Middleton Lakes RSPB, July 2024

The alarm was set at 4.15am but I was awake long before the music “Insomnia” kicked off my waking routine.  Early starts are a necessary evil if the early bird wants to catch the preverbal worm.  Within 20 minutes, the dog had been out and I was ready to leave with a hot cup of coffee in a thermos.  My destination was Middleton Lakes RSPB where I wanted to photograph the wildlife.  The lakes are easy to get to from the M42 and there was no traffic at that time of the morning.  Passing the Aston Villa Bodymoor training grounds I reached the lakes and parked the car.  There was a lovely mist over the meadows and when I passed over the canal there was a dreamy quality about the air.  I was the only person around and had the place to myself.  

Middleton Lakes RSPB, July 2024
A canal boat on the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal
Middleton Lakes RSPB, July 2024
Early morning flight
Middleton Lakes RSPB, July 2024
First light on the lakes
Middleton Lakes RSPB, July 2024
Butterflies are back and soaking up the sun.
Middleton Lakes RSPB, July 2024
Fish are jumping and catching flies.

Then there was the decision, the wetlands or the woodlands.  I am glad I made the decision to visit the lakes.  The Canada Geese were taking turns to set off on group flybys   In the lake, I saw fish jumping out of the water to catch insects on the water.  I saw a heron and other birds which I need to identify.  The butterflies were waking up and enjoying the sunshine.  I moved onto the meadows to see if there were any owls hunting.  Whilst the owls were not out the Konik ponies were moving around.  I walked around the meadow and came close to the riverbanks where there were several dragonflies and damsel flies.  I was not quick enough to catch the dragonflies but the damsel flies were more sluggish.  The sun was warming up the vegetation and my landscape picture was selected for the main BBC weather photograph.  One downside is that there were many midges around and I found later that day that I had picked up many insect bites that persisted for several days afterwards.

Middleton Lakes RSPB, July 2024
A heron waits patiently.
Middleton Lakes RSPB, July 2024
Looking for fish from above.
Middleton Lakes RSPB, July 2024
A damselfly takes in the sun
Middleton Lakes RSPB, July 2024
My picture on the BBC Midlands evening news.

If you enjoyed this visit to Middleton Lakes RSPB then please read my previous blog.

Exchange Square, Birmingham, July 2024

Exploring Birmingham in the early morning is a great pastime and the city opens up for many different photographic opportunities.  One morning in July, I moved towards the law courts with no particular plan other than to take some street photography pictures.  My eye always finds something that looks different and as I looked down towards Birmingham Crown Court and the Maclaren building, I noticed a metallic structure in the form of a triangle.  I set off to investigate.  I discovered a new square amongst all the newly built office blocks and student residences.  

Exchange Square, Birmingham, July 2024
The metal branches reach out to the surrounding buildings.
Exchange Square, Birmingham, July 2024
There is little colour in the square.
Exchange Square, Birmingham, July 2024
A solitary figure walks up the steps

The architecture of the square may simply be described as brutal.  Lots of concrete pavements and to one side, someone has “planted” three metallic trees with pointed branches that reach up to the sky seeking a sun above the concrete.  This is a wonderful place for photography and I took many pictures with both my iPhone and Fujifilm x100vi camera.  People stop in the square, taking a seat whilst waiting for their bus to arrive on the Priory Queensway.  There is a restaurant on one side of the square that may look out of place but a search on the web shows that it has received good reviews.  There is a bleak passageway that leads onto the Masshouse residential buildings.  These flats were built around 10 years ago but are now looking a touch tired.  A lone Palestinian flag hangs from one of the building balconies.  The metal triangle that first caught my eye, is some form of decorative cover which adds to all the sharp angles and hard brutal feel to the square.  

Exchange Square, Birmingham, July 2024
A lone Palestinian flag hangs from one of the balconies on Masshouse.
Exchange Square, Birmingham, July 2024
The metal triangular structure that caught my eye.
Exchange Square, Birmingham, July 2024
An abstract image of the metal branches.

In summary another brutalist concrete jungle with the ironic touch of metal trees.  The square makes for great photographic opportunities although I am not sure I would wish to live and work in the area.

