In this first instalment of my Mistakes Series, I reflect on a seemingly flawed photograph taken in East London—either Shoreditch or Hoxton—that turned out to be a favourite. Through personal experiences and lessons from legendary street photographers like Garry Winogrand and Henri Cartier-Bresson, I explore how so-called mistakes in photography can lead to some of the most honest and powerful images. From my beginnings as a foreigner photographing London’s streets in 2011 to relocating to Hove in 2023, I share how intention, presence and embracing the unexpected have shaped my work and deepened my connection with the people I photograph.