JANUARY 2025: TED FORBES
A PHOTOGRAPH THAT EMBRACES, RED
THE ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
From Ted Forbes: “I find colour to be very interesting, although I’m usually avoiding it when shooting black and white of course. But when I do incorporate colour, it needs to be there for a reason, and what is interesting to me is the weight a colour can hold. Red is a strong one because our eyes are so tuned in that colour. So my assignment is to shoot a picture incorporating the colour red in some way, shape or form. Try and use it as a contrast. Try to perhaps use it as something that is small in the composition but carries a lot of visual weight.”
HOW TO ENTER. IMPORTANT NOTES ON FILE SIZE AND ENTRIES
Send your entry to stories@photowalk.show. Your picture should be 2,500 pixels wide, if possible, for online optimisation. Or send the full-resolution photo, which we will optimise. Feel free to provide text as well if you think it will help explain the location, context, etc. Please don’t add borders or watermarks, and be sure to send links to your websites and socials so that we can link to your work on this assignment page. We’ll use a selection of photos you submit on our Photowalk Instagram to showcase your work to our community and help building connections.
Entries are shown below. Good luck!
Neale
TED FORBES
Two examples of red as part of Ted’s compositions, taken from his Instagram grid. Photographs copyright. Not to be reproduced or used without express permission from the photographe
REED GIDEZ
The visitor’s lobby at the UN headquarters in New York can often seem like the crossroads of the world with the constant flow of visitors from all over mixing with delegates from the four corners of the globe. This is a definite must-see for anyone visiting NYC for street photography! The gentleman in red initially caught my eye but then so did the interactions between the three men on the right. Clearly everyone was very engaged in some fashion. Of course their meeting was not taking place inside of Conference Room 4 but the sign adds a touch more humor to the scene.
ERIC DELORME
Calder’s Flamingo stabile, located in Federal Plaza in Chicago’s Loop.
I made this photo on the (rainy) morning of July 4, 2024, whilst visiting Chicago with my daughter to celebrate her birthday. (She wanted a daddy-and-daughter trip to see Ferris Bueller’s Chicago. How could I say no?)
Suffice it to say, Flamingo dominates the space, and its inimitable vermillion hues drown out everything around it. Since it was early Sunday morning and raining (a winning combination for crowd avoidance) I had tons of people-free compositions options at my disposal. Just as I was sizing up my shot, these two ladies popped into the frame and proceeded to make snaps using their phone. At first, I was annoyed and then became delighted at their presence. They add a certain balance and scale that would otherwise be missing.
It was only later as I was processing my RAW files that I noticed the interloper in blue on the left of the frame. That’s how dominant red is… everything else seems to become invisible.
See more of Eric’s work on Flickr and Glass as well as his landing page.
BOB SHONKOFF
First time entry for the Assignment! Taken in Oakland, California's Chinatown. In Chinese culture, the color red is a symbol of good luck.I like to think that there's a chance encounter about to happen in the photograph!
See more of Bob’s work on his website.
JOSHUA SHAEVITZ
Happy New Year! One of my plans for 2025 (I don’t like the term resolution) is to submit all the Photowalk assignments. Given my schedule, a monthly goal feels much more attainable for me than something like a 365 (which totally failed last year!). I also really like the “color red” assignment. Based on a previous guest of yours, I started several LR collections for colors and other themes. I’m not great at keeping them updated, but they are full of interesting pictures that, when looked at collectively, can tell surprising stories.
This photograph brings back wonderful memories from a fantastic trip I had with my family to Kenya in 2019. We were involved in a research project on animal behavior at the Mpala Research Center in Nanyuki. After diving into our work at the center, we enjoyed exploring other beautiful parts of the country, which was absolutely amazing—though sorting through thousands of pictures of animals afterwards was quite the task! We spent part of a day visiting a nearby Masai village. Amidst the lively demonstrations, I noticed this elder resting peacefully under a tree. The vibrant contrast of the red shuka against the rest of the scene caught my eye, and I couldn’t resist making this picture.
Best wishes from New Jerseyland (is that a thing?)