Web link – if you like concrete then you will enjoy this blog entry.

HS2 progress, Curzon Street, Birmingham 2024

The HS2 construction is transforming the landscape around the Curzon Street building.  Once this was a sleepy backwater and a relatively quiet part of Birmingham.  However first came Millennium Point and then the ThinkTank museum. Then HS2 rolled into town.  Birmingham City University also moved location so that they were near to the station.  This series of pictures provides a construction update of the area and the viaducts that will carry the trains into the station which are starting to appear.  The area around the Birmingham canal allows a view of the enormous construction taking place. 

HS2 progress, Curzon Street, Birmingham 2024
Back in 2013 the scene was very quiet then before construction began.

HS2 progress, Curzon Street, Birmingham 2024
Life goes on around the HS2 changes.
HS2 progress, Curzon Street, Birmingham 2024
Curzon street is quiet for now. This will be a busy station thoroughfare in the future.
HS2 progress, Curzon Street, Birmingham 2024
The scene from the canal onto the City.

A few interesting stories developed whilst I was taking pictures.  I added to my 100 strangers project whilst  I was walking around the perimeter of the HS2 development works. As I was taking pictures over the canal bridge looking towards the new viaducts for the trains, I met Mace who was from London. He was on a stopover in Birmingham on his journey to Scotland.  He immediately engaged me in conversation and was a lively personality.  After discussing the state of play of the HS2 and Birmingham, he willingly posed for my 100 strangers’ project.  (More of this photographic project at a later date). The sun was out creating lighting difficulties so I asked Mace to stand under the shade.  In the portrait, Curzon street is to the right and the view is down towards the ThinkTank museum and Birmingham City University.  The new Curzon Street station is further down the road.

HS2 progress, Curzon Street, Birmingham 2024
Mace who I met on Curzon Street.

Another interesting finding was that to my surprise I found a narrowboat moored up on the other side of the Curzon Street railway bridge near to the Birmingham Gun Barrell proof house.  It is a rare sight to see canal boats on this stretch of the canal.  However as the area starts to receive more investment then it is likely that such occurrences will be more frequent.

HS2 progress, Curzon Street, Birmingham 2024
A narrowboat tied up near to the Curzon Rail bridge overlooks the City

One of my photography projects is to photograph the changes occurring in other places of the HS2 development. You may wish to view the changes to 16 acre wood near Berkswell.

Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024

The IgersbirminghamUK Icons walk started with a torrential downpour of rain. We met at the Five ways roundabout where we managed to shelter from the rain until we were brave enough to walk down Broad Street.  The rain had created many excellent photographic opportunities including people with umbrellas concentrating on avoiding the large puddles.  

Auchinleck
Reflections of the International Convention Centre, Centenary Square.

The underpass at Five Ways is a busy thoroughfare with both people and delivery bikes moving around.  If you stay still then you immediately look suspicious. There was a brief plan of where our walk would take us. The idea was to walk down Broad Street to Centenary Square with a short detour to Oozells Square. From then on we would visit two more squares, Chamberlain and Victoria with our final destination being the Colmore where we could discuss our photographs over a well-earned drink. I have grouped my pictures into several themes.

People

Broad street is always great for street photography with pedestrians undertaking different activities. They may be waiting for the trams or making their way to the theatres and concert halls. There is always the odd surprise such as the suited and booted men on scooters.  Surprisingly they were not wearing helmets!  Even the cyclist, I captured was not wearing one.  The health and safety part of me has seen the results of people not wearing crash helmets.  One of my favourites photographs was the picture of two women outside the Library of Birmingham practicing their hip hop dance moves in the window reflections. Other people looked very glum about the weather.

Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
Sharing an umbrella in Broad Street
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
Suited and booted
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
Cycling Broad Street with the Octagon in the background.
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
Practicing hip hop dance moves.
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
Only the lonely

Signs

Letters are everywhere and a few caught my eye.  Popworld was hosting a party and Ozzie was getting wet.  There were signs of the cost of living crisis with unopened cans of food left on a bench.  A story within a story, as the unopened cans sit on a bench near to the luxury five ways hotel where people can take a Rockstar taxi into the city. Head over to #igbk_meet_icons where one of our photographers focused on the lettering he encountered during our walk.

