Amateur Photographer magazine held its Festival of Photography at the University of Greenwich. Getting to the south bank area of London from Birmingham was a long journey, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and efficient London’s transport system was, with tubes and buses linking up seamlessly. I arrived an hour before the start, which gave me ample opportunity to wander around the beautiful buildings of the old Navy School.
Historic architecture of the University of Greenwich photographed at sunrise (featured by the BBC)Reflection of the sunrise at the old Navy Buildings, GreenwichA runner passes part of the historic coat of arms at the old Navy College, Greenwich.
I took several pictures as the early sun began to rise, and one was selected by BBC Weather. The conference itself was very good. During the morning session, I heard several speakers, including Ron Timehin and Amanda Akokhia, both of whom gave lively talks packed with photographic advice.
Peter Dench interviewing Ethan Parker and James Manning at the Amateur Photographer Festival of Photography, Greenwich.
One session was a discussion forum on “A Career in News and Documentary Photography.” Peter Dench interviewed Ethan Parker and James Manning, two young photographers who have quickly become established in their field. James works for PA Media, while Ethan is a recent winner of the Amateur Photographer Emerging Photographer of the Year award. The discussion covered many issues in documentary photography, and all three panellists kept the conversation engaging and insightful. All the lectures I attended were excellent and provided valuable tips on improving photography.
The Royal Greenwich Observatory towering above the town.
At lunchtime, I visited the National Maritime Museum and then had time to walk up the hill to the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The view from the summit is amazing, and I found that my iPhone zoom captured a lovely compressed image of the old Navy School against the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. This picture is at the start of my blog and below is the panoramic view of London.
Panorama view of London from the Royal Obersvatory Greenwich
The day was black and white, and the Birmingham weather matched the mood. A dull sky hung overhead as mist rolled in, partially obscuring several buildings along the way.
The area of my journey at Snow Hill StationThe tree branches out and covers the tower blocks
Walking beside the Birmingham Canal Navigations, the mist created a stark, atmospheric view of the city. I found the conditions ideal for photography, with a strong black and white theme naturally emerging in my images.
Pointing the way to what is happening in Birmingham.A close up of the moss on the brickwork around the canal
I was using what I like to call my big camera, a Canon R6 Mark II. Paired with a fast zoom lens, it’s a setup I’m comfortable with, although it’s not something you can slip into a coat pocket like a compact camera. Because of that, I was careful not to keep the camera out from under my coat for long periods.
I saw this person with a white coat and she lined up perfectly with the surround viewsA classic view of the Gas Street Basin
During those brief moments when I did take it out, I looked for both unusual and familiar views of the canals focussing on the black and white. The walk from Snow Hill to Gas Street Basin was an enjoyable one, and the photographs reflect that journey through Birmingham in misty, monochrome conditions.
A cyclist goes past at speed just off Water Street.
The festival is a great meeting point for photographers. I’d already attended the morning talks and, over lunch, done an impromptu photowalk around Greenwich with a colleague, Peter Thompson. So the day was already off to a strong start.
Reflections in a puddle of shoppers at Greenwich Market.
At the FujifilmUK stand, I signed out the GFX100RF for the hour-long session. It’s noticeably larger than my X100VI, but still comfortable to hold one-handed. I wrapped the strap around my wrist, my preferred way of carrying a camera, and followed Bal (Mr Whisper) towards Greenwich Street Market. He kicked things off with some street photography tips, revisiting ideas like leading lines, framing, and reflections, which was a useful refresher.
Looking in at the sweet shop in Greenwich MarketMake fudge not war but choose carefully.
A few shots in, I started to get the feel of the camera. I normally use back-button focusing on my other Fujifilm camera, so it took a little time to adjust. Greenwich Market is an enclosed square with entrances on each side, full of activity and photographic opportunities.
Portrait of a shop keeper at Greenwich market.
Near a photobooth, Bal noticed I’d accidentally set the camera to digital zoom, caused by pushing an unfamiliar dial. Once corrected, I was back on track. The GFX100RF was a joy to use as I moved through the stalls, and the time flew by.
