South Bank Street Photography Secrets on a Photowalk with Jimmy Cheng and an OM-System 3 camera

by Damien Walmsley 26/07/2026 26/07/2026

This blog is about a South Bank Street Photography walk with Jimmy Cheng. The walk was organised by Amateur Photographer in conjunction with OM-System. Is there a secret recipe to good street photography? Have a read to find the answer.
(All photographs taken with the OM system-3 except where stated).

How I Got onto this South Bank Street Photography Walk

An Amateur Photographer Instagram story caught my eye. The story was advertising the chance to go on a photowalk with Jimmy Cheng. There was also an opportunity to try out the OM-System 3 camera. Immediately I sent an email to Geoff at AP magazine. His reply was that I was booked in.

Meeting the Group at Black Penny Cafe

London was warm when I ventured out of my air-conditioned hotel in Bankside. Coffee and croissant in the morning sun near the Tate Modern, then a walk over the Millennium Bridge to drop off my bags in a lock-up. A quick bus ride to Waterloo to join the street photography group at Black Penny Cafe. The hosts were so friendly and after introductions we all started chatting away.

Geoff introduced Jimmy, our photography guide, and Luke from OM-System who provided cameras for those that were interested. I had a spare SD card with me and was able to use an OM-System 3 camera with two lenses: a 14-150mm and a 7-14mm. The first part of the walk was with the 7-14mm lens, and I will comment on both lenses during the blog.

Jubilee Gardens and the Modified Social Benches

Our route began in Jubilee Gardens with the London Eye in the background. After a group photograph we walked under the Hungerford and Golden Jubilee bridges, arriving at Festival Hall. Our walking pace was leisurely, which gave us time to soak in the atmosphere and become aware of the people moving around us.

It was here that we came across the “Modified Social Benches” by Jeppe Hein, who has reimagined the humble park bench. They are designed to challenge the space and distance we keep between others. They are ideal for street photography. You can look as if you are taking pictures of the bench and then you are able to frame people around them.

The secrets to Jimmy Cheung’s Approach to Street Photography

I wanted to spend a few minutes with Jimmy observing his photography and how he finds his street scenes. The first thing I learned is patience: Jimmy will spot the location, then wait for the right person to enter the scene. Once he has that picture, he will look for variations such as colours or space. The two pictures I took whilst shadowing Jimmy echo what he was seeing and assessing for his photographs. He carefully shifts his position to get the right viewpoint whilst not moving far from his location. I was also beginning to enjoy the OM-System 3 camera. It felt good in my hands and the wide angle lens gave some nice views.

Ice Cream Vans, Skaters and Graffiti Artists

I love street vendors, and an ice cream van provides a rich stream of photography opportunities. So does the South Bank skate space. There were a few skaters plying their trade, but what was most interesting, deep in the undercroft, was a gang of graffiti artists. Dressed in their white protective suits and wearing masks, they looked intimidating. When I approached them, they were all smiles and relieved that I was not the police! The mix of colours and white suits made for great photographs.

Photography around the National Theatre

We passed under Waterloo Bridge, arriving at the dramatic brutalist architecture of the National Theatre. There is always a second-hand book sale taking place in this area. The arrangement of the books provides opportunities for geometric pictures. Fortuitously there was a person slumped on a chair reading a book in an orthodox fashion. He was distracted, making it possible to get a close view of his deep interest in the book.

Exploring the Thames Beach

The number of people on the Southbank boardwalk increased as we headed towards what is popularly known as the Thames beach. People were on the sand enjoying the sunshine. Sandra and Elaine were two Londoners enjoying the day, and we struck up a conversation. They were fun to talk to and allowed me to take a picture of them on the sand. I found a lucky cat keyring that Jimmy enjoyed photographing. Then, as photographers do, we huddled under the pier taking photographs of all the textures and shapes that could be found.

Queen’s Walk, the Oxo Tower and Switching Lenses

Our South Bank Street Photography journey was progressing slowly. The Queen’s Walk is where the passageway narrows and becomes especially busy. We stopped in at the Oxo Tower for coffee and a rest from the sun. Here I changed lenses on my OM-3 to the 14-150mm. This lens was light and easy to use. My first picture was of legs. I was fascinated by a group of young men who were similarly dressed in dark shorts and vests. They appeared to be army personnel on shore leave. Two of them had tattoos only on their right leg. The zoom on my OM-3 gave me the ability to capture the differences.

Blackfriars Bridge and the City Skyline

We were walking under Blackfriars Bridge and Bankside pier where there are street murals. Then there are opportunities to view the architecture and the city. This was a honeypot location for street photography. People were either on the beach or milling around trying to enter the Blackfriars Bridge entrance. Then there was the architecture of the bridge itself. My zoom lens captured several features around this spot. There was a great view of the skyscrapers of the City, which we used as a backdrop for street photography.

