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.
There is one certainty in Birmingham: Digbeth always changes. For anyone interested in Digbeth photography, this makes the area endlessly fascinating. New buildings appear, artwork evolves, and the streets never look the same from one visit to the next.
New Buildings Transforming Digbeth
One of the most noticeable recent developments is the new block of flats being built opposite the Custard Factory. The building stands on the former site of the old Peugeot Garage and Irish Centre. From a photography point of view, this construction is already changing sightlines and creating new contrasts between old and new Digbeth. We wait and see if these contrasts are really beneficial to the area.
Cranes overlook Digbeth
As more people live closer to the city centre, Digbeth continues to evolve into a place where work, culture, and residential life sit side by side.
Digbeth adds extra colour to where we live. @MrPenfold
Street Art Through a Photographer’s Lens
For Digbeth photography, the street art is a major draw. New shops and restaurants continue to open, while the artwork on the walls constantly changes. Because there are only a limited number of spaces, older murals are often painted over to make way for new designs. Some murals stay the same.
Fresh graffiti now sits alongside long-standing pieces. In some areas, heavy tagging covers earlier murals in a more random style. Even so, bold colours and striking shapes continue to dominate, making Digbeth a living canvas for urban photography.
Love this artwork from @miscfitFigure in the Archway.Arch reflections (artists unknown)
Photographing a Changing District
This post is a roundup of some of the new scenes and artwork I’ve photographed recently. Wherever possible, I’ve credited the artists. If any credits are missing, please leave a comment and I’ll update the post.
The yellow door (artwork @phithblake and @Fum.ArmadaBike lineup (artist unknown)Blue mural on the walls of the Red Brick Market (artist unknown)
I’ll be back in the new year to focus once again on Digbeth photography during the blue hour, which is one of my favourite times to capture the light and shadows in this changing part of Birmingham. One thing remains true — Digbeth always changes.
Balsall Heath is an absorbing place to photograph. As part of the Balsall Heath Observation Project, I have connected with many local groups. Several individuals have kindly taken the time to walk with me around the streets of Balsall Heath and share their memories—both past and present—of the area. During these photowalks, I have photographed the surroundings and recorded their stories. I have also spoken with many residents to learn about daily life, how the community works together, and the ways people support one another.
The mobile citizen Advice Logo
One of the charities that has welcomed me and offered an opportunity to see their work is the MECC on Court Road. The MECC charity supports the local community by offering advice and information on a wide range of topics, including employment opportunities, education, and training. The Trust also provides access to household support funds that help vulnerable Birmingham households with essential living costs. Their website offers further details, where you can learn more about the valuable contribution they make to the Balsall Heath community.
Discussing the merits of the MECC
One activity that particularly interested me was the MECC bus. This “energy” bus serves as a mobile base that provides advice and information to the local community. At the invitation of Tony Fox, a volunteer with the Trust, I went to see the bus for myself. The blue MECC bus was parked in Cannon Hill Park near the gates leading to Cannon Hill Road. There I met Tony and Bashir, who were running the information centre for the day. The weather was bright and sunny, and many people stopped to speak with them as they passed by. Several members of the public showed interest, and Tony and Bashir were more than happy to engage, explain their work, and share information leaflets.
Tony displays the MECC uniform.
I found that we had a great deal in common, and I really enjoyed my time learning about their work. My photographs show the bus along with Tony and Bashir. The MECC charity has many aims, and if you would like to learn more, please visit their website: https://www.mecctrust.co.uk.
Advice sheets.MECC-Zero
If you happen to see the MECC bus on your travels especially when it is in Canon Hill Park then please give Tony and Bashir a shout out. Their work is improving the wellbeing of the community.
The sun shines on the MECC bus.
Balsall Heath Observation Project
This blog is part of my documentary project taking place in Balsall Heath. The project is a continuation of similar work completed in Stirchley, where over several weeks in 2024 we interacted with members of the local community. The Stirchley Observation Project was very successful, and I subsequently enrolled with the same group of photographers for the Balsall Heath Observation Project. We meet at the Old Print Works on Saturdays for formal lectures and project feedback. Each of us is undertaking a different project around Balsall Heath, an area of Birmingham rich in community activity and spirit. The project is part of the PRISM photography network.
Baddesley Clinton staged the Twelve Days of Christmas with a difference. The story was told by twelve Snowmen who were placed in strategic positions around the National Trust property. I made the mistake of counting down the Twelve Days rather than starting at the first day and moving forward. I must remember this when I bring the grandchildren to visit!
