Cracks Hill is near the village of Crick, just over the border from Warwickshire. My daughter lives in Houlton, close to Crick, and I was visiting her when the weather forecast predicted thick fog for the morning.
The contrast between the tree with no leaves and one with full foliage.
I drove over and walked across the fields, along the canal, and up to Cracks Hill. The fog was dense, and visibility was low. I had brought my tripod, which allowed me to capture some excellent photographs at long exposures with my camera.
On the edge of the hill a tree is isolated in the fog.
The images I liked most were of the cobwebs on the canal bridge, with mist and moisture delicately hanging on the strands. The combination added a sense of mystery to the scene. The area around Cracks Hill is very pretty, and although much of the usual landscape was hidden, I was able to take some wonderfully atmospheric pictures of the trees.
Cobwebs on either side of the metal parts of the canal bridge. The shadows of the canal bridge reflected in the water.
The fog in the countryside contrasts with that seen in the city. Here is a blog when the fog settled on Birmingham.
I had been feeling a little jaded and in need of some new inspiration for my photography. To spark a fresh way of seeing, I decided to give myself a challenge: to photograph the Library of Birmingham without showing any books. It sounded simple, but it pushed me to look at the building differently and find views that have not already been captured a thousand times.
Looking up at the patterns in the skylights.
The Library of Birmingham never fails to surprise me. Its striking architecture, spacious interiors, futuristic escalators and sweeping balconies all have a story to tell. Although it is, of course, a library filled with books, I wanted to focus on its atmosphere and design rather than what sits on the shelves.
The sharp angles against the cloud filled sky.
Autumn had arrived and the leaves on the trees were a deep contrasting red colour. The outside gardens are a peaceful place to visit. Visitors to the library enjoy finding quiet spots to reflect and relax from the busy City below.
The colours of Autumn against the backdrop of the library.Finding a quiet place to reflect and take time out.
For this project, I used three cameras: my Canon 5D Mark IV, my Fujifilm X100VI, and my iPhone. Each one encouraged a different way of seeing. The Canon, with its wide-angle lens, delivered crisp and detailed shots. The Fujifilm, which has a fixed 50 mm lens, performed beautifully in the softer light but required a slower, more considered approach. The iPhone proved surprisingly powerful when capturing reflections, as its lens can be placed right up against a surface to create playful and unexpected effects.
A place to meet and look out over the square below.
This collection of photographs shares what I discovered on that visit. It is my attempt to show the Library of Birmingham from a new angle and to remind myself that inspiration often appears when you look at familiar places in unfamiliar ways.
An example of the futuristic design of the interior.A reflective window to the outside world.Colour contrasts on the balcony.
This is not the first time that I have photographed the library and you may well enjoy this earlier account. Be warned a few library books creep into the pictures.
I travelled to Worcester in search of streets with burst of colour, even though the weather forecast looked less than promising. Accompanied by my daughter and grandson, we set off to explore the city’s urban art scene during the Worcester Paint Festival. From hidden alleyways to large murals, Worcester proved to be a colourful place, full of surprises for anyone who loves street art and photography.
Careful of paint splashes.
Our first stop was the CrownGate Shopping Centre, which served as the temporary headquarters for the festival. Friendly faces greeted us. We chatted about the Paint Festival and where to see the artwork. Printed maps were available and proved to be excellent as they were clear, detailed, and very useful alongside the online version. A great reference source that set us up for the day.
From the shopping centre, we headed to Angel Place street market, where several art murals caught our attention. The atmosphere of the market combined with the colourful artworks made for perfect photo opportunities. I particularly enjoy capturing street art with people passing by, as it adds a human element that brings both the artwork and the photography to life.
Next, we sought out Inkie’s work at the Royal Porcelain Works. His colourful mural decorated the gate leading to the old printing works and stood out vividly against its surroundings. We then made our way back into the city centre, passing a series of murals, some finished, others still in progress. Friar Street is one of my favourite parts of Worcester, with its mix of heritage buildings and modern urban art. One mural was cordoned off while the artist was working though I managed to catch a glimpse from a stairwell.
Along the way, we discovered plenty of independent shops and more artwork. Before leaving the city centre, I climbed the stairs to the car park roof to photograph some stunning murals, their lively colours contrasting with the rows of parked cars around them.