Lunch, Reflections on using the OM-3, and Thanks

Our restaurant was behind the Tate Modern was to be our final stop on our South Bank Street Photography walk. We took several pictures just before sitting down to lunch. The group was buzzing with enthusiasm and there was a chance to share photographs. Jimmy quickly showed us the pictures he had taken, and these emphasised his technique of utilising spaces and colours that are enhanced when the right person enters the scene.

Sadly, it was also time to hand back the OM-System 3 camera that I had used. The OM-3 made a lasting impression, and I will be considering buying one in due course. I will write a short piece about my thoughts on the camera, which will be overwhelmingly positive. A big thank you to Luke at OM System for the loan of the camera and lens for the walk.

Thanks must also go to Amateur Photographer for organising the day, which was a memorable experience. I learnt a lot talking to the AP team of Geoff, Jessica and Andy, so thank you for your time. Finally, thank you to Jimmy Cheng for leading the walk, sharing your thoughts on street photography and allowing us to see how you creates your pictures.

If you enjoyed this blog on South Bank Street Photography then please read my street photography visit to Canary Wharf. This area is also a great place to visit with your camera when in London.

Canary Wharf Uncovered: A Stunning Street Photography Walk

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Digbeth Canal Walk: Discovering Birmingham’s Hidden waterways

by Damien Walmsley 22/07/2026 25/07/2026

Meeting at Centrala Space for a Digbeth Canal Walk

PRISM Photography linked up with the Canal and River Trust and organised a Digbeth Canal walk along the towpaths of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. Our guide for the photographic walk was Tom Hicks, of Black Country Type fame. We met at Centrala, which has a canal side location. The group of photographers included a mix of familiar and new faces, and soon there were friendly discussions between us.

Tom Hicks and Black Country Type: A Colourful Presentation

Francesco Falciane from PRISM Photography welcomed us and introduced Nick Cleaver, community engagement officer from the Canal and River Trust West Midlands. Next, Tom Hicks gave us a short presentation about his photographic work with Black Country Type. His pictures are full of colour and display a humorous take on life in the Black Country.

Onto the Towpath: Graffiti and Wild Foliage at Bordesley Junction

For the start of our Digbeth Canal Walk, Tom and Nick led us onto the canal via Great Barr Street. Immediately we were on the towpath, and the area became quiet, with the busy traffic fading to a low hum. We walked up to Bordesley Junction and explored the area. The walls are covered with bright, colourful graffiti, and the foliage had grown wild, escaping the constraints of the towpath. Old industry dominated the sides of the canal. Broken windows and missing drainpipes reflected its rundown nature.

Rubbish in the Canal: A Conversation with the Canal and River Trust

Rubbish was present both in and around the canal, much to Nick Cleaver’s disgust. “Why do people persist in dropping rubbish in the canal?” he asked. He went on to tell us that the Canal and River Trust spends much of its budget on keeping the canals clean. If people looked after the canals, then the money could be spent on more worthwhile projects.

The Bond, Peaky Blinders Studios and MasterChef’s Warehouse

Tom Hicks was on hand to talk about his work, but what was most fascinating was watching what he photographed. I learnt a great deal just from watching Tom take pictures and seeing how he composed them. All his photographs were taken with his phone camera.

We retraced our steps along the towpath. The Bond centre looked neat and tidy from our side of the canal. We were also next to the film studios of Stephen Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders. The studios were just behind the graffiti on the canal walls.

Beneath Curzon Street Bridge: Digbeth Canal Photography Meets HS2

We passed artwork by Annatomix on Our Digbeth Canal Walk and then the warehouse where MasterChef is filmed. In comparison to the Bond, the area alongside the canal looked ill-kempt. Canal boats passed through as we entered the magical underworld beneath Curzon Street railway bridge. We had now left Digbeth as we emerged on the other side of the bridge and were immediately greeted by the high steel pillars of the HS2 works.

White plastic sheeting covered the large engineering statues, which would soon become part of the HS2 terminal for Birmingham. We moved on to the Birmingham City University campus and photographed the new developments taking place there. One of my favourite buildings is the lockmaster’s cottage, with its boarded door and windows decorated with Lucy McLauchlan’s artwork.

Back to Centrala Space: Reflections and What’s Next

It was time to make our way back to Centrala for a debrief and refreshments. This was the third and final instalment of the recent canal walks run by PRISM Photography in conjunction with the Canal and River Trust. I was pleased that I was able to join one of the walks. Of the three the Digbeth Canal walk was the one that I wanted to join most. Next, we submit three photographs from the day and wait to see which of these is selected for the exhibition at Centrala in August. More details to follow.

Digbeth has been covered in my blog and here is a link to get you started. As a member of the Canal and River Trust, I enjoy walking along the canals and I have covered other cities including Manchester and the Regents Canal, London.

