Expressing my thoughts about my photographs is challenging because I primarily think in images, which are difficult to translate into words.
I’ve seen this tree countless times, often walking past it. I’ve always wanted to capture this scene – a mutilated tree against the backdrop of a pastel apartment building – but there were always numerous parked cars obstructing the view. One day, the street was completely empty, presenting me with a clean shot, bathed in the soft light of the early April morning sun.
It was a perfect moment.
However, I didn’t have any of my cameras with me, only my phone. I have Lightroom Mobile installed on my phone, which allows me to shoot in DNG format. The DNG files it generates are truly impressive in quality, and the imperfections of the phone’s miniature lens add a certain charm to the photos.
The image is untitled because I typically use the geographical location as the title for my photographs. My photos are generally a form of documentation, but this one is modified, making it somewhat artificial. A portion of the frame on the right side has been cleaned up of distracting elements, which is why I decided to leave it untitled and not assign it to a specific location. While the composition has been altered, the overall impact of the scene remains intact. Most people would not even notice the removed elements when viewing this scene in person, as our brains tend to filter out such details. For me, this scene represents a piece of the country and city where I live, but the photo is taken in a way that allows each viewer to create their own story.
What are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
I believe the photo’s strength lies in its composition. Every element within the frame contributes to the narrative. Despite the absence of human figures, the frame is imbued with their presence.
If you could make this photo again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?
Nothing. It’s a closed composition. The light is almost never like that there, and it’s never so empty.
Wojciech Karliński shared this photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Wojciech Karliński, Kielce, Poland
Equipment and settings
Motorola EDGE30 Neo
Lightroom Mobile
DNG, ISO 100, f/1.7, 1/480s
Photoshop editing
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