I love this photo. No one loves this photo as much as I do, though. If you’re supposed to kill your darlings, this is not one I am willing to leave on editing floor. It is not technically perfect, but it’s compelling to me in a way that I think deserves a breakdown.

Here’s Everything I like about this Photo:

• The multitude of reflections create chaos in the frame, contrasted by the sense of calm on the inside of the shop. The woman, alone, quietly pouring a coffee.
• The focus is clear and definite. You know where to look, even though the eye gets pulled all around the image. It is anchored in the woman.
• It feels like one of those I SPY books from when I was a kid. I notice new things each time I look.
• The building and the restaurant are iconic; Torontonians will know where this is, if not by the facade and hint of the Peter Pan logo, then certainly by the 501 Streetcar sign.
• Most masked images make me a little bummed out… but this one, it feels like it is referential to the pandemic without focusing on it.
• PRESERVE. I just love that.

Chiokoe Utte’essia,

C