Our next destination was the Sixways legal wall on Offerton Lane, a council-designated space for street art. Tucked beneath the A449 and running alongside the Worcester and Birmingham canal, it has become a hub of creativity. We parked at the back of Sixways Stadium, and I went on alone to explore the underpasses. Artists were hard at work on the walls of the two underpasses. The air was thick with the smell of spray paint being applied to the concrete.
Cycling pastCathedral, mural and bike.Colour co-ordinationReflections in the canal.Spray cans at the ready.Footprints.
The line-up was impressive: Worcester Writers KFO crew and guests, featuring PHE, Zeeizm, Kask, Sore, Spar, Knel, WWF (Wizards with Funk) Crew, Buser (OSK Bristol), Inkie (KTS, ASK Bristol), Such (ACT Sheffield), Rob Dise (TWC, Worcester), Merk, Hart, Frank Brough, Umix, and Arbour. I have always loved the names chosen by graffiti writers each one hinting at the personality behind the art. I am unsure who is who in my photographs at the Sixways legal wall, so please do get in touch if you can help with credits.
City limits.
This visit was just a glimpse into Worcester’s thriving urban art scene, which comes into its own during the Paint Festival. Murals and installations can be found across the city where they are tucked down small side streets, hidden in alleyways, or displayed on large walls. With every visit, there is something new to discover, making Worcester a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in street art, colour, and creativity.
If you enjoyed this then be sure to read my blogs about street art When I visited Cheltenham Spa and Halifax, Canada.
This is my 500th blog post — a remarkable milestone in my blogging journey. I first began writing my blog on this website on 27th December 2016, although my experience with online storytelling stretches back much further. Since 2006, I ran a work blog for the School of Dentistry, and even before that, in the early nineties, I was exploring websites and digital storytelling. I have always enjoyed keeping a diary of photographs, recording important years and events alongside my images. Social media gave me the opportunity to bring words and photos together, sharing my personal blog reflections and photographic stories with a wider audience. Now, 500 posts later, I am still passionate about blogging.
My first post in December 2016 and included this reflection of one of the entrances to the then recently opened New Street station. I was very proud of this picture and is one of my trademark reflections. I still come here to take pictures as you can get many varied and interesting street photography views.
Watching the sun set whilst sitting on the edge of Stanley Park
Post 100 – I was at a conference in Vancouver in July, 2019. On one of the evenings, I went out to Stanley Park and sat with many other local residents to see the Sun set. The experience was memorable and the picture does not fully convey the atmosphere of the evening.
Red post and telephone box in the snow
Post 200 – January 2021 and we had lived through Covid19 but we were still in one of the many lockdowns. Luckily waking up one morning, I saw that it had snowed. My village, Knowle, is very photogenic and the red postbox and phonebox stand out against the white background.
The interior of St Margaret’s Church, Ward End, Birmingham.
Post 300 – The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham was a magical time and there was so much going on. There was an art project called “Keys to City” which open locks around Birmingham. I visited several venues with my key. This is St Margaret’s Church, Ward End, Birmingham. No longer a church, the place is a community centre. What was special about the Church were the stained glass windows which were created by pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones.
A view along Smallsbrook Queensway.
Post 400 – The Ringway Centre which is to the right of the picture is earmarked to be demolished. There is opposition to this proposal and therefore the bulldozers are so far silent. The planners wish to take down what they say is a building with concrete sickness and replace it with new shiny residential towers. I am unsure if this is progress but we wait and see what the outcome will be.
Knowle sunrise in September and featured on BBC Midlands today weather.My picture on BBC Midlands today – note the spelling of Solihull.
Post 500 – This is Knowle Park on a cold Tuesday morning in September. The figures walking along the path are entering the mist with the fiery sunrise beyond the trees. This was featured by Shafali Ozer on the BBC weathers. I always receive kind comments on social media when a picture is featured.
So we have reached 500 posts and I would like to thank James Kelly, who has been instrumental in setting up my website back in 2016. Little did we know back then that this blog would still be thriving 500 posts later. My very first post was about Birmingham Gems, an annual calendar at that time featuring my photographs. That first image, the entrance to New Street Station with ceiling reflections creating a surreal scene, remains one of my proudest photographs.
Finally, thank you to all my readers over these 500 posts. Some of you may have joined for just one or two views, whilst others have followed the entire blogging journey. I appreciate every single reader.
