The title, ‘Malford Court’, is the name of the flat where the Photographer/Author is currently living and has been living for the past 2 years. This photo book is a compilation of colourful photographs combined with portraits of people (mostly candid shots) and detailed photographs of the architectural building itself.

Aviv Ron’s use of natural lighting in his photographs helps creates a dramatic effect in portraying the real aura of his surroundings, the candid portraits of the people in his neighbourhood also enables me as a viewer, a better understanding of their moods and feelings at that time. Each page is framed with a white border giving this ‘family portrait album’ style effect and as I flicked through the pages it felt personal, I felt connected through this effect of movement.

Not only has the visual structure throughout the pages of the book helps convey this atmosphere of the surroundings in Malford Court, but also through the facial expressions of his neighbours - it somehow represents how they reflect his life too.

The portraits are very well composed with some medium close-ups (head/shoulders) and full length, considering some are candid shots. His compositions effectively allows viewers to focus on the expressions, texture and an indefinable inner quality of these characters, recording the people at a point in time, as themselves, rather than as anonymous models. This clearly demonstrates a real strong sense of connection between the photographer and the subjects in order to allow him to capture their moments during their normal daily activities.

This collection of photographs is a portrait of his living surroundings, presenting the viewers with a true insight of his area in many interesting perspectives. Aviv’s sequence of photographs is very organized, taking us on a visual journey - almost as if he is giving the reader a tour guide of his neighbourhood and introducing the readers to his fellow neighbours as they appear throughout the series of photographs, but I feel it is also more that that. It shows what is happening in his neighbourhood of his cycle day-to-day life and what too could have been part of Ilan’s life, his son - which I believe this photo book is dedicated to him from the short text in the introduction. I felt quite moved by Aviv’s journey and feel Aviv’s concepts in his photographs are rich in emotions which I strongly admire. It evokes emotions as well as provoking the thoughts on life… that it should not be taken granted for, perhaps it goes with the saying, "if you don't stop to take time to look at the roses, you'll never know how beautiful they are." Personally, I feel the moral of the story is to appreciate the things around you.

A book created with courageousness, strength and willpower. It is definitely a journey worth visiting.

Alana