Blog - no.19: The Story Behind One of My Favourite Photos

This photograph was taken on Monday 8 February 2021. Snow clouds had been building throughout the day, with local forecasts predicting a significant fall. I was working from home, buried in spreadsheets and numbers, and not paying much attention to the view outside. Given how unpredictable the English weather can be, it did not feel worth the distraction.

Later that evening, I found myself capturing one of my favourite images, right in the centre of my local town, transformed by snow. Considering my physical condition at the time, it is a night that has stayed with me, not just creatively, but professionally as well.

I had already been walking in the snow for some time when I decided to take a calculated risk and head down a steep hill. The road was closed and completely clear of tyre tracks, which immediately stood out. Strong observation is one of the most valuable skills a photographer can develop, particularly in commercial environments where opportunities are often brief. On this occasion, noticing something others had passed by made all the difference.

At the time, I was recovering from spinal compression fractures. While I would never recommend unnecessary risk, I was well prepared, properly equipped, and confident in my footing. That same mindset of preparation and measured decision making is one I carry into professional assignments, where working safely and responsibly is just as important as capturing the image.

This image was one of only four frames taken near to this position. The composition was deliberate. The continuous line of buildings on either side of the road created strong natural leading lines, while the slight elevation allowed a clear view across the bridge and into the distance. It was 20:42 in the evening, and with most people sensibly indoors, the town had taken on a quiet, almost cinematic quality.

Because of my physical condition at the time, I was travelling light and had deliberately left my main camera equipment at home. The image was captured using an iPhone. Despite owning professional camera gear, this photograph reinforces an important principle in my commercial work: the best tool is the one that allows you to deliver the result efficiently and effectively. Modern smartphones perform exceptionally well in low light, often removing the need for tripods or complex setups in certain situations.

The image required no complicated settings. It was a straightforward, considered capture, with attention paid to framing, perspective and minor keystone correction. The process reflects how I approach corporate photography, focusing on clarity, purpose and strong visual structure rather than unnecessary complexity.

If I were to take this image again, the one change I might consider would be the inclusion of people within the frame. While the empty scene tells a story of a quiet winter’s night, a couple of figures could have added narrative and scale. That kind of reflection mirrors how commercial projects evolve, where reviewing imagery helps refine future briefs and deliver even stronger visual communication.

I later entered this photograph into a competition at my local camera club, where it was awarded top marks by the judge. The recognition was particularly meaningful given the simplicity of the setup. It reinforces the idea that strong imagery is driven by observation, timing and intent, not just equipment.

Even now, the image brings back a clear sense of the moment. The colour in the sky, the falling snow and the stillness of the scene all come together to create a visual that feels calm and purposeful. These are the same qualities I aim to bring to my corporate, industrial and commercial photography, producing images that feel considered, professional and quietly confident.

Sometimes photography is about careful planning, and other times it is about responding quickly to conditions as they unfold. In commercial environments, both approaches matter. If there is one takeaway from this image, it is the value of observation. Closed roads, unusual weather, or unexpected light can transform ordinary locations into something distinctive.

I encourage photographers and businesses alike to revisit images that resonate with them and consider why they work. Photography is ultimately about communication. Whether documenting a brand, a workplace or a fleeting moment, thoughtful visuals help tell stories clearly and credibly.

Snowy evenings under streetlights are a reminder that striking images often exist just outside our usual routines. Being ready to recognise and respond to those moments is what allows us photographers to create work that genuinely stands out.