Here is to many more blog posts, more photography inspiration, and perhaps even a few books drawn from the stories I have shared over the years.
St Alban the Martyr Church is situated in Highgate, Birmingham. To get there, I took the No. 35 bus and then walked up the hill towards the church. Birmingham Heritage Week is a highlight of September, offering Birmingham residents the chance to visit places that are normally closed to the public or venues that many may not have considered visiting. The Church of St Alban the Martyr falls into the latter category. Anyone travelling into Birmingham will likely have seen its bell tower, which commands an impressive presence on the approach to the city.
Looking upwards at the amazing ceiling details.The front row of chairs in the sunlight.The gothic inspired interior of St Alban the Martyr.The sun streaming into the Church.
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The crucifixion with the vault in the background.St Patrick’s side chapel with the Bunce Altar.
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This church had been on my list to visit as part of Birmingham Heritage Week. The doors opened for the event, and I visited on a sunny Friday afternoon. On entering, one cannot fail to be struck by the interior architecture. The high stone-vaulted ceiling was designed by J. L. Pearson, a leading 19th-century Gothic architect who also designed Truro Cathedral. Tall stone pillars rise to support the vault, creating a repeating symmetrical pattern. The ceiling is just one of the many highlights of a church rich in treasures. Even the arrangement of chairs echoes the symmetry above, reinforcing the beauty of the space. I was the only visitor at the time, free to savour the majesty of this Gothic design and to take uninterrupted photographs. The play of light through the windows and the soaring ceiling were especially captivating. Adding to the atmosphere, the church was filled with uplifting music. The organist, David Briggs, was once the organist at the church, and now, lives in New York, where he is Artist in Residence at the Cathedral of St John the Divine. He had just dropped in to practise on the church organ, on his way to Germany to give a recital. I was so fortunate to hear him play whilst I was taking photographs of the church.
A view of the organ being played by David Briggs.
One of the highlights is St Patrick’s Chapel. The altar is striking, and the surrounding artwork is outstanding. Sisters Kate and Myra Bunce, associated with the Arts and Crafts movement at the turn of the 20th century, created the Bunce Altarpiece (or Reredos) that dominates the chapel. The artwork, painted by Kate Bunce, takes the form of a triptych depicting Christ, angels, and the Virgin Mary. The beaten copper frame was designed and made by Myra Bunce. I found myself drawn to this historic piece, which is now a treasured part of St Alban the Martyr Church.
The Bunce Art and Craft displayed on the alter in St Patrick’s chapel.
The church community was warm and welcoming. Teas and coffees were served, questions were readily answered, and photography was encouraged. St Alban’s contribution to Birmingham Heritage Week is both valuable and memorable: rich with community history and enhanced by its remarkable architecture and artwork. This should be high on everyone’s list to visit during the Heritage week.
The Church and Bell Tower.
Details
The following are a selection of details that I photographed from around the church. I hope, like me, you find them interesting.
Church bannersMadona and Child.Painting and candle holder.A cherub.The beautiful lectern in the form of an eagle.Postcards for sale.Looking upwards to the stained glass windows.
This is one of several churches that I have visited during the Birmingham Heritage Open Week. I include my visit to the Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazer for your interest. I also include a link to Birmingham Heritage Week 2025.
Birmingham Heritage Week always reveals intriguing places to explore. Each year, the programme goes live at the end of summer, and tickets for the most popular destinations are quickly snapped up. For this year’s Birmingham Heritage week, I set my sights on two churches I had not previously visited, along with a guided walk in Birmingham.
The front entrance.
The first of these visits took me to the Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, a striking Orthodox church situated in Bournville. Renowned for its ornate ceilings and rich decoration, the church stands proudly on a hill overlooking the area. Arriving from Bristol Road, via the number 61 bus, I made the short walk uphill to the gates, where I was warmly welcomed by a member of the congregation.
The image of the Virgin Mary behind the alter.Close up details from the side alters.
Stepping inside, the splendour of the Byzantine design is immediately apparent. The ceiling is dominated by a powerful image of Christ, while the dome above the altar features a serene depiction of Mary. Stone pillars draw the eye across the space, emphasising the church’s harmonious proportions.
Icons of the Madonna and Child.The balcony with details at the back of the Church.
