One last glance

Moving home is a time-consuming, stressful and unsettling experience. But it brings the excitement and promise of a new place to live.

I’ve just resettled after eight years in the same west London flat. I had to go through the final ritual of handing over the keys and signing it over for good. Letting myself in early, I took some shots and wallowed in the sadness that an empty – and recently vacated – property always has.

There was occasional sunlight thrown on the now bare walls. The main shot focuses on the place I sat to edit photos and write posts. The others include the only two interior shots I have from my life there – a memorable old bathroom window that diffused and projected light.

But that was then. The new pastures are being happily settled while the photography continues.

Click first image to launch the gallery

See also:

Vacated

Tags: abandonment, bare walls, bathroom window, diffused light, empty, final glance, London, moving house, photography

20 thoughts on “One last glance”

jdtphotography.co.uk on May 22, 2013 at 16:05 said:

Really well captured Mike in that these images capture the visual essence of your emotions and words. I wish all the best in your new pad and that the view “is over the roof tops”. Have a great weekend !

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 22, 2013 at 19:28 said:
  
  Thanks so much, James, that’s much appreciated and the aim of all of this! Settling in well and I hope to bring a flavour of the new neighbourhood soon. Enjoy your weekend too and I hope it involves some camera work.
  
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  - jdtphotography.co.uk on May 23, 2013 at 10:43 said:
    
    I hope to get out and about, but considering it is another bank hol I am not holding out for too much regarding the weather..lol
    
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belgradestreets on May 22, 2013 at 14:58 said:

Very moody and capture exactly that empty sad feeling when moving on. Good luck in your new home! Andy

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 22, 2013 at 15:18 said:
  
  Thank you Andy. Glad to say it’s soon replaced with the excitement and joy of somewhere new. And I hope you had success with your exhibition.
  
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  - belgradestreets on May 22, 2013 at 21:25 said:
    
    Thanks Mike, it was a wonderful experience…has opened a few more doors, and also shown me I have much to learn :)
    
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lena de almeida on May 17, 2013 at 06:56 said:

You captured a sense of nostalgia with these images, Mike. That bathroom window effect is beautiful.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 17, 2013 at 18:03 said:
  
  Thank you Lena, I’m glad you like them. Yes, that bathroom window was a nice feature when the sunlight fell in a certain way.
  
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Ed Spadoni on May 16, 2013 at 18:30 said:

Haunting…

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 16, 2013 at 18:51 said:
  
  Interesting thought. Thanks Ed.
  
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Noeline Smith on May 16, 2013 at 08:30 said:

Great shots! As Peter said, you’ve captured the mood perfectly – I can picture myself taking one last look around.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 16, 2013 at 10:11 said:
  
  Much appreciated, Noeline. Of course it cried out for monochrome, though the abandoned sets of keys are an added splash of vibrancy.
  
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2Spools on May 15, 2013 at 23:54 said:

Your sense of space is definitely ‘your thing’. Very much enjoy seeing your work.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 16, 2013 at 10:09 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Rufus. I’m a little neurotic about it, but that’s another story!
  
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Cos on May 15, 2013 at 18:19 said:

Have a great time in your new place! I hope it soon will be your HOME.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 15, 2013 at 19:16 said:
  
  Thanks so much :-) Yes, it’s really getting there already. It might spark new photographic ideas! And on another note congratulations to the Netherlands for making the Eurovision final – very well deserved.
  
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  - Cos on May 15, 2013 at 22:59 said:
    
    Thank you for the compliments to the Dutch song. We’re very glad we made it to the finals, after 9 years… ;-)
    
    I’m looking forward to the photos of your new home and the environment of your place!
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on May 16, 2013 at 10:07 said:
      
      Yes, what a moment! Anouk’s performance stood out for its soul and simplicity. I’m thinking of something about the new neighbourhood, so stay tuned :-)
      
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Photographs by Peter Knight on May 15, 2013 at 17:57 said:

I love these pictures Mike and I know totally that feeling you describe: “the sadness that an empty – and recently vacated – property always has.” When I walked around the empty house we lived when both my kids were born; just before handing over the keys was a very sad feeling.
You have definitely captured the mood and feeling perfectly with these photos. They’re excellent!

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 15, 2013 at 20:47 said:
  
  Thanks Peter, this is much appreciated. It felt like the closing of a chapter since another one has opened, which is far more exciting. It really is hard to resist an empty room or building, especially if you have a connection with it.
  
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