DAISEI IKETANI AKA “CHIP”
Nestled in the scenic Hikawa Gorge, about a 90-minute drive from central Tokyo, the Showa Bridge stands as a striking example of mid-20th-century engineering. Completed in 1959, this steel-framed deck arch bridge boasts a vivid red hue, which I suspect is due to red oxide primer, chosen for its anti-corrosive properties and high visibility.
The use of red in Japanese architecture, particularly in Shinto shrines and torii gates, carries deep cultural significance. Traditionally, vermilion is believed to ward off evil spirits and attract good fortune. While the Showa Bridge may not share this spiritual symbolism, it certainly captured my eye.
For me, the bridge’s bold red creates a captivating contrast against the lush evergreen backdrop, while harmonizing beautifully with the vibrant autumn foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees. This blend of natural and man-made elements is what makes this scene so compelling to me.
I hope this fulfills the assignment of using red to show contrast and carrying a lot of visual weight in comparison to the overall scene.
See more of Chip’s work on his website.
PHILIP ALLEN
This was a chance image taken when on a group photowalk shooting Christmas Decorations. I just saw the red sign, the red lights and the reflection in the rain and it had to be shot.
See more of Philip’s work on Instagram.
BIL DERBY
See more of Bil’s work on his website.
BILL MARRIOTT
I like this shot from January ‘24 for its cinematic feel. The composition, the slight camera tilt and the slight motion blur all work together to imply motion. And the colors, the amber light and car headlights all add to the emotion of the scene. I tried this photo in black and white and realized this is a case where the color, particularly red, is a significant part of the story.
See more of Bill’s work on Instagram.
MARILYN DAVIES
Here is my contribution to the assignment for January. Sticking to the brief that red had to be in the image, I've downplayed its "feature" a little but you can see in this image just how dominant the colour is. This image is of the bicycle entrance at the Kangaroo Point end of the new pedestrian bridge in Brisbane.
See more of Marilyn’s work on her website.
TIM BINDNER
Taken at Lake Michigan.
See more of Tim’s work on Flickr.
MARK CHRISTENSEN
Attached is my submission for the Red assignment. In 2024 my wife and I spent a week on the island of Maui where we had a wonderful time watching/photographing surfing. I am blessed to be married to a woman who enjoys watching the sport as much as I like photographing it. This surfers name is Logan Bediamol. I used photoshops custom blur tools to create the feeling of speed and incredible movement. It's not something I do all the time but I felt it fit this image well.
See more of Mark’s work on his website.
AMANDA WOOD
It’s a busy, noisy and hot place to be. Everyone's job is fast and everyone works together. This team were working on a farm in the Wheatbelt, east of Perth, Western Australia with a mob of 1000 sheep. They move around the sheds often living in shearers' quarters or a caravan or in the back of their vehicles. The pay is per sheep sheared - ewes are one price, rams are more. But sheep farming is facing a number of challenges; the market is declining, wool and sheep meat production is down, the climate is drier, and soon there will be a moratorium on live animal exports from Australia. My photo captures a nostalgic record of a once thriving industry.
JON DORSETT
This was shot at a local food market in rural Philippines on New Year’s Eve. It was chaotic and noisy, and aromatic, with everyone running around acquiring food for their feast later on that evening. It was actually the colour that drew me to this stand, and I’ve concluded that it was painted red to mask the blood spatter that was coming from handling the obviously freshly butchered meat. Maybe not one for the squeamish to view.
ALLIN SORENSON
The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights are a very rare occurrence in southern Missouri. Last May, we were told to be on the lookout, but they were fickle, and it was one evening on a whim that I decided to check, just one more time. This is what we experienced. It was a spectacular display that my better half and I shared on our driveway. There is nothing like seeing them in person, and it’s worth losing a little sleep if you ever get the chance.
See more of Allin’s work on Instagram.
ANTONY HIBBLE
Whatever your opinion on Extinction Rebellion, their protests are always visually stunning. This is a photograph I took when they took over London giving the city a splash of red across the usually busy streets.
See more of Antony’s work on Instagram.