Hello Manchester, my old friend

Walking the Regent’s Canal – the Shoreditch stretch

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Canary Wharf Uncovered: A Stunning Street Photography Walk

by Damien Walmsley 21/07/2026 21/07/2026

My wildflower of the year picture was displayed in Canary Wharf. Therefore, I set off to visit Eden Dock, where the exhibition was being shown. I met up with James, my webmaster, and Holly, his wife, who were in London for meetings, and we made our way to Canary Wharf.

Arriving in Canary Wharf: First Impressions

The tube station is an amazing piece of engineering, and I had to stop and take pictures of the escalators. We walked out into the sunshine, which was a contrast to our underground journey. We arrived around lunchtime. All around, there were office workers taking their lunch break, along with tourists taking in the sights of the area. Canary Wharf is an impressive cityscape of skyscrapers of different architectural designs. The red livery of the Docklands Light Railway darts through the gaps.

My Wildflower of the Year Photo on Display at Eden Dock

My wildflower of the year picture was close to Canary Wharf tube station. Whilst I was pleased to see my winning entry, I was once again irritated that the one printed was the wrong colour balance. The correct picture has featured since, but the wrong one persists, as evidenced by the one on display at Eden Dock. Ah well, at least I did win a wonderful prize and enjoyed the accolades that came with it.

Exploring the Adams Plaza Tunnel: A Photographer’s Dream

James, Holly and I then did some sightseeing of the artwork around Canary Wharf. I was keen to visit the Adams Plaza tunnel designed by Camille Walala. The blast of colour and light makes this a photographer’s dream. Whilst I was there, a young woman stood taking pictures in the centre of the tunnel and then walked slowly along. I could not resist taking a picture of her with the tunnel as a backdrop.

The Illusionaries Wall and the Roof Garden Umbrella Dance

We made our way past the Illusionaries, and whilst we did not go into the installation we did stop for a few selfies on the distorted mirrored walls. I had not visited the Canary Wharf roof garden before. In one area of the garden, there was a group of Chinese ladies doing an umbrella dance. Unfortunately, even after taking lots of photographs, no rain was forthcoming.

Canary Wharf Photography: Capturing the Lunchtime Crowds

After lunch, James and Holly needed to get back to work in central London, which meant I had more time to spend with my camera. There were many opportunities for street photography amongst the office workers, who were more engrossed in enjoying their lunch break than in being photographed. So many of the men were wearing white or pink shirts, which made them stand out from the surrounding area.

Old Docks Meet New Skyscrapers: Contrasts in Architecture

As I slowly moved through the area, there were many favourites, including the North Dock footbridge. Many office workers passed by, and it was a good vantage point to see a number of floating dinghies, each housing a table and food. The large duck sculpture was also fun to photograph. The remnants of the old docks contrasted with the new, shiny, reflective buildings. I liked the triangular shapes of the old cranes, and looking up, you could see the contrast between their sharp lines and the smooth outlines of the buildings.

The artwork around Canary Wharf is amazing, and I found a useful guide to the main pieces of artwork. Free London Walks is by Anna Kmiecik and lists the artwork on show with maps on where to find them.

Sculptures: Standing Figures of a man and a woman and Two Men on a Bench

I passed several statues on my travels through the plazas of Canary Wharf, too many to mention, although taking pictures in the direct sunlight proved to be a challenge. One photo that came out well was of the ‘Two Men on a Bench’ sculpture by Sean Penny. Catching the expression of the men worked well.

I love the sculptures by Sean Henry. He creates painted bronze statues that are either smaller or larger than life size. The two Standing Figures of a Man and a Woman stand on the pavement, gazing at each other. When you approach, you think at first that they are real people. Then the scale of the statues becomes apparent. I loved taking pictures of these two figures, using their hands to frame passers-by, with a measure of success.

The Tear by Richard Hudson: Canary Wharf’s Silver Teardrop

While there was plenty of other excellent artwork to encounter, I did need to get back home. There was one more piece to photograph: the Tear, by Richard Hudson. This sits near Canary Wharf tube station and is a large silver teardrop. The reflections are nicely distorted, so you can catch people and surroundings in your shot. The presence of a colourful food truck helped a great deal.

Final Shots at Canary Wharf Tube Station

More photographs were taken of Canary Wharf tube station before heading home. I always enjoy Canary Wharf, as my previous blogs show. Please feel free to read my London Times blog on a walk along Regent’s canal which takes in Canary Wharf.

London Times: A canal, a basin, a river and a wharf

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Photographing the Coffin Works: An insight into Birmingham’s Industrial Heritage

by Damien Walmsley 18/07/2026 19/07/2026

The Coffin Works, a photographic journey.

The Coffin Works Birmingham sits on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter and is a place that I have wanted to visit for some time. On the spur of the moment, I booked a ticket, and the next day I was at the Coffin Works, where I met Robin, who was to be my guide for the morning.

