One of my favourite things to do in any small town, particularly in Europe, is to simply get lost. Just wander the small backstreets. If your first inclination is to turn right, turn left instead. Make the effort to climb that steep alley to see what’s around the corner.
This carefully set cafe table and chairs were sitting at the back of a dead-end alleyway. Given the heavily weathered condition of the table and chairs, I doubt it was intended for service. But photographically, it’s all about two of the basic elements of visual design – texture and colour. Cool Provencal blue against the warm colours of the wall creates a complementary pair, with each reinforcing the intensity of the other, while the same wall forms a more harmonious pairing with the green of the floor area. The weathered blue shutter, the table, the chairs and the screened door opening are all about texture.
Seeing, not just looking, is an essential skill for any photographer to develop. Getting lost and dedicating time to seeing is a pleasant way to sharpen those skills.
Back Alley in Lourmarin, Provence.