Taking the picture.Drawback the curtain.See the result.They look so good.
–
A dancing dogJust be happy
– When we regrouped, I asked Bal if I could take his portrait, which he kindly agreed to. I took several shots by the market entrance, but again hesitated over my focus settings. Bal quickly switched on eye detection. This was another good reminder of how important it is to know your camera well and adjust settings quickly.
Portrait of MrWhisper taken at the entrance to Greenwich Market
At the end of the session reluctantly, I handed the camera back and checked the images on my X100VI, only to find they appeared completely out of focus. I was despondent, even though I’d thoroughly enjoyed the session.
The M&S bag says it all!
Back home, I checked the files properly on my computer. Relief! Most were in focus. My X100VI simply couldn’t handle previewing the large files many in excess of 130Mb. Processing such large images was demanding (and my laptop ran hot), but I was very pleased with the results.
Reflections of the 188 bus.
Many thanks to Mr Whisper for a fantastic session, and to Fujifilm UK for letting me use the GFX100RF. Now I just need a loan to buy one. Would I get the GFX100RF? Yes, absolutely.
The GFX100RF such a great street camera.
Finally a big shout out to MrWhisper. I would recommend going on one of his night photography courses around London. Details on his website.
Photographing Wolverhampton is a city in transition and is another addition to my list of places that I have visited with my camera. My last photographing blog subject was the City of Gloucester with my visit there taking place last year. For this January, my visit to Wolverhampton aligned with the Wildlife photographer of the year exhibition.
Wolverhampton is a large city with a long history, Wolverhampton is often overshadowed by its larger neighbours, Birmingham and Coventry. The city’s economy is based on engineering alongside a large service industry. Many of the older industrial companies have moved out, and their buildings remain as ghosts of the past. The different buildings provide good subject matter for photographing.
Catching a silhouette on the bridge from the train station to the city.Wolverhampton’s Top Lock shows how important the canals were to the City. The lockmaster’s cottage is impressive.
I arrived early so that I could photograph the city. The weather was grisly, with intermittent rain and drizzle. I wanted to explore the canals that I often saw from the train windows as I passed through the station. You can pick up the canal towpath from the station. Abandoned boats sit alongside those still in use by present-day canal boaters. The lock keeper’s cottage contrasts with the newer, box-like architecture nearby which is Victoria Hall student accommodation. Leaving Wolverhampton train station and the canals, one of the first imposing buildings you encounter is the triangular Chubb Building, which towers over the road and canal network.
A dominant building, Victoria Halls of Residence underpin the importance of the University of Wolverhampton to the city.Photographing Wolverhampton, the impressive Chubb locks building is a ghost of the past.
Moving through the city, there is more than a sprinkling of betting shops and hairdressers; in fact, they seem to be the main attraction, along with a few pubs and coffee houses. The grand shopping building Beatties looks sad and dejected. Its Art Deco architectural style makes it stand out, but the billboarding and red fencing detract from its appearance. I stood outside the boarded-up building, imagining what it must have been like in its heyday, bustling with shoppers.
The Grand Theatre stands out with its colourful updated facade.
Now the streets are empty, apart from a few art murals. “Empty” is a word that describes the city well. The covered shopping centre does attract shoppers, but once again, looking at what is available makes me think that a quick look on Amazon would reveal far more choice.
A single figure negotiates the empty city streets.
My spirits were lifted by the Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Inside, the white walls were covered with pictures and artwork. The atmosphere inside is cheerful, and the staff were genuinely interested in what you were going to view. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a big draw, and I had an early ticket. By late morning, there were many people around looking at the pictures. The exhibition was absorbing. The photographs were incredible, and there were so many highlights. I was taken aback by the quality. The 10-and-under category blew me away. I definitely have a lot more learning to do about photographing wildlife.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is very popular.