A One-to-One Tour

I was the only one booked in for the early tour, so I was fortunate to have a one-to-one tour of the museum. Robin, who is a member of the Church Monuments Society, has a deep knowledge of the Coffin Works, and throughout the tour he provided a fascinating history.

We started in the courtyard. Looking up and around, the new Birmingham towers looked down at us. The traditional architecture of the building is in direct contrast to the new surrounding buildings.

The Workshop Floor

I learnt that coffins were not made in the factory. The Coffin Works manufactured the brass fittings and other metal work that is attached to coffins otherwise know as Coffin furniture. Robin took me into one of the workshops with the heavy metal machinery that was used to mould and cut out the coffin fixtures. There was a demonstration of one of the working machines, and an “RIP” metal label was produced.

Fittings Fit for Royalty

We left the workshop to climb to the first floor at the front of the building, where there was a timeline of many of the elaborate funeral fixtures that had been made during the operation of the Coffin Works. I was most impressed with the coffin handles that had been made for distinguished people over the years, including Joseph Chamberlain, Cardinal John Newman, Winston Churchill and members of the Royal Family. Robin provided a background story to the items on display. The mixture of industrial craftsmanship backed up with human stories made my visit memorable.

The Shroud Room

The second floor of the Coffin Works is where they made shrouds. The room had a bank of Singer sewing machines along the window, and three mannequins were dressed in shrouds at the end of the room. Examples of the intricate work involved in making the shrouds were on display, including shrouds made for the local football teams, Aston Villa and Birmingham City.

The room was set up with examples of the working day, and even the cups and teaspoons plus the tea rota were on display. The administration offices were neatly laid out with the paperwork and included the latest typewriters of the day.

The End of an Era

Robin informed me that the Coffin Works eventually succumbed to the national requirement for plastic fittings, which were ideal for cremations. Over the last century, the number of cremations outstripped the number of burials. Slowly but surely, the traditional metal fixtures were phased out. The Coffin Works closed but then reopened as a museum under the ownership of the Birmingham Conservation Trust.

The Coffin Works – Final thoughts

The tour was finished, and I made my way downstairs to the entrance. I chatted to Paul, who had initially greeted me at the start of the tour, and had time to thank Robin for taking me around the Coffin Works.

The museum provides a history of Victorian Birmingham and the enterprise and vision of the Newman Brothers. There are many other similar places to visit, and the Whistle Factory is still open for business and offers group visits by prior arrangement. Please read my account of my visit there.

Whistling a Birmingham success

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Visiting the 11.59 Publication Studio of the Artist Steve Coel

by Damien Walmsley 09/07/2026 19/07/2026

Meeting Steve Coel

I first met Steve Coel on the streets of Stirchley during the “Stirchley Observation Project” in 2024. I took his picture and we started talking. He mentioned his artist background, but I did not fully connect that he was interested in photography as well. We next met at the Tom Hicks exhibition at Birmingham City University and have since met on a regular basis at the PRISM photography talks at 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter.

The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio — Steve Coel, an 11.59 publication.

Steve Coel’s work is produced under the name ‘an 11.59 publication’. He invited me to his studio in Stirchley to view examples of his artwork. I arrived early so that I could take a few pictures of Stirchley, then met Steve on the road bridge on the border of Stirchley and Bournville. Steve took me to his studio, which is behind the Attic Brewery. The old industrial estate houses several thriving businesses, the majority of which have artistic inclinations.

Imbue’s Workshop

On the way up to the second floor, we passed Imbue’s studio. This was a chance to meet the artist and see his workshop. I have written about Imbue’s work before, and I enjoy the combination of digital scanning with his thought-provoking vision of everyday life. After a look around his workplace, and the generous gift of one of the Imbue lucky rabbits (the plastic variety, not the gold ones), we went up to Steve’s studio.

Inside the 11.59 Publication Studio

There are around ten artist spaces on the floor, and Steve gave a brief background to each one. His own studio held many fascinating paintings and pictures. Steve browsed through his back catalogue of pictures, and I enjoyed viewing his work, which combines deep, rich colours and textures. He has a wide-ranging back catalogue, examples of which are displayed on the ‘an 11.59 Publication’ instagram account.

Steve is an artist first and foremost, but he is also an accomplished photographer. His recent pictures of the Selfridges building are excellent and formed the basis of a book cover for local artists. I enjoyed browsing through all the artwork and hearing Steve’s interpretation of how the different pieces of work came together. His artistic background allows him to push the boundaries of his work. Having a Welsh background means that many pictures have Welsh names, which adds intrigue to the interpretation of his work.

A chat over a cuppa

The afternoon finished with a cup of tea in the hot summer sun, on one of the wooden benches in the concrete Stirchley Triangle. We reflected about art, photography, Stirchley and life over a great cuppa, crafted by the Stirchley Spud Co.

