In an era where digital photography is often overshadowed by the convenience of smartphones, Alon Goldsmith, a photographer based in Los Angeles, embraces the art of capturing fleeting moments. His striking black-and-white portrait, taken on day 111 of his ambitious year-long project, showcases the poignant solitude of a Hi-Spy Viewing Machine perched at the Santa Monica Pier. This image, created using the iPhone 16 Pro Max, not only exemplifies Goldsmith’s keen eye but also invites viewers to contemplate the intersection of technology and the human experience.
A Year of Discovery
Goldsmith’s journey began on New Year’s Day 2026, when he embarked on a “365-day project”, committing to take and share a photograph every single day for an entire year. “Some days, it’s a struggle to find something worthy of being included, while on others, choosing just one photograph is the real challenge,” he reflects. This dedication to daily photography has sparked a renewed sense of discovery for Goldsmith as he navigates the vibrant streets of Venice and Santa Monica.
During his daily bike rides, he immerses himself in a world he describes as a “cornucopia of curiosities,” where each corner presents new opportunities for creative expression. “I spend a lot of rides hunting for photos,” he explains. “Looking at the world from this vantage point allows me to slow down and notice what’s around me in a different way. When I’m not rushing, the world reveals itself more fully.”
A Moment Captured in Time
The photograph in question features the Hi-Spy Viewing Machine, a curious contraption gazing out over the beach. In post-production, Goldsmith opted for a black-and-white finish, believing it heightened the graphic and cinematic quality of the scene. “The drama of the clouds in black and white adds sculptural weight,” he notes, while the presence of a lone bird lends an anthropomorphic touch to the machine, transforming it into a solitary figure contemplating the vastness of the ocean.
Goldsmith is unwavering in his commitment to authenticity in his work. When it comes to editing, he adheres to the ethical standards of street photography, refusing to erase elements from the scene, such as the swooping seagull or a patch of sand. “The ethics of street photography forbid altering an image in that way,” he affirms, underscoring the importance of capturing reality in its raw form.
The Artistic Journey Continues
As Goldsmith progresses through his project, each photograph serves as a testament to his evolving perspective. This dedication to daily exploration not only fuels his creativity but also fosters a deeper connection to the environment around him. “Every day holds the potential for inspiration,” he muses, reinforcing the notion that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.
With each click of the shutter, Goldsmith invites viewers to pause and reflect on their surroundings, encouraging a shared appreciation for the world’s intricate details. His work is a reminder of the power of photography as a medium to convey emotions and stories, capturing the essence of fleeting moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Why it Matters
Goldsmith’s project underscores a vital truth about our contemporary relationship with technology and art. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, his work challenges us to slow down, look closely, and engage meaningfully with our surroundings. By capturing a solitary machine on a beach, he invites us to consider our own moments of solitude and reflection amid the chaos of modern life. His artistry not only celebrates the beauty of everyday scenes but also serves as a poignant reminder of the human experience, encouraging us all to seek out our own moments of stillness and wonder.
