When the people thin out, shoot the abstracts. Every gathering is full of tight graphic details — a badge, a fin, a rosette, a fold of fabric, a single saturated panel, a hand-painted sign.

Where it works: car shows (chrome and paint), markets (produce and packaging), fairs (paintwork and signage), flower shows — anywhere with strong colour and form.

Best time: any lull, or as a palette-cleanser between people pictures.