The Tate Modern is always on my list whenever I visit London. It had been a while since I last visited because of the COVID pandemic. The Tate always provides excellent photo opportunities, whether it be of the interior of the building or of exhibits, but more importantly the interaction of people with the place or with the exhibits.
I was wandering around the place and had just got out of the elevator when I noticed the person sitting alone having a snack next to the big zero. His attire was also great with the cowboy hat and coat, it was an instant command for a click. I must admit that I first took the photo and then approached the person to inform him that I took a photo of him (in these situations i always seek permission). I showed him the photo, had a little chat and got his contact details so I could send him the photo.
It is a personal choice that I like photos with human presence. The elevator area at the Tate is nice enough on its own and its either too busy or empty and you rarely find people sitting at the bench next to the elevator. This was just picture perfect, I guess set up by luck. The photo is also original (not converted) black and white which I believe suits the frame. Again it was by feeling that I only carried a Black and white camera as I had previously shot London and the Tate in colour on numerous occasions and felt the urge to constrain myself to black and white. It is always a contentious issue with photographers which one is better and an issue which will never be resolved.
As a photographer (albeit an amateur one) I also like minimal frames with clear lines and this photo opportunity was just right.
What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
“Clean” lines and black & white.
If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?
Nothing really!
Christodoulos Papadopoulos shared this photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Christodoulos Papadopoulos, Nicosia, Cyprus
Equipment and settings
Leica M10 Monochrom & 50mm lens
ISO3200, f/4, 1/125 sec.
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