Out of Africa: Nick Lill's photography goes on show

Puddle I was fascinated by this glassy pool at a bus station in Addis Ababa. A bus appeared on the other side at the very moment a young man jumped the puddle – I caught his reflection in mid-air Photograph: Nick Lill Photograph: Nick Lill/guardian.co.uk Boy in a Bag Is this art or reportage photography? I recently had a review at a well-known gallery in London; the few pieces that were picked out as 'art' were the ones not featuring black Africans. So it seems even subject matter can be pigeonholed Photograph: Nick Lill Photograph: guardian.co.uk Mirror Shop The recycling of materials in some developing countries is extraordinary. The patterns and colours of corrosion on this shipping container create an amazing effect, with the mirrors reflecting layers and textures Photograph: Nick Lill Photograph: Nick Lill/guardian.co.uk Last of the Sun Patience is a virtue ... As shadows lengthened across this square in west Morocco, a dog stretched, enjoying a last spot of sunlight. I thought I'd miss it, but the dog held its posture and I managed to capture the moment. Sometimes a whole week will provide only one or two images that I like as much as this Photograph: Nick Lill Photograph: Nick Lill/guardian.co.uk Three Boys in the Rain In the Ethiopian highlands, three boys and I peered at each other through a rainy window. The effect is abstract, almost painterly Photograph: Nick Lill Photograph: Nick Lill/guardian.co.uk Late home During a storm, a girl races home under an umbrella to where her mother is waiting. In low light (as with the last picture) I often hand-hold the camera, allowing the image to blur Photograph: Nick Lill Photograph: guardian.co.uk Rondaval There is something in the girl's posture that is universally recognisable – her whole being seems to radiate shyness Photograph: Nick Lill Photograph: Nick Lill/guardian.co.uk Three Men in a Boat Zimbabwe, 20 years ago. I spent the night on a fishing boat on Lake Kariba. In the morning, the bay was awash with sun-bleached colours – on both the wooden boats and men's work shirts Photograph: Nick Lill Photograph: Nick Lill/guardian.co.uk Unveiled I was gazing at this Moroccan wall with its raw scars and blood-red colouring, when a woman walked past in a burqa. It struck me as a wonderful juxtaposition Photograph: Nick Lill Photograph: Nick Lill/guardian.co.uk Green Shop Here, a man is visible in the shadows of a shop, while a boy waits outside. The road, reflected in the window, separates the two. Different elements emerge as the image is viewed, creating a sense of time and distance. • Nick Lill's exhibition, comprising these photographs and many more taken in Africa, London and Paris, opens at Blackall Studios in London on 15 June Photograph: Nick Lill Photograph: Nick Lill/guardian.co.uk