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 Vanessa Robinson who chose this image in October for 4pm:

Which camera did you use? Why?

My Canon 450D with 50mm f/1.8 II lens -my go-to combo, not that I have much more to choose from at this point in time. My beloved 17-85mm f/4-5.6 lens is refusing to communicate with my camera body. I think it’s time for an upgrade!

What do you hope to achieve through the year?

Just to wander through the hours, enjoying the thoughtful process of capturing a little something special, and sharing it. So far, each month I’ve started out with an idea and ultimately ended up with a completely different shot. This is why I can never become a pro. Ask me to shoot something specific and the urge to shoot just vanishes. I love the freedom of this project: one hour -any day; one shot – any shot.

Was this a typical day for you?

Yes, I suppose. I was in my kitchen, getting ready to make some Spanish omelettes for our little cottage-industry food business. It was a gloomy, grey day outside but there was just enough light around 4pm to make me reach for my camera and play a little.

Why did you choose to post this photo?

I liked the idea of revisiting my kitchen (also featured in my 7am shot) since I spend so much time there. It feels good to step back for a moment from a mundane task like this and reframe it, honour it… find its beauty.

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

It would be more usual for me to shoot at this hour, in this location, with my smart phone or iPad (hopeless Instagram addict that I am).

And a final shot from you?

This was taken on the same day, just a few moments later. The sun had dipped just that tiny bit lower and was bathing the dining room table with light.