Unlike many Western churches, the Serbian Church has few seats. This open design is characteristic of Orthodox worship and allows visitors to move freely around. I spent much time admiring the icons and intricate details on the walls. The murals are painted in fresco, a technique where pigment is applied directly onto wet plaster, creating luminous images that glow in the light. I found myself mesmerised, pausing often to steady my concentration so that my photographs might capture even a fraction of the beauty that was before me.
Candles light up the Church.
The exterior holds equal charm. In the gardens, a golden crucifix stands proudly, while the church’s architectural form blends gracefully with its leafy surroundings. Time was against me, and with the church busy that day, I was unable to explore or photograph the adjacent hall—an omission I intend to rectify on a future visit.
The side entrance to the Church.The imposing domes of the church against the sky.The crucifix in the gardens of the church.
Balti Triangle, the Number 50 bus, Alcester Road, Ladypool Lane, Moseley Road Baths, and the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood. The diversity of Balsall Heath is renowned, which provides an insight into its character. The area does not stand still, with a rich history reflecting the growth and wealth of the city. Whilst Balsall Heath was initially an affluent area, over the years it has faced many difficulties with poor housing and social deprivation. The area is now undergoing a revival, and house prices are similar to those in other parts of the city. This brings its own share of challenges, as young people strive to set foot on the housing ladder.
Entering Balsall Heath on the No 50 bus as you pass over Belgrave Road.Moseley Road swimming baths.
Last year, I became involved with the PRISM photographic network, who organised a photographic project around Stirchley. The Stirchley Observation Project proved to be a very successful venture where I met and interacted with a group of talented photographers. We took pictures, we discussed them, and then we exhibited our best work. Now, a year later, we are turning our attention to Balsall Heath.
Seven streets pocket park. One of the many green spaces in Balsall Heath.One of 6 arches that pass under the railway line that runs through Balsall Heath. This one is on Runcorn Street near to Seven streets pocket park.
Before the course starts, I decided that I needed to have a brief walkabout the area to acquaint myself with the streets, the architecture, and the character of the neighbourhood. I have eaten many times in the Balti Triangle, and I have often driven down the Alcester Road towards Moseley. More recently, I have got to know the Old Print Works and attended photographic workshops there.
The street art reflects the politics of our time.Tribute to Mohammad Ali underneath the Brighton Road railway bridge.
Taking the Number 50 bus from the town centre, I got off near the Castle and Falcon pub. I love cityscapes, and my eye was drawn to the railway arches that connect the west and east wards of Balsall Heath. During the day, the area is busy as traffic moves along the Alcester Road. Students travel to and from Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, and the coffee shops are lively. Walk along the side streets, and you immediately notice how quiet it becomes. There is still activity in these secluded area, and the nature of the urban landscape throws up countless photographic views.
The houses along Mary Road contrast with the shiny new elevated buildings in the nearby city centre.Ladypool Road seen on a quiet weekday morning.Street scenes – Workin’ at the car wash.Open all hours.The value of education.
These photographs are a small selection of my observations from my walk around Balsall Heath. I am looking forward to the forthcoming project, and you can follow my adventures on my blog.
A luxury camper underneath the bridge.The ongoing bin strike leads to piles of uncollected rubbish around Birmingham. Changing places
Balsall Heath Church CentreSt John & St Martin R C Church
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Luxury seating is available on Alcester Road.
If you wish to learn more about our Stirchley Observation project, I wrote a short blog at the beginning and there will be more material being published from our work. I also provide an account of one of the courses on cyanotype that we undertook during the Stirchley course.
Our family villa overlooked the quiet town of San Miguel in the northern part of Ibiza. Each sunset transformed the view, flooding the valley with golden light that cast long shadows and enriched the colours of the villa and the town buildings opposite. From the rooftop terrace, we enjoyed a breathtaking panorama, with the sun setting directly ahead. The surrounding trees offered a natural frame to the scene, making every moment feel picture-perfect. These are some of the scenes around our holiday home that made the trip unforgettable. Far from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas, the island revealed a more picturesque side, with secluded spots where one could escape and truly relax.
A view from the roof, over the pool towards the sunset.Light and shadows.Hammocks in the Shade.Viewing the sunset over the valley.A bench in the sunset.Ibizan GeckoReflections in the pool.View from the roof.One of the residents.Secluded views.Colours on the table.
If you enjoyed this then please read my previous blog on the towns and villages that I visited in Ibiza.