The restaurant, like the rest of the gallery, was very good. After lunch, I went to Molineux Stadium and, on the way, passed buildings belonging to the University of Wolverhampton. These were a magnet for young people who were milling around, undeterred by the miserable conditions. The underpass between the city and the football stadium is a good place to pause for photographing street scenes. There is a constant stream of people with umbrellas, and the central section is busy with bikes passing through. The stadium is bright and yellow, and I enjoyed walking around the perimeter, taking pictures of the architecture and sculptures.
A cyclist roars past me as I am taking photographs in the underpass.A man with an umbrella, raining outside Molineux football stadium.Sharp angles around the Molineux Stadium.
I walked back, this time to the tram terminus, and on the way found more street art. It was lunchtime, so there were a few more people around. I was relieved to find that the city does have a lifeblood of people.
Watch out there are Wolves about on Victoria street.Graffiti on King StreetNo future (but that was back in the seventies)Catching the tram at Wolverhampton St Georges. A shot of blue on a grey day.
Photographing Wolverhampton, a summary.
As the BBC has reported, there is both good and bad things happening in Wolverhampton. The Victorian and Georgian buildings are beautiful but I guess they are a challenge to regenerate. Meanwhile the town centre looks vacant. Yet at lunchtime, the city is alive with office staff and casual shoppers. The area around the university is vibrant, with many students moving around. The football stadium is a colourful focal point, and I hope the team remains in the Premier League for the good of the city. Photographing Wolverhampton does provide a rich source of subject matter for the camera.
Birmingham is also going through change and photographing Digbeth shows the transition.
January offers many advantages when photographing Digbeth. The sunset lines up along many of the streets, including Floodgate Street. The main thoroughfares through the area have lights strung across the sides of buildings. The combination of the yellow lights and the blue-hour skies makes for a pleasing picture. My blog has photography of my visit last year.
Blue Hour in Digbeth: Winter Street Photography at Sunset
When I arrived in Digbeth, I was despondent, as there were roadworks under the railway arches and traffic light controls were in place. This was going to spoil the aesthetics of my pictures. I walked around the familiar sights along Gibb Street and Floodgate street. I took photographs of the murals and other interesting features. I like the satirical messages from Fokawolf and his posters were in the garden of the Old Crown. There is so much to see in Digbeth.
One way directions along Gibb Street.The artist Fokwolf and his poster on culture wash.
As the sunset began, there were some colours in the sky, which helped create a suitable backdrop. The light faded further, and the yellow lights above became more prominent. The blue hour was well underway, and the bright lights shone strongly overhead. I found that the roadworks had turned to my advantage. The traffic lights made the cars slow down and stop. The green, red and yellow lights added colour to the scene.
The cars go slow for the roadworks in Floodgate Street
Young people had finished at the local colleges for the day and added their silhouettes to the street scenes as they blocked the bright lights from the cars. Some of the street art appeared to come alive, as the silvers and yellows jumped out when stray light caught the paint.
Silhouettes on Floodgate Street.The long walk along Gibb Street.
There is a classic puddle that is ever-present at the end of Gibb Street. I am aware that the area has a high water table, but this may simply be a blocked drain. I enjoy seeing this puddle, as I like photographing reflections. Using the reflections, I captured several images that were different from those I had taken before. I was able to catch more of the Digbeth lights.
Blue Hour reflections in the puddles of Gibb Street.On the way home
I returned to Floodgate Street and captured the lights, people, and buildings against the blue-hour sky. Pleased with the results, I walked back towards Moor Street. On the way, I noticed the bus station fully lit and, of course, took a few photographs of the scene. As I reflected on the train, photography in Digbeth always delivers.
Waiting for the bus at the bus station.
Digbeth features a lot in my blog over the years and here are some links to get you up to speed with the area.
Snowfall at first light is an uplifting sight. The cold weather is welcome and the snow creates idyllic winter scenes. The long range weather forecast was predicting snow and the BBC weather watchers were getting very excited. On the night when the snow fell, pictures were flooding my social media feed as people ventured out to see the first flakes. I did not get drawn into going out as for me too cold! I would wait for the first light of the morning.