130406_365_Steps and candles, White Palace
Ozzy’s signature
130406_365_Steps and candles, White Palace
Popworld
130406_365_Steps and candles, White Palace
Taxi rank on cobbled stones
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
Contrasts with tins of food and taxis

Icons

There are so many icons on the route and the Black Sabbath bridge over the Birmingham Canals is deserving of your attention.  In Centenary Square, there was the obligatory shot of the golden boys statue.  The Birmingham family holds a central position in the square and divides popular opinion. My picture shows that the overriding message is about love.  The Iron:man by Antony Gormley regularly gets photographed as it is placed at the intersection of many walkways including the tram stop and Town Hall.  Finally the Birmingham icon, Benjamin Zachariah, is the subject of an exhibition of his life and works.  The pictures and living history of this influential poet and writer are set up near to the New Street entrance to Victoria Square. Biodiversity bear has also taken up residence in the same area. This is a busy place with the trams passing by in their distinguished blue livery.

130406_365_Steps and candles, White Palace
The Birmingham family is about love.
130406_365_Steps and candles, White Palace
The Golden Boys
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
Pictures of Iron:man
130406_365_Steps and candles, White Palace
Victoria Square Icons

Architecture

Birmingham is noted for its brutalist history and love of concrete.  The start of our walk at the Auchinleck walkway provides an example of this.  However spirits are raised when walking towards Field Marshall Auchinleck’s statue and down Broad Street.   The high rise living apartments dwarf the street level buildings and lights.  Older buildings fight for space with the newer blocks of architecture. Oozells Square still has presence, even though it is most famous for two weeks of the year when the cherry trees blossom.  The reflective pool in Centenary Square was clear of any activity and with the recent rain, the classic picture of the Rep, Library and Hall of Remembrance was taken. A new icon, the Octagon, is rising in the background. The approach to Chamberlain square has a certain grandeur as the buildings on either side guide you to the Council House with the Chamberlain clock and the 103 Colmore Row skyscraper in the background.  The security were kind to us and we were able to take photos on this privately owned part of Birmingham without hassle. Reaching Victoria square there is a mixture of construction and exhibitions taking place. Local Brummies will quip, “Birmingham will be good when it is finished”.

Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
The brutalist architecture of Auchinleck underpass at Five Ways
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
View of the top of Broad Street.
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
The old and the new.
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
Classic view of Oozells Square.
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
Reflections of some Birmingham Icons.
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
The approach to Chamberlain Square
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
Victoria Square and the Benjamin Zachariah exhibition.
Birmingham Icons walk, IgersbirminghamUK, July 2024
Tram lights
There were signs of the cost of living crisis with unopened cans of food left on a bench.  A story within a story as the unopened cans sit on a bench near to the luxury five ways hotel where people can take a Rockstar taxi. 
A regular sight on the streets of Birmingham.

At the Colmore, we had great discussions about our pictures including those that got away.  As we left the pub on our way home, the night was coming down allowing the neon lights to feature more in our pictures. The big wheel by the Cathedral invited us to take a few final pictures and then we caught the train home.

There were signs of the cost of living crisis with unopened cans of food left on a bench.  A story within a story as the unopened cans sit on a bench near to the luxury five ways hotel where people can take a Rockstar taxi. 
Lights from the window.

If you liked these pictures and want to know more about IgersbirminghamUK then please follow us on Instagram. Here is a previous blog describing another of our recent Birmingham walks.

The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024

The Floodgate featured in one of my favourite pictures which was taken in Floodgate street during the early hours of morning.  Although I had never been inside the venue, I have passed the front entrance on many occasions during my photographic visits to Digbeth.  When I heard that The Floodgate was closing then I knew that I had to photograph the place before it closed.  On a Friday afternoon, which was the penultimate day of the venue being open, I ventured into the place and brought a drink at the bar.  I asked the staff whether I could take photographs of the inside and they kindly said that I could go ahead. So a big thank you to them for this blog.  