ROBIN MARYON
This was taken in Liverpool on Mann Island. A wet lunchtime walk, this lady dashed past me sheltering from the rain. I only managed to get off 2 shots. I like the very simple grey/red colour palette and her dynamic dash to the grey shelter of the building.
See more of Rob’s work on his website.
MIKE MILLER
I was out on Saturday trying to recreate a street scene from a historical image that I digitized last week, and when I was walking back to my vehicle, I came across this curio shop. Outside, they had these really interesting bowls made out of coloured glass(?). Anyway, I had been listening to the podcast on the drive over and the colours in this bowl caught my attention. I framed up an image, pressed the shutter and voila - my submission for this month's photo challenge.
SIMON BLAKESLEY
My submission is of Dehavilland DHC-2 Beaver on floats (registration CF-FHZ), built in 1951. The Beaver is a classic piece of Canadian aviation heritage. Testament to their rugged design is that many of them continue to fly on, providing stellar service after 70+ years. Thanks to its red paint scheme I think -FHZ has to be the handsomest float plane in Whitehorse, especially when it emerges out of the mist to start a new adventure on a foggy fall Yukon morning.
See more of Simon’s work on his website.
HANS KRISTIAN LEREN
See more of Hans’ work on Instagram.
WALEED ALZUHAIR
See more of Waleed’s work on his website.
PAUL FRIDAY
The pool was on a caravan site. I saw the red windows and knew I had a red towel, so a couple of us sneaked back and climbed over the fence. I took one shot with flash, then we scarpered. If anyone recognises the house and pool, it wasn't lightning and I'm sorry.
JERILYN OWEN
Saturday was a mild day for January with the sun shining giving us a balmy 31 degrees and blue skies. I took a drive north into Door County, which is actually a peninsula. The Bay of Green Bay on the west side and Lake Michigan on the east. The Bay side never disappoints with beautiful ice. The red sign clearly marks the side of the dock for "Charter Fishing". This little pop of red caught my attention as the storm clouds were beginning to roll in.
TARA GARCIA
Submitting for the January: Red assignment and if it's too late in the game, there's always next month! Thank you for being my favorite companion in the kitchen or as I walk my pup, Isadora. She sometimes hears your pup barking in the background and she barks right back!
Photo: Future So Bright
iPhone 13 Pro
This was taken as I was walking home last summer from work in Downtown Brooklyn, one of the hottest days of the summer in NYC. Sometimes people are begging to be photographed, whether they know it or not. Candid Street photography and nature photography are my jam and this is a lovely convergence of both. Here's to a fulfilling and color-FILLED 2025.
See more of Tara’s work on Instagram.
PAUL MORGAN
GRAHAM GOODWIN
My contribution to this month's assignment. There's not a lot I can say about this, hopefully the photo speaks for itself.
See more of Graham’s work on his Instagram.
GLENN SOWERBY
The image submissions for the January Photowalk assignment nominated by Ted Forbes is bringing forward so many wonderful images, with the colour red captured in so many different ways. I think this month the assignment has really caught the imagination of everyone.
As I have said before, the assignment to me is a prompt to get out and try to capture something. Thankfully, this time around I was able to take advantage of the one snowy day we had in my location, although travel about another 10-15 miles inland and the snow was a lot deeper and stayed for a good week or so. For me it was fleeting and as I walked through my local park the crisp weather changed to rain and started to consign the snowy scene to soggy history. Stayed out in the weather for a couple of more hours and I think it took longer to dry the gear out than the snow stayed around!
The image itself is taken within Herrington Country Park (reclaimed and regenerated land on the site of the former Herrington Colliery) and this is near to one of the ponds within the park, although the swans, ducks and geese had all decided to stay indoors with the heating on and a hot water bottle handy!
See more of Glenn’s work on his Instagram.
PETER MADDERN
The image was made down at Porthleven on a recent January morning when the waves were big but the sun was out. Porthleven pier can be a dangerous place and at the landward end is a warning notice.On this day the chains were across but the people just went underneath them anyway. The warning sign reads:
EXTREME DANGER
Danger of Death to Breaking Seas
Pier is Closed When the Red Ball is Raised
See more of Peter’s work on Instagram.