The classic view of Knowle High Street in the Snow
Walking through the park and already there were several snowmen. My goal was to get to the village highstreet and take what is for me the classic view up towards the shops. I used both iPhone and my Canon cameras to take the picture. The iPhone picture was uploaded immediately to the BBC weather watchers page.
Looks a touch cold for Bikinis.
My next goal was the red pillar box and telephone box. The bright red contrasts well with the white snow and I spent several minutes photographing them. I went onto take pictures of Knowle Parish Church which dates to 1400 and always looks wonderful when snow has fallen. The Grand Union canal passes by Knowle and the large flight of locks was built to negotiate the hill. Knowle is an old English word for hill. The landscape around the locks was enhanced by the beginning of a sunset. The colours were short lived and when present lifted the landscape.
Knowle Church and the Guild House in the Snow.Knowle Village sign with the church and Guild house in the background.Knowle locks in the snowSnowman in Knowle Park
The cold weather was now taking its toll and I headed home for a hot cup of coffee. On the way back I found out from friends that my picture of Knowle High Street had been shown by Matt on Breakfast TV. This news made my trip worthwhile.
My snowfall picture of Knowle on BBC Breakfast time.
Marcin SZ has been leading Birmingham photowalks since 2020. An accomplished photographer, he shares his work on Instagram under Birmingham_Photography, capturing the city during the golden and blue hours in vibrant colour and bold black and white.
Marcin our host for the Birmingham photowalk
As part of my New Year’s resolution to explore new photographic opportunities, I joined one of Marcin’s photowalks. We met outside the Library of Birmingham, where a small group of photographers gathered before heading out to explore the city.
Dancers gather outside the windows of the Library to practice their routines. This causes bemusement to people passing by.A street cleaner creates a striking silhouette in the light.The brand new Octagon building towers over the former four-star Copthorne Hotel now scheduled for demolition.
Despite the cold winter weather, Centenary Square was full of activity. The low afternoon sun reflected off the Library’s glass façade, creating long shadows and strong contrast—ideal conditions for street photography in Birmingham.
Whilst the walkways between buildings are wide, they are made to look narrow by the height of the buildings.Two figures move along the walkway between buildings.The Town Hall is partly revealed by the available light.Major Birmingham landmarks take their turn in catching the light.
Our Birmingham photowalk took us through Chamberlain Square and past the Town Hall, where Marcin encouraged us to look for architectural details and light patterns often overlooked. Hill Street, bathed in winter light, offered compositions reminiscent of New York. Along the way, spontaneous moments appeared, including a group of cyclists performing wheelies near Brunel Street.
Hill street has those New York vibes about it especially with the low level sun.This picture is to remind me that sometimes the best pictures arise when you least expect them.This cyclist was performing a wheelie on his bicycle as he ride down Brunel Street.
We continued towards the Mailbox and the Cube, where intense horizontal light produced striking graphic shadows. After photographing the frozen waters of Gas Street Basin, Marcin invited us to his studio on the 10th floor of Quayside Tower. From there, we enjoyed panoramic views across Birmingham as the setting sun filled the sky with warm tones and soft pink clouds.
Overlooking the towpath from the Cube bridge. Long shadows in the setting sun start to look atmospheric.The surface of the water in Gas Street Basin has frozen leaving consumer debris on the ice.Golden hour over the City generates vibrant colours.
Birmingham Photowalk reflections
I highly recommend joining such a Birminghamphotowalk with Marcin SZ. He is genuinely passionate about photography and has a natural ability to guide people towards compelling scenes. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and suitable for all experience levels. It was a memorable afternoon, made even better by beautiful winter light and inspiring company.
If you enjoyed this account of a Birmingham photowalk then here are some links to previous walks done in Manchester and London.
Photography inspiration can be hard to find, especially when it feels like you have already photographed everything around you. Many photographers reach a point where creativity feels stalled, making it difficult to see familiar places with fresh eyes.
