Photography often involves deciding what to focus on, especially in environments with extreme detail. Breaking a scene into small, compelling parts can reveal perspectives you might not otherwise notice. Rather than aiming for grand compositions, varying shapes, textures or lighting within a setting can create more striking and individual images.
Coming to you from Alex Kilby photographic eyeThis thoughtful video explores the creative process of painting details rather than entire subjects. Using the Duxford Imperial War Museum as a backdrop, Kilby focuses on the aircraft but avoids typical full-aircraft images. Instead, he looks for shapes, patterns and textures – elements like the curve of a wing or the bold contrast of a nose cone. He shares how separating these parts can create cleaner and more attractive photos. Even when the conditions aren’t perfect, experimenting with angles and perspectives can yield interesting results.
Kilby highlights the challenges of working with lighting and backgrounds in the museum. The flat lighting made it difficult to capture the form, which relies on shadows to add depth. Some compositions required strict framing to avoid cluttered backgrounds, while others demanded a different perspective altogether. This process took them out of their comfort zone, encouraging a more thoughtful approach to engaging with the subject matter. For Kilby, it’s not just about technical choices, but also about finding a personal connection with the scene, even in an environment that can feel disconnected or overwhelming.
An important takeaway from this video is how lighting affects the perception of a subject. Kilby compares areas of natural light with spaces illuminated by artificial sources, showing how directional light can create strong shapes and textures. He emphasizes the importance of working with what is available and adapting one’s approach to suit the environment. Even when conditions are not ideal, focusing on small, overlooked details can yield unique photographs. Watch the video above for full details on Kilby.