DAVID HORNE
Once upon a time in Los Angeles, prior to the start of WWII, a successful mass transit rail system known has the Red Cars of the Pacific Electric Railway carried people and supplies throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
After World War II, the railway was slowly dismantled and replaced by cars, buses and freeways! Ah yes, LA became the land of the Automobile and as the fable or folklore would have you believe that was the goal of “the seven sisters” (big Oil) and the “big three automakers”. Whether or not it was conspiratorial on their part or not, LA did become the land of the moving parking lots known as the 405, the 5, the 110, the 210, the 101, the 2 and the 10 freeways that sometimes get you from point A to point B with no more that a 40 minute commute to travel 8 miles!
The Red Car pictured here is one of the few remaining cars. It resides in a nice slice of green space in the proud city of Seal Beach, California where I took this photo. -30-
See more of David’s work on VERO.
PAUL DONTSCHUK
Please find my entry for January Photowalk Assignment. It is titled Utzon's Spheres. Thanks for the great show and creating a photographic community of kindness.
CHAD GARNER
This shot was taken at Lexington, North Carolina’s annual BBQ Festival’s car show. This is one of my favorite cars to photograph over the last couple years due to the humorous display set up. I tried to use the reds and white of the car to kind of frame the skeleton subject in the frame.
STEPHANIE TAYLOR
Late afternoon reflections of the sun bounced off a building and hit the back end of my car. This is the turn signal light with a double reflection in my bumper. It's what I love about photography, even more than painting. If I'm super observant, I find such wonderfully mysterious things that I've never noticed before. BTW, as a painter and sculptor (forever), I've always used photography more for project research than as an end in itself. Listening to your podcasts, and Ted Forbes as well, is helping me learn. Truth? It's more like an obsession, devouring your content. So thank you.
See more of Stephanie’s work on her website and through Substack.
PETER TURNBULL
My contribution for this month’s assignment.
I was out at a local beach with some friends and one (pictured) was wearing what we jokingly call her ‘Baywatch’ swimsuit for obvious reasons. I quite like getting shots from behind the wave because it gives the viewer a better understanding of where the surfer is on the coast. But this one was different in that the ocean seems to merge with the sky with just the surfer and her red suit breaking the almost monotone image. The fact it’s a red suit adds to the contrast.
See more of Peter’s work on his website.
JEFF SMERALDO
Here is my entry for this month’s assignment of Red. My family and I were visiting our daughter in Galway for the Holidays. There was an older gentleman busker set up near the intersection of Abbeygate Street Lower and Shop Street, who had dogs and this donkey to attract folks to his playing. He was more than willing to let tourists and families to make pictures, and I passed a few Euros into his hat as thanks. I think the red Santa Claus hat really jumpes out as a splash of color in contrast to the drab building and cobblestone and the dark colors of the animals draws you into the face of the donkey. I like the way the hat is droopy to match the demeanor of the donkey who seems to not mind having a dog on his back or people flocking around them taking photos.
See more of Jeff’s work on Instagram.
LIONEL BOTHA
In December I took trip to Berlin and while wondering through the labyrinth of memory that is the Holocaust Memorial I saw a little girl in red running freely through the sombre corridors. Her vibrant presence, a stark contrast to the cold, grey monoliths, symbolised the fragile yet unyielding thread of hope amidst the shadows of history. To me this image is a poignant reminder that even in the depths of humanity's darkest chapters, the resilience of innocence and the promise of a brighter future endure. It compels us to reflect on the past, honour its lessons, and safeguard a world where every child can run freely, unburdened by the weight of remembrance.
See more of Lionel’s work on his Instagram.
JADE CALEGORY
Jade’s Instagram.
CARA GARCIA
MARK MACKAY
I’m particularly thankful for your show at the moment. It’s an opportunity to escape from the sudden and sad decline of my father-in-law who was diagnosed last week with extensive metastatic cancer in his bones. This is unrecoverable. The loss of 3 parents in 7-8 months (he’s not gone yet, but it’s near) has been a sad time, but it’s life.
