FLICKR LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2rGWjQm
PORTRAIT: BIRTHDAY AT CROSSRAIL PLACE
Scene Setup
I photographed the model at the Crossrail Place tunnel in Canary Wharf. My intention was to create a joyful birthday portrait that showed her happiness while using the vibrant colours of the location to reinforce the celebratory mood.
I positioned her beside the reflective surface and photographed from a low angle. This allowed the tunnel’s repeated panels and diagonal lines to form an energetic background. Her red dress connects visually with the red sections in the architecture, while the blue and neutral panels provide colour contrast. I used the 85mm lens at f/1.8 to place visual emphasis on her face and soften the more distant details. My main focus point was her nearest eye.
Observations
Her expression is the most important element because it communicates genuine happiness and confidence. The direct eye contact gives the portrait an immediate connection with the viewer. Her raised foot, relaxed arms and turned posture add movement and prevent the pose from feeling rigid.
The composition uses diagonals, repetition, colour harmony and negative space. I placed her towards the right side of the frame rather than directly in the centre, allowing the architecture to describe the location and contribute to the story. The reflective foreground leads towards her and creates an additional layer of depth.
The mixed light produced warm and cool colours across the scene. I exposed carefully for her face and the red dress, while the f/1.8 aperture and ISO 500 allowed me to work with the available light. Her eyes and facial features remain sharp, while the background is less dominant.
Why I chose this image
I chose this portrait because it captures a happy birthday moment rather than simply recording how the model looked. Her expression, the red dress and the colourful tunnel work together to create a lively and celebratory photograph.
What I would improve
If I were to improve the shot, I would try shooting at a slightly different time of day to soften the shadow on the right column, which is a little stronger than I’d like. I might also experiment with stepping back further or shooting at a lower angle to emphasise the scale of the building even more. A small lift in the mid-tones could help bring out a bit more texture in the stone.
EQUIPMENT USED
Sony A7C II
Sony FE 85mm F1.8
Sony FE 85mm F1.8
CAMERA SET UP
Set the Camera Mode to Manual
Set the focus length to 85mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/125s
Set the aperture to F1.8
Set the ISO to 500
Set the focus length to 85mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/125s
Set the aperture to F1.8
Set the ISO to 500
85mm - 1/125s - f1.8 - ISO 500
LANDSCAPE
Scene Setup
I captured this photograph early in the morning at One New Change in London, looking towards St Paul’s Cathedral. It was the morning of the London eclipse, which made the occasion particularly special. I arrived early because I wanted an uncluttered view and enough time to position the camera accurately before the area became busy.
I used the glass buildings on either side to frame the cathedral and placed the dome close to the centre of the composition. I focused on the cathedral and used f/8 to keep the architectural details and reflections sharp. The 24mm focal length allowed me to include the cathedral, the surrounding glass and enough foreground to create depth.
Observations
The strongest part of the photograph is the relationship between the historic cathedral and the modern reflective architecture. The glass surfaces repeat fragments of St Paul’s, creating rhythm and making the cathedral appear to extend across the scene. The drainage channel in the foreground acts as a leading line, taking the viewer directly towards the dome. The diagonal edges of the buildings also converge towards the centre and reinforce the focal point.
I used symmetry, repetition, natural framing and leading lines rather than the rule of thirds. The exposure retains detail in the pale stone while the darker foreground helps create depth. The blue glass contrasts with the warmer stone, separating the cathedral clearly from its surroundings.
Why I chose this shot
I chose this photograph because it combines preparation, timing and a distinctive viewpoint. The eclipse morning gave the experience personal significance, while the composition represents the contrast between historic and contemporary London.
What I would improve
If I were to improve the shot, I would try shooting at a slightly different time of day to soften the shadow on the right column, which is a little stronger than I’d like. I might also experiment with stepping back further or shooting at a lower angle to emphasise the scale of the building even more. A small lift in the mid-tones could help bring out a bit more texture in the stone.
EQUIPMENT USED
Canon R5
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L
CAMERA SET UP
Set the Camera Mode to Manual
Set the focus length to 24mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/250s
Set the aperture to F8
Set the ISO to 100
Set the focus length to 24mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/250s
Set the aperture to F8
Set the ISO to 100
24mm - 1/250s - f8.0 - ISO 100
CHOICE
Scene Setup
I chose this architectural scene because the entrance has a very striking design with repeating lines, deep shadows, and clean stone textures. The light was falling across the building at an angle, which helped create a strong contrast between the bright walls and the darker recessed doorway. The symmetry and structure of the space made it feel like the perfect subject for black and white.
Observations
How I used contrast
The main contrast in this image comes from the bright stone facade against the dark carved door at the centre. The way the recessed frames step backwards creates layers of shadow, each one darker than the last, which naturally pulls the viewer’s eye towards the middle. By exposing for the highlights on the stone, the shadows became richer and more defined, giving the image depth and shape.
How I used texture
The stone columns, steps and frames all have subtle surface texture that becomes more noticeable in black and white. The directional light helped reveal the lines and imperfections in the stone. The carved wooden door also adds a different kind of darker, heavier and more detailed texture that gives the centre of the image a tactile, almost sculptural quality.
Why I chose this shot
I chose this shot because of its strong symmetry and the way the structure naturally creates a sense of depth. The repeating frames act like leading lines without needing movement or colour. I like how the image feels bold but still calm, and how the doorway becomes the obvious focal point. The tones work well across the whole frame.
What I would improve
If I were to improve the shot, I would try shooting at a slightly different time of day to soften the shadow on the right column, which is a little stronger than I’d like. I might also experiment with stepping back further or shooting at a lower angle to emphasise the scale of the building even more. A small lift in the mid-tones could help bring out a bit more texture in the stone.
EQUIPMENT USED
Canon R5
Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L
Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L
CAMERA SET UP
Set the Camera Mode to Manual
Set the focus length to 20mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/125s
Set the aperture to F8
Set the ISO to 400
Set the focus length to 20mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/125s
Set the aperture to F8
Set the ISO to 400
