11 exposures: discovering the hidden gems of St Albans
Join me on my latest photowalk in St Albans, where I explore and photograph some of the city’s lesser-known, more unusual corners. This walk inspired my very first photofilm, a creative way to bring still images to life through video, storytelling and sound.
A beautiful day for a St Albans photowalk
It was one of those unexpectedly glorious mid-October days , warm, bright and filled with that golden light every photographer in Hertfordshire dreams of. I couldn’t resist grabbing my camera and heading into town to see what I could capture.
Inspiration from a master of storytelling
For some time, I’ve been following the work of Tomasz Trzebiatowski, editor of FRAMES Magazine – a publication dedicated to showcasing photography as an art form, both in print and online. Tomasz is not just an editor but also an inspiring photographer and storyteller.
In his photowalks around his home in Switzerland, he does more than simply share his final images. He takes viewers with him, talking through what catches his attention, why he stops to photograph a scene and how each image connects emotionally. His videos are calm, reflective and deeply engaging, turning a walk with a camera into a cinematic and personal experience.
Inspired by Tomasz’s thoughtful approach, I decided to create my own interpretation – a St Albans photofilm that combines stills, short video clips, commentary and background music.
Photographing the not-so-obvious
Instead of visiting the well-known landmarks and tourist attractions, I chose to seek out the hidden gems, the details, textures and moments that are often missed. I had no plan or route in mind. I simply wandered, following the light and my instincts, allowing curiosity to lead the way.
It hardly felt like October. The sunlight was warm, the air calm, and the streets were carpeted with golden leaves. The crisp crunch underfoot was a welcome change from the usual autumn rain.
Finding beauty in the unnoticed
The creative challenge for this walk was to focus on street photography in St Albans that felt different, subjects hiding in plain sight, the ones most people pass by without noticing. It was refreshing to slow down, observe and discover beauty in the everyday.
After around an hour and a half, I had a collection of images that told the story of my walk. Back at my desk, I reviewed, edited and narrowed them down to eleven photographs that best captured the essence of the day.
What is a photofilm?
A photofilm is a short visual story that blends still photography, moving footage, sound and narration to create a more immersive experience. Unlike a traditional slideshow, a photofilm captures the mood, pace and atmosphere of the moment, allowing viewers to feel as though they’re walking alongside the photographer.
This St Albans photofilm marks my first attempt at combining these elements into one creative piece, showcasing the charm, character and hidden beauty of the city I love photographing.
Enjoy the walk
So here it is – 11 exposures: some of the more unusual hidden gems of St Albans. Sit back, press play and enjoy the walk through my lens.
If you’d like to book your own photography experience in St Albans, whether for personal branding, portraits or events, get in touch. I’d love to help tell your story through creative, meaningful images.