As I sit in the room with my father-in-law the obvious “red” photo presented itself. Without blood he would have already passed. This is a photo that preserves his privacy but shows “the stuff of life” as it’s pumped into him.
[We thank you for your potent picture Mark and wish you and your family our best wishes at this time.]
MICHAEL SMITH
Pictured a iconic red phone box amongst the bland slate building in North Wales in Ynysypandy. The Slate Mill of Ynysypandy is a remarkable, albeit unusual, building in the north-west Wales slate industry area. It was a water-powered, multi-story, architecturally ambitious slate-slab mill that was constructed to service the transient Gorsedda Quarry. Despite having the appearance of a collapsed abbey, James Brunlees, the Gorsedda engineer, transferred technology from the expanding public railway network of the 1850s to its form, which is based on proven iron-foundry technology.
TIM CLARK
Corridor in Tate modern, London.
JOHN LANCASTER
Here’s my entry for the current assignment set by Ted Forbes, Red.
I should apologise immediately and accept my inevitable disqualification as the “Red” in my composition isn’t really a subtle element, it’s more the complete image.
Our recent storms have been pretty significant, and there have been countless tragic events impacting many reported in the media. Not wishing to downplay these, but when I saw the discarded brolly lying on the pavement, I did think about the impact on the previous owner, who they might be and how their day may have been effected by this small but significant disaster. And why they didn’t put it in the bin 10 feet away ? Whatever, it needed to be photographed!
See more of John’s work on Instagram, and his Wainwright Summits project.
DOUG LONG
I was walking around and saw this leaf just looking like it was hanging there. All the surrounding ones had fallen and this made me think of a moment frozen in time, the connection that when the last one fell we would be done with another beautiful season of color. Then we would be onto the black and white of wintertime.
See more of Doug’s work on his website.
GREG PICONE
I caught this image in the deserted hotel hallways during a recent visit with family in Roanoke, Virginialand. Thought it might fit the call for examples of the Ted Forbes, January assignment of RED. Gotta thank you Neale for the time and effort you put into your podcast. The inspiration to get out and shoot is invaluable.
See more of Greg’s work on Instagram.
CAROLINE BURKE
DREW BROWN
Here is my image from Castlefield in Manchester.
ANNE GRIEVES
This photo was taken on my way back from Inverness after photo retreat and we were sitting at Carlisle Station when I noticed the chap in red and then the red postbox - it was obviously a photo to be taken!
JADE LEE
This is my photo for the January Assignment. I have called it, 'Dot on the landscape.'
I actually went out for a walk intending to take a completely different photo that I had an idea about. In the process, I snapped this shot of the storm clouds and spotted the red car afterwards. I tend not to stop during a walk and so my photos often have a slightly blurry effect.
ANDREW NODEN
Please find attached my Photo for the January assignment “RED”. The photo was captured on the Lime Kiln Trail in Ottawa, Ontario. Shot on a CANON 70D.
See more of Andrew’s work on Instagram.
JOHN GRINDLE
We travelled to Charmouth yesterday, for a stroll along the cliffs, before finding some shelter from the biting cold wind for our coffee. We watched (at a safe distance) bigs waves crashing over the promenade. I spotted the red lifebuoy and was about to get a shot when these four fellow wave watchers sat in front of us, so I have included them as well…
See more of John’s work on Instagram.
JOHN CHARLTON
Since opening in 1904, the Peterborough Lift Lock has been raising and lowering two gigantic water buckets 140 ft long, 33 ft wide, and 7 ft deep simultaneously as part of the Trent Severn Waterway between the Bay of Quinte and Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada. Containing over seven million pounds of water, plus whatever watercraft happen to be on board, the lift is a marvel of mechanical engineering, lifting boats 65 feet, a huge advance over the 7 foot maximum lift of most lock designs of the day. The subtly painted neon red numbers on this gated tunnel at the side of one of the lift towers caught my attention as I walked around the large structure.
To see more images of the Peterborough Lift Lock, visit John’s Substack.