The towns and villages of Ibiza provide a rich source for street photography. Care is required as you are in another country and people are generally on holiday. They may not take kindly to having their photograph taken. The island is very attractive. The sun drenched streets and white reflective houses are a challenge and my polarised filter was needed. As I was on a family holiday, my transport options were limited to taking pictures during the day. Any sunrise or sunset pictures were taken in and around the villa where we were saying and these form the basis of another blog about the island.
The interior of the churches that I visited were fascinating. The church at Sant Miquel de Balansat had beautiful frescoes on the ceiling. At St Gertrude, the church, Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera church, was set back from the central thoroughfare. Inside you escaped the heat and were able to take in and marvel at the surrounding fixtures and iconography around the church.
I enjoyed photographing this selection taken around the island. The places are described in the captions.
Eivissa – The old town
Scooter and car getting close.What is everyone looking at?Looking cool in the heat.Adverts for the nightlife are everywhere.Bikes for shopping.Family stories on an Ibizan holiday.
Sant Miquel de Balansat
The church at Sant Miguel, one of the oldest and most famous churches on Ibiza.Church Interior.Beautiful frescos on the ceiling of the Church.Statue of Marià Villangómez de Llobet, poet, translator, linguist, essayist and teacher.Colours of the town.Nearly finished the walk around the town.Ready for a drink at the local bar.
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera
Waling along the boulevard in Santa Gertrude.Church entrance.Calvin Harris is everywhere.Inside the Church.The locals leave the tourists to their own business.Whitewashed walls, windows and shadows.Family fun with a hollowed out statue.More fun with the family.
Another island in the Mediterranean to read out – Check it out.
The newest addition to Paradise Birmingham, Three Chamberlain Square, is close to opening. This distinctive building sits next to the historic Town Hall and is stone’s throw from Victoria square. Its exterior design incorporates natural terracotta tones, giving a warm red ochre glow to the rows of vertical lines. Walking past the building, I often wondered what it would be like to look around inside and longed to visit the terrace on the top floor.
Three Chamberlain Square.
I was therefore delighted when an invitation arrived from Core, the marketing team promoting Paradise Birmingham. They were hosting a special Photographers’ Event at Three Chamberlain Square to mark World Photography Day.
The BT Tower framed by the red beams.
On a warm but initially cloudy afternoon, a collective of photographers gathered in Chamberlain Square near the new building. There were many familiar faces amongst the group, and we did not have to wait long before being taken into the foyer of Three Chamberlain Square. The entrance is impressive, with a large, open multipurpose area. After a short introduction, we went straight up to the ninth floor and the terrace.
The Birmingham skyline
The terracotta design was an instant hit with the photographers, and we all had to be careful not to photobomb each other’s shots. The photographic talent among the group was very high, and I knew their images would be excellent. My own thought was, try something different, easier said than done when surrounded by such skilled photographers.
Inside looking out.
Reaching the ninth floor, the sun broke through the clouds. Before stepping onto the terrace, I paused to capture the light as it streamed into the room. Then it was time for the terrace itself, which offered stunning views across the city. The red support beams provided a perfect frame for iconic landmarks. I was able to capture the Octagon, BT Tower, the Rotunda, 103 Colmore Row, and the Town Hall clock, each neatly framed by the beams. Using my telephoto lens I was able to capture the street scenes below. The terrace was undoubtedly the highlight of the visit and will be an instant favourite for those working in the building.
Framing the Octagon.Framing the BT TowerFraming the Council HouseFraming 103 Colmore Row.Framing the Rotunda
We then moved down to the eighth floor to view the open-plan offices. I took several pictures, and while the space itself was impressive, my eyes kept drifting to the windows. People working there will certainly not be bored—the passing trams and other activities below may prove to be quite a distraction.
Colmore Row stories.
Although I had to leave before the full tour was over, the terrace remained the highlight of my photographic journey through the building. On my way back to the car, I captured a few final shots outside. What struck me most was the contrast of styles: the terracotta of Three Chamberlain Square set against the Roman revival elegance of the Town Hall, with the towering Octagon rising in the background.
Different Styles
Birmingham looks splendid with its mix of bold new buildings complementing the city’s historic landmarks. Thank you to Paradise Birmingham for allowing us to photograph this beautiful building.
Picture of me taken by Ell Brown on the terrace. Thanks Ell.
If you like tall buildings then I have highlighted more reading about my photographic visits on my blog.
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