This week I was reminded of a house I photographed way back in 2017 with Ben Pentreath. One of the pictures from that particular story has been reposted many times on Instagram and it made me wonder why some images seem to hit the spot, and have such an appeal to so many.
For me, as a photographer, when I frame a picture up, it is quite often, an instant knowing that the image I am attempting to capture has got the elusive X Factor. It generally comes easily and feels good, there is no resistance and I feel in the flow, an inner knowing that the visual stars are aligning just so. Perhaps there is a bit of rearranging that goes on before the final image is finalised, moving a cushion, adding some flowers, or straightening a rug, but other than that, it comes easy, the ingredients just need a little adjusting. 

Below are a few images of mine that have been shared on more than a few occasions and a few words on why I think they have something special. I am not sure I have quite answered my question satisfactorily, I am not a writer, but I hope it inspires the question in you, as to what makes an image so appealing & hits the visual sweet spot.



The beautiful serene sitting room in a townhouse in Highgate, North London. Interior design by Ben Pentreath. Sidelight (always a photographer's friend), eye-catching colour, pattern, architecture, the door frame - a visual invitation to step into the picture. This room has a certain romanticism, don't you think? The Farrow & Ball setting plaster walls & the exuberant GP&J Baker upholstered chair all cleverly play with the other patterns and textures in the room, it all looks so effortless but only a very clever eye can do this so beautifully, hats off to Mr. Pentreath. All these elements, I believe, make this picture a winner.
The stunning yellow, satin-lined sitting room in The Studio's, No.33 Tite Street, Chelsea, London, was created by Sally Mackereth Studio. This house was a purpose-built artist's residence and has a rich history. Whistler & Oscar Wilde both resided here. The fireplace pictured is situated in the vast studio, now a sitting and dining room. As you enter the room you are met by the reproduction of a portrait of Marchesa Luisa Casati by Augustus John, holding your gaze. The visually pleasing symmetry of the Art Deco green marble fireplace, the painting, the modern wall lights, and the triangular marble occasional tables, all complimented by the yellow walls is a masterclass in how to blend bold elements from multiple design influences and make it look unforgettably stylish. The processing of the image is also important here, and I do have quite a visual penchant for upping the mood and giving the colour center stage.
An advertising shot for GP&J Baker in Southside House, Wimbledon. Styled by Twig Hutchinson. Shot on my beloved Mamiya 6x7 on glorious film, gives the picture that lovely grainy, soft, painterly quality. We shot most of the fabrics in this one corner, the light was fabulous, and the rough-painted wall was a dream backdrop. All those textures, the threadbare chair, a delightful contrast with the lustre of the striped fabric and the matt, velvety spots. Yum!
An advertising shot for Reid & Wright | London. Photographed in a studio in North West London. Natasha, Sarah, Jon & Merlin of Reid & Wright created this glorious vignette from scratch, wallpapering two flats with Lewis & Wood Adam's Eden Ebony wallpaper and artfully propping it with family heirloom books, antique furniture & a vintage red floor lamp. The chalky blue orb mirror the focus of the picture is the finishing touch and stands out beautifully; the colour contrast is everything.