Day 10: Colour popping

For today’s challenge, I was asked to pick a colour, any colour, and compose a photograph that exemplifies that colour. Easy enough right? Not quite as you’d think.

If something sounds easy, expect the opposite and expect to spend more time that initially planned.

And that’s especially true in this case. Where do I find vibrant colours that pop out of the picture in a constructive and presentable way in London’s grey winter colours?

People! My favourite subject. I noticed throughout the years that people in ‘greyer’ countries and weather conditions tend to wear brighter colors than people living in warmer and brighter regions. Maybe it’s because they want to stand out more, on maybe, an effort to brighten up their days.

For the second day in a row, I grabbed my camera and soared the streets of central London trying to capture colors that would instantly pop out from their surroundings, creating a unique atmosphere.

This time, I spend a bit more time trying to find the right spot to snap pictures of passers-by. I tried crowded crossroads, small alleyways, lunch spots, and open food markets. Nothing popped out for me.

And then had a ‘lightbulb’ moment. Tube stations!

I was in luck. Tottenham Court Road is a busy, vibrant and popular station close to my workplace. Similar to Bond Street and Oxford Street stations, it’s also a popular street musicians’ corner.

Because I opted in for a similar style with yesterday’s challenge, I decided to use the same gear and lense, my 50–200mm at f/5.0.

I’m happy with the result. Your eye draws immediately on the subject matter while blue and yellow are perfect combinations of deep red, making my subject stand out without feeling out of place.