Best Phone Picture: Alon Goldsmith's Lonely Beach Machine 2026

Alon Goldsmith's best phone picture captures a lonely viewing machine gazing at an empty beach, a striking example of phone photography that blends street observation with cinematic composition. Taken on day 111 of his 365-day project, this black-and-white image reveals how a daily practice can transform ordinary scenes into art.

How Alon Goldsmith Created His Best Phone Picture

Johannesburg-born, LA-based photographer Alon Goldsmith began a 365-day project on New Year's Day 2026, committing to take and post a photo every day. This particular image emerged during his daily bike ride through Venice and around Santa Monica Pier, areas he calls a “cornucopia of curiosities.”

Goldsmith explains that riding slowly allows him to “notice what’s around me in a different way.” The Hi-Spy Viewing Machine on the pier caught his eye, and he converted the shot to black and white to emphasize its graphic, cinematic nature. The dramatic clouds gain sculptural weight, while a single bird anthropomorphizes the machine, turning it into a lonely character overlooking an empty beach.

The Ethics of Street Photography

Goldsmith firmly adheres to the ethics of street photography: he never alters or erases elements like the swooping seagull or heaped sand. This authenticity is a core principle for him, and it's what makes his work resonate with viewers.

Why Black and White Enhances the Composition

Black and white conversion is a powerful tool in phone photography. By removing color, Goldsmith highlights shapes, textures, and contrasts. The clouds become more dramatic, the machine's silhouette more pronounced, and the overall mood more contemplative.

This technique is accessible to any smartphone user. Most editing apps offer monochrome filters, but Goldsmith's approach goes beyond a simple filter—he deliberately composes with light and shadow in mind.

Tips for Your Own 365-Day Photo Project

Goldsmith's project offers valuable lessons for aspiring photographers:

• Consistency beats perfection—post every day, even when the shot feels weak.
• Slow down—ride or walk instead of driving to notice details.
• Embrace constraints—limitations spark creativity.
• Edit ethically—avoid removing elements in street photography.
• Experiment with black and white—it can transform an ordinary scene.

Comparison: Color vs. Black and White in Phone Photography

As Goldsmith demonstrates, black and white can elevate a simple beach scene into a narrative about loneliness and observation. For phone photographers, this is a masterclass in seeing beyond the obvious.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Photographers

• Daily practice sharpens your eye.
• Look for “curiosities” in familiar places.
• Use black and white to emphasize composition.
• Respect the authenticity of the scene.

FAQ

Alon Goldsmith's best phone picture is more than a lucky shot—it's a testament to the power of daily practice and intentional editing. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, his approach offers a blueprint for capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary.