The Forum, Barcelona: A Reluctant Photographer’s Redemption

Ah, The Forum—Barcelona’s giant, blue, triangular… thing. I’d been here before, snapped it to death, and mentally filed it under “Done.” But Naomi, my ever-patient student, needed convincing that modern architecture wasn’t just “cold, soulless geometry.” (Her words, not mine. Mostly.)

After weeks of theory, flash portraits, and her suspicious side-eyes, she actually suggested we go. Progress! Or maybe she just wanted to shut me up. Either way, off we went.

Storm Clouds & Sudden Genius

The day started sunny, predictable, boring. Then—plot twist—the sky decided to audition for a dystopian film. A storm rolled in, the light turned cinematic, and suddenly, The Forum wasn’t just a building—it was a moody, reflective, uncooperative art project.

Cue the frantic shutter clicks. That magical photography zone hit: light perfect, clouds dramatic, and Naomi? Possibly—possibly—enjoying herself. Or at least tolerating it with fewer sighs.

Minimal Editing, Maximum Drama

The best part? These shots needed barely any editing. A tweak here, a sharpen there (because RAW files are like unwashed hair—presentable, but needs work). Naomi might not be drafting love letters to concrete yet, but hey, she didn’t hate it. And in teaching, that’s basically a standing ovation.