Describe a photograph that you like: IELTS Speaking Part 2 sample answer

The photograph I would like to describe is a picture of my grandparents standing in front of their apple tree. My cousin took it about four years ago, and I have a printed copy in a small frame on my desk.

In the photo, my grandfather is wearing his old grey jacket and a traditional skullcap, and my grandmother is holding a basket full of apples. They are not looking at the camera; they are looking at each other and laughing about something. Behind them you can see the green yard and the blue sky, and the light is soft because it was early evening.

I like it for several reasons. First, it was taken at a moment that was completely natural, so it shows their real personalities. Second, the colours are warm, and every time I look at it I can almost smell the apples and hear the sound of birds in the garden. Finally, it reminds me of the happy summers I spent in their village when I was little.

My grandfather has been in poor health recently, so the photo has become even more precious to me. I often look at it when I feel stressed, and it makes me feel calm. I think good photographs are not always perfect technically; their value comes from the story and feelings they preserve. If there were a fire, this is the first thing I would pick up. I have uploaded a copy to my phone too, but I find that seeing the photo on paper, slightly faded at the edges, makes it feel closer and more real.