To scroll down Annabel’s feed is like walking through a photography course. Light on the subject, rule of thirds, centered composition, getting low, telling a story, etc etc.. Annabel’s natural ability to take quality photos each and every week is nothing short of impressive. From black and whites, to portraits, to street photography, Annabel’s photos deserve to be recognized, which makes me proud to have her as our Featured Framer this month. This week marks Annabel’s 223rd frame in the project!

-Yosef

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Name: Annabel Smith

Current All-Time Streak: 223

Joined 52Frames: Week 1 of 2022

Your “walk-around” gear right now:

A Nikon Z6 II with lens Nikon 24-70mm F4

(paid Amazon links)

The place you call home:

Bletchingley, Surrey, in the UK

Your life in 30 words or less

Mum to grown sons, wife, gardener and outdoor wanderer. London-based Exec Assistant, staying boot camp fit for whatever life brings next. Fuelled by fresh air and creativity.

Can you share 2 images, one from your past, and one more recent, that show your evolution as a photographer?

What has been your favorite style of shooting lately?

Street Photography: I love the hunt for light and the moment — eleventy trillion shots for just one red coat, a cool hat or (preferably also) the ‘tidy’ walk… I’m a beginner, but captivated by the chase.

What was the first photo you ever submitted to 52Frames?

How did you find out about 52Frames?

I had bought a new camera in readiness for a trip to Antarctica. A wise friend suggested 52Frames as a way of me learning my camera and he was right, although when the trip came around in week 46 in my first year 2022 – food photography- I nearly lost

What submission are you most proud of and why?

My triangle composition frame at Canary Wharf. Before 52Frames, I didn’t even know what triangle composition was. It took patience and many attempts to capture a single person perfectly placed — but the moment it aligned, it felt like progress.

One tip you’d like to share?

Keep going, even if you think the challenge is mad – like ‘spoon photography’ you still learn something. I borrowed a spoon from the Hospitality team at work (week 28 2024) – they loved the result so much they printed it and stuck it on the wall in the kitchen – and let me keep the spoon..😀

Why is 52Frames meaningful to you?

When I look back through my 52Frames profile, I see chapters of my life where showing up with consistency and creativity genuinely carried me through challenging times. There are weeks where I can’t believe I submitted anything at all, yet the need to create became its own therapy.

I also learn best by doing, so the growth has been huge — both in photography and in understanding my camera. In four years as a framer, I’ve learned more than I ever expected, and I wouldn’t have learned it any other way.

But most of all, 52Frames changed how I see. I notice light, shadow, reflection, detail, texture, leading lines, triangles, what you can do with a spoon.. the beautiful wabi-sabi of the world. Even if the “perfect shot” arrives the week after the challenge, the gift is that now I see it.

And I love my framer friends.

To view Annabel’s profile on 52Frames, click here: