, and I live in North Oxfordshire, England. I’m a ‘mature’ photographer (81), although my interest deepened only after retirement. I’m energetic and passionate in my photography, and a day rarely passes that I don’t have a camera in my hand.

I use Leica cameras, a Q2 for the occasions when I need to react quickly and a Leica M10, which is fully manual, for those other times when I can photograph with greater intention. I am non-competitive, and I aim to please only myself. If others like my results, then it is a very welcome bonus.

I like to make impactful images and am always on the lookout for opportunities. Street photography is one of my main interests, and I spend much of my time walking city streets and attending big events such as County Fairs, vintage car shows, Pride Marches, etc. My home is close to Oxford, and I can often be found stalking the city streets looking for special moments. I particularly enjoy photographing degree ceremonies, matriculation days, and anything at all connected with university life. Another passion I have is for making colourful and striking images when I am presented with the opportunity.

On this occasion, I didn’t need to travel very far. I walked into my kitchen early one August morning and was immediately struck by the way the sunlight made such contrasting patterns. The walls are red, and the kitchen cupboards are white, and I used spot metering to deepen the shadows. No elaborate preparation was needed, and the shot was taken handheld. I made quite a few versions of the scene, but the one I posted pleased me most

What are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!

The red and black contrasts and the use of negative space.

If you could make this photo again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or differently?

I would like to make this image again in black and white.

John Cavana shared this photograph with the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

John Cavana, Banbury, England

Equipment and settings

Leica Q2 camera,1/2000 sec at f/4