I have been doing photography, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, all of my adult life. It is only in the last five years or so that I have begun to clearly identify my genre, which I call Observational Photography.

Photography is the art of capturing what you see. Sharing that image with others provides an opportunity for the viewer to experience a perspective on the world through the eyes of the person behind the camera.

Many photographers travel far and wide for their subject matter. They may find their inspiration in exotic places, wait patiently for days to record elusive wildlife, click the shutter in that split second of a stunning sporting achievement, or perhaps observe and record people in a variety of settings.

I took this photo during a visit to London. It was not a photographic outing. My photography happens during the course of my everyday life.

Observational Photography is the notion and practice of finding an interesting image wherever you may be. By engaging with the ‘ordinary’ or ‘everyday’ scene from a different perspective, by noticing shadows, reflections, angles, colors, and shapes present at that moment, the resulting images aim to capture the ordinary and display the extraordinary.

I use a very compact [but capable] camera so that I can carry it without it being a heavy burden. If I don’t have my camera, I use my phone [an iPhone 14 Pro Max], which produces superb results, but I prefer the flexibility of a “real” camera.

My work is based entirely on what I see. My use of Photoshop or other software is minimal and infrequent.

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

The subject fills the frame well. I have strengthened the diagonal element by paying attention to the corners [top right and bottom left].

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

Maybe consider presenting it as a monochrome image.

Collin Walls shared this photograph with the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

Collin Walls, Malvern, UK

Equipment and settings

Sony RX100 VI
wide aperture