April 10, 2025

What window light taught me

Some places are better in the off-season, and the canal district is one of them. Walking back, I found a side street I had never noticed before, lined with tiny workshops.

Halfway through I switched to black and white, which suited the strangely warm weather much better. I kept a paper notebook this time, writing down the time and the light for every roll.

There is something calming about returning to the same spot and noticing small changes since the last visit. On the way home the train was nearly empty, so I reviewed the day's notes and planned the next trip.

By noon the crowds arrived, so I walked further along the path, where window light were still undisturbed. Working with a cheap zoom from a flea market forces you to slow down. You think twice before pressing the shutter, and that changes the pictures.

If you go, bring warm socks and a thermos — the café closes early.