In these “After Hours” posts, members of the group tell the stories behind the pictures they have posted, and explain what motivates and inspires them. This week we have Maria Pons who posted this image in May for 11am:

•Which camera did you use? Why?

I used a Canon 5D Mark III. I was also trying out the new 40mm pancake lens which I was curious about.

•Do you have any plans for the next 11 months/what do you hope to achieve through the year?

I am a teacher so I don’t shoot for a living. Somehow that relieves the pressure of having to use my camera on a daily basis. This project has encouraged me to shoot not only on a daily basis but at different times during the day and week too. My plan is to continue to do that as well as find more projects that will keep my photography alive.

•Was this a typical day for you?

I usually go about my day always thinking about photography. However, I can’t always carry my camera and shoot everything I would like to. I went on a trip to visit my sister in law in Chicago and I thought that was the perfect chance to bond with my camera.

•Why did you choose to post this photo?

I chose this photo because I’m in love with minimalism and candids. Somehow, this shot had them both and I immediately knew this was my 11.00am shot.

•Do you usually shoot at this hour or was this new for you?

I never shoot at this hour, I prefer early in the morning or late in the evening because I like the mood at those times of the day. However, the fact that it is taken inside a building made it a lot easier for me to create the mood I wanted.

•And a final image from you?