Finally here are a few pictures of Stirchley taken during my visit to Steve Coel’s studio.

As always there is a chance to explore my previous blog entries and I include an account of my earlier visit to Stirchley.

Stirchley Taster with the Prism Photography network

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Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien’s Middle-earth

by Damien Walmsley 07/07/2026 07/07/2026

Visiting Sarehole Mill

Sarehole Mill is not far from where I live but, surprisingly, I had never visited it despite living in Birmingham for many years. Every time I passed the mill, I made a mental note to return. This blog post came about when the opportunity finally presented itself.

There has been a mill beside the River Cole for more than 250 years. Originally used to grind grain into flour, Matthew Boulton later converted the mill to power machinery for his metalworking business. By the end of the nineteenth century, the mill had returned to producing flour.

J.R.R. Tolkien

Around this time, a young family moved into the area, and two brothers frequently explored the mill and the surrounding countryside. One of those brothers was J. R. R. Tolkien. The story of Sarehole Mill is now closely intertwined with The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Tolkien’s other works. The mill and the surrounding landscape helped inspire the Middle-earth that he created. The mill’s distinctive tower dates from the period when Matthew Boulton installed a steam engine to support his metalworking operations, and it is thought to have influenced some of Tolkien’s illustrations of Middle-earth.

History of Sarehole Mill

Today, Sarehole Mill is managed by Birmingham Museums, and there is a modest admission charge to visit the building. The fee is well worth paying, as the historical displays provide a fascinating insight into how the mill operated and what life was like in the surrounding area. I had not realised that Matthew Boulton had briefly used the mill for his metalworking business. There are also numerous references to Tolkien and the influence that Sarehole Mill had on his writing. I particularly enjoyed exploring the upper floors, where the various types of machinery used over the centuries are displayed. The morning light streamed through the windows, casting beautiful shadows across the wooden floors and ceiling, creating plenty of photographic opportunities.

The mill and the surrounding area

After exploring the mill, I wandered through the garden before searching for the classic view of the building across the mill pond. The viewing platform provides an excellent vantage point. Two herons stood nearby, so motionless that I initially thought they were statues. Unfortunately, I had not brought my telephoto lens, so I could not capture a close-up photograph. Instead, I left them to continue their silent vigil, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to catch a fish.

Leaving Sarehole Mill, I walked through the adjacent park towards the ford and road bridge, enjoying the remainder of the peaceful morning. Although the surrounding area has long since been developed, the tranquillity of the park on a Sunday morning made it easy to imagine what this landscape must have been like before the arrival of urban development.

Links to follow

If you wish to see more of Tolkien’s Birmingham then the two towers feature in my blog about Port Loop. The Tolkien family worshipped at the Birmingham Oratory and I have a blog describing this Birmingham landmark.

Port Loop

The Birmingham Oratory

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Photographing Digbeth: HS2, Canals and Street Art

by Damien Walmsley 28/06/2026 28/06/2026

Photographing Digbeth: the bridge over the River Rea. Art work includes Gent48.

Photographing Digbeth is always a creative and enjoyable time. My first serious photographic journey through Digbeth was in 2018. Since then, I have photographed Digbeth and the surrounding area on numerous occasions.

Photographing Digbeth: Including work by @brumpasteup — Photographing Digbeth: Trinity Street Including work by @brumpasteup

With the advent of the HS2 works, I wanted to see how construction was progressing near the Curzon Street canal towpath. The nearby Birmingham City University campus (BCU) is taking full advantage of the investment generated by the HS2 project. There is an incredible amount of building work taking place across the area. In spite of this, many problems still surround HS2, including repeated delays to its completion date.

Exiting Ashted tunnel on my way to Photographing Digbeth. The evolving campus of BCU greets you.

However, one cannot help but admire the engineering involved, and I was keen to photograph the large steel bridge that crosses the Birmingham to Lichfield railway on the approach into Curzon Street. To get close to the bridge, I walked down Northumberland Street behind the West Midlands Fire Service Headquarters. The bridge is tall and imposing, and the future trains will pass close to nearby apartment blocks. Walking across Lawley Middleway and looking up, the scale of the bridges dwarfs the surrounding roads and railways. The structures throughout the HS2 works are remarkable, although I do feel sorry for the nearby residents and businesses that have endured continual disruption during the construction.

Photographing Digbeth: The steel bridge that will take HS2 trains to Curzon Street. — The steel bridge that will take HS2 trains to Curzon Street.