The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024
Baseball cages
The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024
The Floodgate Raceway
The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024
Beth who works at the Floodgate with artwork in the background.

The Floodgate is one large games entertainment venue with curling, baseball, table golf and model car racing amongst the sports that punters can take part in.  I met Beth who worked in the Floodgate.  Beth explained that the Floodgate was closing due to the sky-high rent.  When Beth told me the figures that they were being charged for rent then it is no surprise that independents are struggling.  Digbeth is undergoing changes and the early success of independents has attracted larger businesses who want a slice of the action. Digbeth is becoming a very popular part of Birmingham (if it was not popular already).  There are plans for several high rise residences to be built in the vicinity.  Many of the old warehouses and industrial units are being earmarked for demolition with a complete revamp of the area planned.  Already the Boxpark franchise will be pumping 5 million pounds under the nearby railway arches that will create bars and restaurants.  The independents have difficulty in matching this sort of investment.  

.

The Floodgate had only just opened for the evening and apart from a few customers playing curling, I had the place to myself for taking pictures.   The Floodgate has one large bar area situated in the main warehouse.  Table tops are in the form of baseballs and colourful murals adorn the walls. There are baseball cages and an impressive model car racing track.  The latter has a set of seats complete with steering wheels where people can control the model cars they see in front of them around the track. 

The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024
You never know who you will meet in the dark
The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024
With a little help from my friends
The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024
Hole 18 – Table Golf
The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024
The Trotter’s car and other lights.

 Leading off from the main warehouse, there are two games areas . The walls are covered with colourful graffiti art that glows in the UV light.  The area is a psychedelic experience and the Jimi Hendrix song Purple Haze came to mind. I enjoyed taking pictures with both my cameras, the Fujifilm x100vi and my iPhone.  This is where the new Fujifilm with IBIS worked well.  Such pictures taken in low light with this camera would have been impossible without a tripod in the past.  The iPhone is well known for its low light photography,  The curling lanes were surrounded by lights and a ceiling of springs.  The table golf set up looked impressive when set against the graffiti. The area was a little spooky with no people present. Beth did tell me that there were stories about ghosts in the warehouse and occasionally I felt a presence as I wandered around the darkly lit areas of the table golf rooms.

The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024
Outside Curling
The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024
Glory Days
The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024
NHS Angel wings in the light
The Closing of the Floodgate, Digbeth, July 2024
Under the arches

The outside area has more curling lanes and baseball cages that are set against a backdrop of the towering railway arches.  The cameras now had to deal with strong light and harsh shadows as for once it was not raining.

My final shot was of Beth and other staff in the bar area.  It is sad to see such places closing but I guess this is progress.  The early charm of Digbeth with venues taking advantage of the old industrial warehouses is slowly disappearing.  The Floodgate is an example of creating different types of entertainment.  Such places will disappear and be replaced with new shiny establishments that will cater for most of the new residents that will be entering Digbeth.

My final shot was of Beth and other staff in the bar area.  It is sad to see such places closing but I guess this is progress.  The early charm of Digbeth with venues taking advantage of the old industrial warehouses is slowly disappearing.  The Floodgate is an example of creating different types of entertainment.  Such places will disappear and be replaced with new shiny establishments that will cater for most of the new residents that will be entering Digbeth.
Beth with the Floodgate bar in the background
My final shot was of Beth and other staff in the bar area.  It is sad to see such places closing but I guess this is progress.  The early charm of Digbeth with venues taking advantage of the old industrial warehouses is slowly disappearing.  The Floodgate is an example of creating different types of entertainment.  Such places will disappear and be replaced with new shiny establishments that will cater for most of the new residents that will be entering Digbeth.
Floodgate Street

If you enjoyed this blog then please take a look at my other Digbeth entries starting with Digbeth Art from July 2020

Flash, Bang, Wallop Podcast

We are four photographers who got together during lockdown. We enjoyed chatting about photography over zoom and decided that we would love to share our experiences with other photographers out there. As friends we share a passion for taking pictures and as it happens we all photograph a diverse and varied set of subjects. Who are we? There is Martin Kelly our host, who does all the bits and pieces to get our zoom chats up on YouTube etc. Neil Dodd who is based in Switzerland and loves photographing sport especially Swiss Rugby. Ian Lewis who is fortunate to live in Cornwall and takes stunning pictures of the countryside in this beautiful part of the world. Then there is me, Damien Walmsley, who photographs the Birmingham cityscapes and the Warwickshire countryside (plus anything else).

