On a beautiful warm May day in spring some years ago now, I had the incredible chance to visit Henry Moore's studio, a haven of creativity. Armed with my first SLR camera and my first roll of Kodachrome slide film, I was in the quiet presence of unfinished masterpieces. Moore wasn't there that day, but I felt his essence in every curve and contour of his small and large sculptures.

I was given permission to take photographs and my lens captured a particularly beautiful biomorphic work. It sat on his workbench illuminated by light from the skylight above. The beauty of the sculpture, the perfect lighting, and my nascent compositional skills came together, allowing my simple camera and its basic light meter to capture a moment of pure harmony.

The original colour photograph captured the magic of that day and unknowingly contributed to setting me on a path to a future in photography. Years passed, and the digital age has prompted me to revisit this formative image as a retrospective black and white.

This new version is more than just a picture; it is a narrative that spans years, a dialogue between the analog past and the digital present. It stands as a testament to a crucial moment when, guided by Henry Moore's silent teachings, I captured more than a sculpture; I captured a future whispered through my camera's aperture. This photo is a blend of past insights and present skills, honouring the day when light, form, and ambition came together, laying the groundwork for my lifelong photographic journey.

Looking at the photograph now I can see how the lighting accentuates the textures and form of the sculpture. The strong composition, with the use of negative space creates a dramatic effect and draws focus to the sculpted form, creating an impression of quiet strength and serenity.

Henry Moore was one of the most prominent sculptors of his time and I am deeply thankful for the way he inspired me, even without knowing it. His studios and gardens are well worth a visit…
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