Photographing Digbeth: A local train passes by the larger HS2 bridge over Lawley Middleway, — A local train passes by the larger HS2 bridge over Lawley Middleway,

Another noticeable change is the slow but definite gentrification taking place around Digbeth’s canal network. The Curzon Street railway bridge creates a long tunnel where the Digbeth Branch Canal passes underneath. This was once, not an area you would walk through alone. Now there are cyclists, runners and students making their way to lectures at Birmingham City University or just commuting into the city. You also encounter interesting people. During my walk, I came across guides from Birmingham Design Festival, whose handheld placards were helping visitors explore the canals. There is also a definite increase in canal boats along the old industrial waterways, bringing the area to life.

Photographing Digbeth: Photographing Digbeth: volunteers from the Birmingham Design Festival.

Photographing Digbeth: Canal boats and street art — A canal boat makes it way down the canal passing by the Fox mural by @Annatomix.

I continued on to Bordesley Junction, where the towpath becomes much quieter, yet even here I passed a runner. At the canal junction, the graffiti-covered walls provide a colourful backdrop, while the old industrial buildings tower above the waterways. Despite these changes, the area still feels uncertain and is not somewhere I would readily explore alone. No doubt the creeping gentrification will eventually reach this part of Bordesley as well.

Photographing Digbeth: Bordesley Junction — A lone runner passing through Bordesley Junction.

Heading back into Digbeth, I soaked up the atmosphere created by the busy shops and cafés. Redevelopment continues, and high-rise apartment buildings are increasingly surrounding the area.

Photographing Digbeth: The Old Crown with new flats being built. — The Old Crown has seen many changes through its 650 year history. Now the flats have arrived.

The streets around Gibb Street and Trinity Street are constantly evolving, with new businesses, nightclubs and street art appearing all the time. There are still a few artworks that I have to photograph, and I found this mural by @ginger_dan. Looking back at my photographs from 2018, the changes are striking. Old murals have disappeared beneath fresh paint, while new venues continue to emerge. Digbeth still retains its unique charm, and I hope it continues to preserve its distinctive character.

Photographing Digbeth: Street art by Ginger Dan. — Street Art on Trinity Street by @GingerDan.

Photographing Digbeth: Satellites of Love.

Photographing Digbeth: Pink Limousine on Floodgate Street.

Photographing Digbeth: Britpop rules. It sure does.

If you enjoyed this read then compare the changes in Digbeth to my first blog about the area. I have photographed Digbeth on several occasions so please review my index of articles to see more.

My Custard Factory Beat

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Knowle Village Celebrates a Memorable 750th Birthday

by Damien Walmsley 25/06/2026 25/06/2026

Knowle is 750 years old and what an excellent reason to have a party to celebrate the occasion.

I have lived in Knowle for over 40 years, which means I have been here for approximately 5% of the village’s life. There have been many changes over the years, but it still retains the quiet charm of an English village.

Kim is the face of Visit Knowle and was the lead organiser of the festivities, which took place on a Sunday in June, just before the heatwave. The High Street was closed to traffic, allowing artisan stalls and local interest groups to take over the space. Lyons, the butchers, hosted a BBQ, and dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor and the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, were in attendance.

Kim Hulse, Co Founder
Role: Marketing and delivering Business Support — Eric Lyons supplying a constant supply of hot dogs for the party.

When I arrived, the birthday party was in full swing. My grandson had heard about a game that involved throwing footballs into a toilet. He found the challenge difficult and, after six attempts, had still not managed to land a football in the loo. How do you pick yourself up after that? With a hot dog from the Lyons BBQ, of course.

The High Street was full of people, with not a car in sight. My favourite stall was the football prints display, although there were many others worthy of mention. I was particularly keen to climb the tower at Knowle Church. I had previously visited the bell-ringing room but had never made it to the very top. After negotiating the narrow stairs, the magnificent view was a wonderful reward.

As I looked out across the Warwickshire landscape, I could almost hear The Who singing, “I Can See for Miles.”Unfortunately, I could not see my own house because of the many trees surrounding the village. By this time, I had lost track of my daughter and grandson, so I wandered down the High Street to see what else was happening.

As I approached the Ale Rooms, Viola and Slow Records, I was in for a pleasant surprise. Playing in the window of Slow Records were Chipsum Gravy a lively three-piece high octane punk rock band who were not only rattling the windows but also rocking the High Street.

Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands — Chipsum Gravy rocking Slow Records.

I know there was much more to take part in, and I did not have time to explore the precinct or visit many of the buildings that were open to the public, such as the library and the church. From what I did see, Knowle was enjoying a wonderful birthday celebration, and both residents and visitors were clearly having a great day.

Well done to everyone who helped organise the event, and I look forward to the 751st birthday party next year!

The height of summer in Knowle is very different to the depths of winter in the village. Check out my blog on the snowfall earlier in the year.