Our Flash, Bang, Wallop Podcast is a monthly show and we cover news, gear and everything photography related including interviewing guests.

You will find our show on
YouTube
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Web site

Please get in touch and you can do this via our Website run by Ian Lewis.

Norwich Cathedral and the Close, June 2024

The close is a small village of houses within Norwich Cathedral walls.  The area is also home to Norwich School and during the day there is an influx of tourists who visit both the Cathedral and the Close. My school friend, Tim, lives in one of the Cottages in the Close.   It was a good to catch up with Tim who I had only seen once since we both left school and went our separate ways over 40 years ago.  As I wished to see the Time Horizon installation at Houghton Hall, a stop over at Norwich looked a good idea. 

Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
A typical tourist shot of the Ethelbert Gate leading to the Close.
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
So good to see the sun shinning.
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
A picturesque view of part of the Close
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
An afternoon view of the Cathedral.
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
Night view
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
Nearly time for the gates to close
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
People still around in the warm evening.

 I arrived on a glorious sunny afternoon and the Close was busy with people.  In the evening the doors are shut at 10.30pm and at around 9pm the area is relatively quiet.  The next day, I got up early and wandered around the close.  The sun was also rising in the sky and again there were several good photographs amongst the light and the shadows.  I also met Tony was sitting quietly against one of the walls with his lenses pointed up to the spire of the Cathedral.  There are two nesting peregrine falcons and the City news is wrapped up with their well-being.  Last year there were no chicks and this year only one has survived.  The picture shows Tony taking his picture and if you look very closely you can see the young peregrine bird on the masonry. I did not have my long lens so this is a digital zoom.

Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
Early Morning people
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
The gates are open. A view of the cathedral through the Erpingham Gate
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
Tony photographing the peregrine falcons.
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
Into the cloisters.
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
The sun is rising
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
Black and white view of the cloisters
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
A leading line from the Labyrinth in the centre of the cloisters.
Photographing Norwich Cathedral and the Close
Inside the Cathedral

The cloisters were impressive and I learnt that some of the Harry Potter movies were filmed in the cloisters. Also I realised that I missed several opportune views of the cloisters as I read up about Norwich Cathedral after my visit. Furthermore, I did not get the chance to explore other parts of Norwich so another visit beckons.

On a photographic note, I am finding my Fujifilm x100vi is working well now that I have set it up with a back focus button. The IBIS makes the night photography straightforward although I do have to remove the noise in Lightroom for several pictures. I have also purchased a “shimmer” for the lens and this adds an attractive effect when shooting into the sun.

Looking back into my archives and I find that I photographed Cologne back in 2019. As this is another Cathedral City, it is interesting to compare my blog postings over the years.

I also provide a link to the official Norwich Cathedral website.

Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024

Art will challenge you, ask questions and generates new ideas in how you think.  As you navigate through life, art allows you to stop, think and take in your surroundings.  By asking questions, artwork provokes you to provide an answer to what you see before you.  However, there are no right or wrong answers and you must be content with your own interpretation of what you see.  Opening yourself up to the art before you, leads to increased creativity. In my photography, such opportunities lead to different inventive approaches to composing my pictures.  

Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
A cast iron sculpture with Houghton Hall in the background.
Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Statues in the ground in sync with the datum statue inside the Hall

Antony Gormley is an artist whose work will challenge you and ask such questions.  His metallic sculptures are modelled on his own human form and have been installed in several locations. The Angel of the North near Newcastle and the statues from “Another Place” on Crosby beach are probably his most recognisable installations.  The statue that I encounter when visiting Birmingham is Iron:man in Victoria Square.  The backwards and slightly tilted to the side cast iron figure watches over people who pass by on their way through the Square.  I have photographed iron:man throughout the years.  Another work that I often visit in London is “reflection” near to Euston Station.  In 2015, one of his statues was placed at the locks opposite the Lengthman’s Cottage, Lowsonford, Warwickshire.  This was on the occasion to celebrate 50 years of the Landmark Trust.  I do enjoy his artwork so when I learned that the art installation Time Horizon was coming to Houghton Hall in Norfolk then I knew I had to visit.

Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Many of the statues were placed in the adjacent parkland.
https://www.antonygormley.com/works/exhibitions/time-horizon-houghton
Under the trees

Fortunately I have an old school friend who lives in Norwich and I availed myself on his hospitality as a base to visiting Norfolk.  Photographing Norwich is in a separate blog and shows the picturesque area around the Cathedral.  Either day or night the place has much to see and photograph.

Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Statue with shadow

Arriving at Houghton Hall, I found that there was a queue to enter the property. In my nativity, I had wrongly assumed that not many people would be there.  As I waited around 20 mins to enter the carpark I now knew how popular this exhibit was.  Several of the statues were visible around the entrance and this only served to increase my anticipation about the visit.  The car park attendant told me that I had brought the weather with me and advised that I went to see the walled garden first before embarking on the rest of the sights.  This was good advice as the flower displays and the setting of the walled gardens was thrilling to behold.  There were two of Antony Gormley’s statues in the walled garden set on pedestals overlooking everyone.  

Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Three ladies in red hats.

There are several areas of Houghton Hall to access and you are guided initially from the walled garden through the Stables to the Hall.  It is here that you start to encounter more of the cast iron figures many of whom are set into the ground.  Their presence is at first interesting and then as you encounter more of the cast iron figures, you begin to ask more questions about how the statues are set up.  Some are facing the Hall, whilst others have their back to the buildings.  Why are some figures buried to the neck whilst others are more exposed.  This last question is answered by the lay of the land as each figure is at the same level with the datum statue. Within the house there is one solitary figure which is buried to the hips.  This statue is the datum which is used to create a single horizontal plane across the landscape.  I found this difficult to comprehend as I took so many pictures of the statues and tried to understand the horizontal level across all 100 sculptures.  On my wanderings around the grounds, one person stopped me and asked why are the figures facing different ways.  He was perplexed by this feature of the installation.  I also noticed that people were fascinated with the details of the body and pictures of either the appendages or the buttocks were very popular with the visitors.  I took several pictures of the front and behind of the statues to work out what was the fascination.  See if you can guess why.

Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Deconstructed sculpture

I walked many steps and took in as many of the sculptures that I could find.  Photographing them was fun as I attempted to capture them in their surroundings and bring the natural environment where they are placed into play.  Interactions with people was high on my list of photographs to take. This was a form of street photography where you could juxtaposition people with the surroundings.  The beautiful surroundings brought out the best in the installation and I enjoyed the contrasts between the carefully manicured lawns of the estate to the woodlands where the sculptures were in a natural woodland setting.  

Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Head above ground
Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Central to the horizon
Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Black and white
Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
In the woods
Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Looking down at the datum point statue.
Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Details and markings from visiting birds.
Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
The Hall and Gardens covers 300 acres.
Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Juxtaposition
Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Taking a break

There were many other installations present and I particularly liked the Waterflame by Jeppe Hein in the walled garden and the Axis of the World by Claudio Parmiggiani.  However there were countless others that are set into pleasing surroundings around the Hall and Gardens.

Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Viewing the Axis of the World

Soon I became saturated with what I had seen and the urge to take any more photographs disappeared.  There was a long drive home but I was pleased that I had seen the “Time Horizon” and looked forward to processing all my photographs.  I hope you like my selection.  

Time Horizon, Anthony Gormley, Houghton Hall, June 2024
Selfie

Here is the official site with details of the Time Horizon.

In this blog of Lockmaster’s cottages on the canals near me, the final picture shows the Antony Gormley statue celebrating the anniversary of the Landmark Trust.

Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024

I was fortunate to visit Brighton as part of a conference.  My hotel was on the seafront and in between sessions, I was able to head out with my camera and take pictures.  The promenade is great for pictures, as with care and respect, it is possible to get some interesting street photos.  The Lanes is also a good place for street photography.  They are narrow and patches of light are everywhere.  Once again people are accepting of what seems to be tourists taking pictures.  However one person did show their displeasure at my camera being pointed in their direction whilst another passerby complimented me on my Fujifilm.  As I mentioned earlier, take care and try not to harass people. Here are a few pictures taken on the streets suing my stay in Brighton.  I did not hear any sounds such as a Brian May Queen guitar solo whilst I was photographing!

Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Pale body on the beach.
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
At the pier
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Which way now?
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Brighton Cafe
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Brighton rescue
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Beach fun
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Fun on the beach is over
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Underneath the 360
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Watch out for the cyclists
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Entrance to Car Park has classical music on loudspeaker.
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Sights on the streets
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Welcome to the Lanes
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Window shopping in the Lanes
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Open window restaurant
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Late night gourmet food
Brighton, Street Photography, June, 2024
Rise and Shine

Enjoy this blog? Then you might like to see Edinburgh Street Photography.

Square to Park, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet walk, May 2024

With the long summer nights upon us, the IgersbirminghamUK team came up with the idea for a photowalk that started at St Paul’s Square and finished at St Philip’s Cathedral. Along the way we could photograph interesting views of Birmingham. The walk went down Ludgate Hill, over the Pedestrian Bridge towards Church Street finally arriving at St Philip’s Square affectionately known by locals as Pigeon Park.  The call went out a week before on social media and on the evening a group of photographers assembled outside St Paul’s Church.  A list of some interesting places and buildings had already been circulated on our social media channels. Many of these suggestions were taken up by our band of photographers. I usually have my iPhone and my Fujifilm x100vi on any city walk. I just find these two cameras so useful to tell the story of the streets as they are easy to carry and use. They also take good pictures.

.
The walk started with lovely warm sunshine and St Paul’s Square looked good in the evening light.  As we moved down Ludgate Hill towards the Birmingham Canal, the sky clouded over but it did not stop us taking pictures of our favourite Brummie locations.   

Square to Park, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet walk, May 2024
Steps on the canal

The canal passes underneath the BT tower. There is graffiti and concrete posts yet the canal locks blend in well with the surroundings. Further along, the pedestrian bridge is always a favourite photography location. The light was dimming so it was possible to practice a few long exposures of the traffic passing underneath.  

.
As we approached St Philip’s Square along Church Street, we could see the recently installed Big Wheel lit up against the late evening light.  Then came the rain. Just as we reached the square, the heavens opened and we got very wet.  Some of us were fortunate as we had brough a water proof coat or umbrella. Others were less lucky.  We first thought that this was going to be a miserable end to a good evening of photography.  After the initial heavy downpour, we saw that the rain had created reflections on the surrounding pavements. The Big Wheel was lit up in different colours, and the resulting images with the reflections gave a range of interesting effects.  Also people were walking past with umbrellas casting their shadows in the puddles. The picture opportunities were unending. After a while no one minded the rain or the fact that they were soaked through.

Square to Park, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet walk, May 2024
Part of the ramp from the bridge. Not the best part of Brum.

Those of us that were left behind after braving the rain finished our walk at the Wolf pub on Constitution hill. During our well deserved refreshments, the IgersbirminghamUK team planned our next adventure.

Square to Park, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet walk, May 2024
The Wolf Pub

This are my own pictures from the @IgersbirminghamUK walk. If you want to see the pictures of all the other talented photographers that took part then follow the link #igbUK_meet_sq2park

The walk back from the Wolf pub to Snow Hill station was short but interesting and here is a set of five pictures showing how the light and reflections after the rain can create a wonderful range of colours.

Square to Park, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet walk, May 2024
Looking across the street at Old Snow Hill
Square to Park, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet walk, May 2024
Warm lights on Water Street
Square to Park, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet walk, May 2024
Under the arch
Square to Park, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet walk, May 2024
Lights and reflections on Lionel Street
Square to Park, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet walk, May 2024
Puddles at Snow Hill Station

If you have got down to here then there are other IgersbirminghamUK meetings to read about on my blog. Enjoy reading about our activities. The team at IgersbirminghamUK look forward to seeing you at one of their future meetings.