I took a day out of my usual routine today to join my Bedales School pupils in London for a concert at St. Luke’s Church, Chelsea. After we’d played I went upstairs to the balcony to take some photos of the other musicians in action and it was during the choir’s performance that I noticed this lady, one of the school staff, who looked absolutely spellbound by the music. She was caught in a beautiful shaft of sunlight and I just managed to catch this one frame before she moved.

After the concert I had a couple of hours to kill before I needed to travel home so I went to a gallery just off Regent Street where they were showing a collection of Arnold Newman’s environmental portraits. I was really pleased I made the effort as many of the photos were very striking. My favourites were his iconic photo of the composer Stravinsky and a portrait of the artist Piet Mondrian. The exhibition’s only on until the 11th February but if you find yourself at a loose end in London before then I can strongly recommend it. You can see more information here.

I like the composition and I love the light .... ......... Nice shot Helen. ????? · 2012-02-01: 17:46

Helen this is so beautiful. The lighting and the contrast of her golden hair and clothing against the dark pews is wonderful. I will fave this one. Plus, she is beautiful. danrav · 2012-02-01: 17:46

lovely composition of light on the lady. MoMac · 2012-02-01: 17:49

Beautiful capture.. mrmeliska · 2012-02-01: 17:54

are you kidding? I would love to find myself at a loose end in London!!! fabulous catch of natural light, well done! urmysunshine · 2012-02-01: 17:59

i love how the light is shining over her! so beautiful jennyLit · 2012-02-01: 19:18

Looks like she was just waiting for you and your camera. The light really accentuates her delicate features and blond hair. Excellent capture of her and the beauty in the wood railings. djnana · 2012-02-01: 21:39

I really like the soft lighting in this shot giving her hair a soft halo effect and of course her expression :-) KatysPassionata · 2012-02-01: 22:11

What a wonderful candid shot, Helen! The light is fantastic! lgnelson · 2012-02-01: 22:55

loneliness :( Shaparak · 2012-02-01: 23:08

love the composition and the solitary figure it is so peaceful slowpete · 2012-02-02: 00:08

A wonderful portrait Helen! The light playing its fairness, the relaxed but concentrated position, blindly in the listening, the warm color of the wood, everything participates in this idea of meditation josy63 · 2012-02-02: 03:05

This is a wonderful image...that tells its own story....just beautiful!! LAZYWASP · 2012-02-02: 03:30

The portrait of Stravinsky , made by Arnold Newman is significant, but the candid portrait you made is that too. Ryana · 2012-02-02: 13:20

wonderful capture... ????? · 2012-02-02: 19:00

Tagged: candid portrait people