Snowfall at First Light: A January Walk Through Knowle

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Mastering Poppy Field Photography: Capture Stunning Wildflower Scenes

by Damien Walmsley 03/06/2026 04/06/2026

A poppy field in full bloom is a wonderful sight. A field of closely packed flowers creates a sea of red, often stretching as far as the eye can see. Around the end of May and into early June, poppy fields appear almost unannounced, much to the delight of seasoned poppy hunters. The common hotspots are generally found in Wiltshire, Norfolk and Worcestershire, but a poppy field can be found almost anywhere in the country.

The aim of this blog is to provide some tips on photographing a poppy field. Whether you use a smartphone or a dedicated camera, a few simple steps will help ensure you return home with some memorable images that will amaze family and friends and perhaps gain you a few extra likes on social media.

As a case study, I am going to use some recent pictures from a colourful poppy field that I visited near Bewdley. This was in a similar area to a popular blog that I posted a few years ago.

When photographing poppy fields, there is always an opportunity to practise on other wildflowers that appear earlier in the year. At the end of January there are snowdrops, while from late April into May there are bluebells and wild garlic. The latter flowers also offer advantages for those who enjoy foraging.

My advice is to keep an eye on social media posts that reveal where wildflower fields are appearing. Facebook searches for poppy fields will often reveal recent sightings. People rarely contain their enthusiasm when posting about these displays. Unless you know the person posting, however, I would refrain from asking for the exact location of the field. Part of the fun is carrying out your own research and discovering where the flowers are growing.

The ideal time to photograph a poppy field is either at sunrise or sunset. The soft light of the golden hour brings out the vibrant colours of the flowers. Planning your photographs is also important. You may read various forms of advice, but personally I like to create a visual story consisting of five to ten images.

The set benefits from an overall photograph of the field, allowing the viewer to appreciate the scene as you first saw it. Often, this is the view that visitors remember most from their visit. Next, I take a series of medium-range images of the field. I think in thirds when composing these photographs and look for contrast. The lower third or two-thirds of the frame will often contain the poppies, while the upper portion will feature the sky or a line of trees. Contrast may come from colours or from different species of flowers growing together. A field will usually contain many other wildflowers and plants.

While taking these medium-range photographs, I begin looking for close-up images of individual flowers or petals. If you find other flowers or crops growing among the poppies, try incorporating them into the composition. They contribute to the story, showing why the poppies are there and what else is growing around them.

Finally, I start looking for something different that may help my pictures stand out. This is not straightforward and is not an easy task to do well. One technique is to throw the background out of focus using a wide aperture so that the viewer’s gaze is drawn to the flowers that remain sharp. This can be tricky to achieve.

When you move in close to the poppies, you will notice many chaotic patterns. Your skill as a photographer is to make sense of the sea of red before you. Look for patterns and observe how the flowers relate to one another. Are two poppies facing each other? Do they look as though they are talking? Is one poppy standing alone? You may find one that is taller than the others and naturally draws attention. Once you begin thinking in this way, you start to see photographs emerging from the apparent chaos. Isolate these subjects with a tight composition and a carefully chosen field of view.

Although I am always excited to discover a poppy field, I do not move around too much. Once I have selected a position, I tend to stay with it. After capturing a set of photographs, I may move to one or perhaps two other locations. After many years of photographing wildflowers, I do not walk into the flower fields. Doing so rarely leads to a better view and often results only in trampling the work of nature. Be respectful and consider the landowner by not trespassing. Contain your enthusiasm and work around any limitations.

Which camera should you use? This is one of the most common questions photographers are asked. My answer is how you compose your photograph matters more than the camera you use. However, there are a few useful considerations. A telephoto lens compresses the scene and intensifies the impact of the colours, while a wide-angle lens shows the landscape surrounding the field.

I also recommend carrying a tripod, regardless of which camera you use. A tripod allows you to experiment with slower shutter speeds, making it possible to create intentional camera movement (ICM) images and other creative effects.

This blog is intended as a starting point for photographing wildflower fields. While I have focused on poppy fields, the same techniques can be applied to many other wildflower displays. If you would like access to a colourful and reliable location in which to practise your photography, I strongly recommend visiting the annual Confetti Fields in Wick, near Pershore.

Here is another link to follow for ideas on photographing a poppy field.

Poppies in the Light: Witherley at Sunset and Sunrise

If you work on your composition and follow the tips outlined in this blog, then one day you may be successful with your poppy field photographs.

Winner of the first Wildflower Photographer of the Year competition

blog

Photographing Dudley

by Damien Walmsley 23/05/2026 15/06/2026

Dudley is well known for attractions such as Dudley Zoo and Castle and the Black Country Living Museum, so I was keen to explore the town further. An opportunity came when a street photography walk led by Matt Wakefield and organised by Igers Birmingham UK took place.

Starting off at Cousins Furniture Store, Matt led us around the streets of Dudley. He is an excellent host for a photographic walk. His distinctive appearance of grey beard, baseball cap, and reflective glasses lets you know he is a man of the streets. After introductions by the Igers Birmingham UK team, we set off.

