In a year-long creative endeavour, Alon Goldsmith, a Johannesburg-born photographer now residing in Los Angeles, has turned everyday moments into art. On day 111 of his project, he immortalised a poignant image of a viewing machine on Venice Beach, showcasing both the beauty and isolation of the scene through his lens.
A Year of Daily Discovery
Goldsmith embarked on his ambitious “365-day project” on New Year’s Day 2026, pledging to capture and share a photograph each day for an entire year. The objective, he explains, is to explore the world around him while challenging himself creatively. “Some days it’s a struggle to find the right subject, while others present an overwhelming abundance of options,” he reveals.
His daily bike rides, which typically take him through the vibrant streets of Venice and past the iconic Santa Monica Pier, serve as both a routine and a source of inspiration. “I spend a lot of rides hunting for photos,” Goldsmith notes, underscoring how cycling allows him to slow down and engage with his surroundings in a meaningful way. “When I’m not rushing, the world reveals itself more fully.”
The Art of Black-and-White
On one of these rides, Goldsmith encountered the Hi-Spy Viewing Machine, which stands sentinel over the beach. The image he captured was transformed into black-and-white during the editing process, a choice he believes enhances its dramatic essence. “The transformation emphasises the graphic and cinematic nature of the composition,” he explains.
The clouds above take on a sculptural weight in monochrome, while a lone bird perched nearby imbues the machine with a sense of character, reminiscent of a solitary figure gazing out over the ocean. “It becomes a lonely character, observing the emptiness of the beach,” Goldsmith reflects.
In his pursuit of authenticity, he refrained from altering the image, adhering to the ethical guidelines of street photography. “Tidying up or erasing elements like the swooping seagull or a smudge of sand was out of the question,” he asserts, highlighting the importance of capturing reality as it is.
Embracing the Challenge
Goldsmith’s project underscores the challenges and joys of photography, particularly when seeking to convey deeper narratives through seemingly simple subjects. Each photograph becomes a reflection of his experiences and observations, revealing the stories hidden in everyday life.
As he continues this journey, his work not only showcases the beauty of his environment but also serves as a reminder to embrace the moment and seek out inspiration in the ordinary.
Why it Matters
Alon Goldsmith’s dedication to documenting his daily life through photography is a powerful testament to the art form’s ability to capture fleeting moments of beauty and introspection. In an age dominated by digital distractions, his project encourages us to slow down, engage with our surroundings, and appreciate the profound narratives that can emerge from the simplest of scenes.