Wondering what to photograph? Stuck with subject matter? Feel like you’ve photographed everything before and need some new inspiration? We’ve all been there, and trying to lift the gloom on our creative inspiration is never easy.
This looking up picture deep in the wood has been converted to black and white and then inverted.
Revisiting Familiar Places
My own personal solution is to revisit one of my favourite places and try to do something a little different, even if that means standing in the same spots or walking along familiar paths.
I have taken photographs before in this spot mainly in colour. A change to black and white is something different for me.
A Walk Through Hay Wood
This time, my choice was to visit a woodland, as the natural chaos of tree shapes always brings fresh insights and new perspectives. My go-to place is Hay Wood, near Solihull. Managed by Forestry England UK, Hay Wood is large enough to make you feel removed from civilisation, yet not so isolated that traces of human presence disappear entirely.
A close up view of the leaves on a beech tree.The fallen tree branches add an interesting disruption to the woodland scene.The different layers of the wood from the floor to the trees.
Woodland Photography as a Creative Tool
Here is a photo essay from my recent walk through the woods. In the captions, I include details of what I was trying to achieve or what caught my eye. Some images focus on the shapes of trees, while others highlight moments where human influence intrudes upon the natural beauty of the wood.
An environmental station stands out amongst the surrounding natural elementsA fallen tree makes an interesting ‘woodland den’ created by humans.Whilst an interesting human interaction, this wooden picnic table looks underused.Too much human intervention detracts and interferes with nature.
Feeling inspired after seeing this photographic essay? My advice is to go out and revisit your favourite photographic haunts and try something different as I have attempted to do here.
Here are more blog entries on Hay Wood for you to enjoy. The first happened during a sunrise three years ago and then there are more woodland visits to read about.
Every year, the Birmingham Christmas markets take over the city centre. Visitors come to enjoy festive food, warming drinks, and the lively atmosphere created by the stalls. While prices can be high, knowing what to expect makes the experience enjoyable, although deep pockets do help.
The classic decorations along Birmingham New Street.there are many stalls selling Christmas gifts.Buying that expensive food and drink. Prices on display.Walking along New Street.I captured the conductor on the tram. who seems to be singing a Black Sabbath song for Christmas.
Cathedral Square and Colmore Row
The Cathedral Market is my preferred part of the Birmingham Christmas markets. It is better organised than along New Street and uses the footpaths around St Philip’s Cathedral, which makes it easier to walk around. The food stalls here are linked to the Colmore Row business district, giving this area a calmer and more relaxed feel. This year, Asha’s has a stall in the square, and the food is excellent. Another popular stop is the pop-up pub Pigeon in the Park, which is always busy and adds to the festive spirit.
I visited Cathedral Square during the day and sampled some fine street food.
Lights, Rides, and Winter Attractions
As the nights grow darker, the Christmas lights across the city shine even brighter. They look especially impressive around Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square, where the decorations draw large crowds.
Victoria Square looking festive.Ho, Ho, Ho!Lots of Choice to be had.
Over in Centenary Square, the big wheel dominates the skyline. Nearby, the Magic Mouse rollercoaster is entertaining to watch, although riding it may not be for everyone. The illuminate ride makes a great subject for photographs. The ice-skating rink is also packed most evenings, proving how popular these winter attractions are.
The big wheel.Mesmorising colours on the Wild Mouse rollercoaster.
Why the Birmingham Christmas Markets Still Work
Every year, I take time to wander around the Birmingham Christmas markets and the city itself, and I never tire of it. Although I often hear critical comments about Christmas in Birmingham, the crowds tell a different story. People clearly enjoy the atmosphere and the chance to celebrate the season together.
Below are a few photos of the markets and decorations. They are very different from the lights of London and show that Birmingham does Christmas in its own distinctive way.
Waiting for the punters.
Links
More Christmas links with London. There is also a blog describing the Birmingham market in 2023.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