The first stop was a boarded-up pub that provided a great focus for our photography. This was followed by the distinctive iron bridge over Duncan Edwards Way. Following the newly laid tram tracks along Castle Hill, we passed the zoo and headed up towards the High Street. All the while, we could see Dudley Castle looking down on us.

A group of photographers always looks conspicuous, and I attracted interest from people in Sofi’s Plaice, a local fish and chip shop. The owner, Kikis, beckoned me over and we chatted. He kindly allowed me to take his portrait and then proudly informed me that his was the best fish and chip shop in the West Midlands. We enjoyed the banter that followed, and I promised to return.

Matt guided us around Dudley town centre, which is quietly impressive, with old buildings mixed amongst the new. There were many architectural highlights. Some buildings had been thoughtfully repurposed, while others had unfortunately been left empty. Nevertheless, the town has real character. Matt kept us on our toes, sharing interesting facts and pointing out photographic opportunities as we made a large circle around the town.

We eventually reached the High Street, where Matt surprised us with a special visit to Prospect House, formerly the Cooperative Emporium. Opened in 1939 by the Midlands Cooperative Society, it was once their flagship department store. After decades of decline and closure during the 1980s, the building is now a community support centre with ambitions to restore it to its former glory. The exterior has already been beautifully restored in its original Art Deco style, although there is still much work to do inside.

Matt is clearly a man with good contacts, and we were met by the building manager, who led us through the store and up a grand staircase onto the roof. Photographers love a rooftop viewpoint, and this one was superb. Earlier rain had left puddles across the surface, creating wonderful reflections. We spent a happy hour photographing the Black Country skyline, experimenting with puddle reflections, and capturing closer views of Dudley Parish Church.

Everyone enjoyed themselves, and the rooftop visit became one of the highlights of the walk. Like any good film, however, there was still more to come. At the end of the High Street, Matt let us loose to photograph the Saturday market. Standing prominently above the street is the imposing statue of Duncan Edwards, dressed in England colours and poised to kick a football. His commanding figure overlooks the town below.

Duncan Edwards was a hero to both my father and grandfather during his time at Manchester United, before his life was tragically cut short in the Munich air disaster. Standing there, I found myself reminiscing about all the stories I had heard as a child about this remarkable footballer.

I later returned to Sofi’s Plaice fish and chip shop, where Kakis served me a cone of his special orange chips. They were delicious. I wandered past the new tram terminal alongside Birdcage Walk, chips in one hand and camera in the other, before eventually finding myself back at Cousins Furniture Store. We had a short debrief, reflected on what an enjoyable walk it had been, and then said our goodbyes before heading home.

I stayed a little longer because I had spotted a spiral footbridge that I wanted to photograph. I liked the strong angles, circular shapes, and the way pedestrians interacted with the concrete structure and metal railings.

Over the following days, I posted my photographs online. As everyone shared their pictures, I realised that I had unintentionally become a subject myself. My Aussie hat and black clothing had apparently made me a distinctive figure amongst the crowd, and several photographers had captured portraits of me during the walk. It was great fun seeing everyone’s different interpretations and the one below by Nadia Malik is my favourite one.

My thanks go to Matt for leading such an excellent photo walk and also to the Igers Birmingham UK team for organising the day.

The last blog post on my Photographing series was focussed on my visit to Winchester.

Photographing Winchester

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Category Archives: blog

How I Got onto this South Bank Street Photography Walk

Meeting the Group at Black Penny Cafe

Jubilee Gardens and the Modified Social Benches

The secrets to Jimmy Cheung’s Approach to Street Photography

Ice Cream Vans, Skaters and Graffiti Artists

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Tom Hicks and Black Country Type: A Colourful Presentation

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Beneath Curzon Street Bridge: Digbeth Canal Photography Meets HS2

Back to Centrala Space: Reflections and What’s Next

Arriving in Canary Wharf: First Impressions

My Wildflower of the Year Photo on Display at Eden Dock

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The Illusionaries Wall and the Roof Garden Umbrella Dance

Canary Wharf Photography: Capturing the Lunchtime Crowds

Old Docks Meet New Skyscrapers: Contrasts in Architecture

Sculptures: Standing Figures of a man and a woman and Two Men on a Bench

The Tear by Richard Hudson: Canary Wharf’s Silver Teardrop

Final Shots at Canary Wharf Tube Station

A One-to-One Tour

The Workshop Floor

Fittings Fit for Royalty

The Shroud Room

The End of an Era

The Coffin Works – Final thoughts

Meeting Steve Coel

Imbue’s Workshop

Inside the 11.59 Publication Studio

A chat over a cuppa

Visiting Sarehole Mill

J.R.R. Tolkien

History of Sarehole Mill

The mill and the surrounding area

Links to follow