A cheeky grin from one of the snowmen.On the third day of Christmas….I find myself at Baddesley Clinton.
I set myself a photographic challenge: to capture images of the Snowmen and tell the story in a slightly different way. The Snowmen were very cooperative, and I had no trouble persuading them to pose for the camera, although they did struggle when it came to turning around.
Someone is dancing on the Snowman.I love those legs they are eggcellent.
I wondered how the Snowmen would look against the beautiful gardens and the historic, grand moated house. To my pleasant surprise, the combination worked wonderfully, and the designs on the twelve Snowmen were beautifully painted. This artistic element was created by Wild on Art, who are always brilliant at imagining unique and engaging artwork. They have taken their Snowman to previous Christmas National Trust displays at Sheffield Park, and Knole Park.
Look out – the swans are behind you.Here’s looking at you.
The exhibition is well worth a visit and a delight for both young and old. Just remember to follow the route the right way round, anticlockwise, otherwise you’ll find yourself counting down to the first day of Christmas. Although, that’s not such a bad idea either!
I feel a little overdressed for the weather.
BTW not all the twelve snowmen are photographed so you will have to go and see them for yourself. The National Trust are excellent and creating magic at Christmas. Here is a blog about Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House when I visited the properties two years ago.
Everywhere I look, there are signs. There are warning signs, diversion signs, public right of way signs. They puncture the landscape, each one a reminder that HS2 is reshaping the countryside in ways both visible and invisible.
HS2 make sure you stay on the official footpath.
Since my last visit, the HS2 works have progressed. The path where the trains will run is now clearly defined, bridges have risen across the fields, and yet the disruption continues. Earthmovers, fences, and machinery still dominate what was once quiet farmland and woodland.
One of the major bridges on this part of the HS2 track. A sign indicates where to go.Concrete pipes ready to be laid.Metal fences protect the HS2 works.
As I walked along the public path, I met Tony and Louise, out for a weekend stroll. We chatted about the project. Tony focussed on the endless metal fencing, the slow pace of construction, and the sense that someone, somewhere, must be profiting handsomely from all this upheaval. Then Bill passed by, shaking his head. He said that HS2 was “Disastrous for the countryside.” He told me how he’d recently brought his daughter to see the area near Sixteen Acre Wood, and how shocked she had been by the scale of the destruction.
Tony and Louise pictured by the steel HS2 fences.Bill looking out on HS2 path that has destroyed the farmers field.
What strikes me most, though, is the sheer number of signs. They seem to compete with the landscape itself for attention. The public path winds past a tired-looking environmental pond. Then further down there is the original pond still clinging to its place amid the diggers and debris. The woodland here is sparse. Trees have been toppled, stripped back and scarred, but still they hang on waiting for the construction to finish.
Pedestrian lights control the construction traffic.Beware heavy plants.A new pond is out of bounds.
Walking across the path of the future train tracks. I took in the scene. The HS2 line is still dirt for now, awaiting concrete and steel. Machinery parts, pipes, fencing, and plastic weights litter the area. It is difficult to imagine what this place will look like when everything is complete. Will nature ever fully reclaim it?
The high speed train track is just dirt and compacted soil. The tracks await.
Tony asked me what I thought of it all. His question caught me off guard. The truth is, I am somewhere in the middle rather like the metal fence that separates one side from the other. I am dismayed at how easily nature is cast aside, yet I cannot deny the appeal of improved transport and connectivity. Still, the pace and the cost weigh heavily on any sense of progress.
An autumnal path leads to the HS2 works.A bleaker path takes you over the HS2 track.
Taken in 2011, it shows a dark, dense woodland. The scene is peaceful and the field is ploughed ready for planting. This is an image from another age.
Progress, it seems, may be efficient but it is rarely kind.
This is the latest in a long line of Blogs about the HS2 construction taking place around 16 Acre Wood near Berkswell. If you found this interesting then please read my last blog which will then lead you along to all the others on this subject.
I had been feeling a little jaded and in need of some new inspiration for my photography. To spark a fresh way of seeing, I decided to give myself a challenge: to photograph the Library of Birmingham without showing any books. It sounded simple, but it pushed me to look at the building differently and find views that have not already been captured a thousand times.
Looking up at the patterns in the skylights.
The Library of Birmingham never fails to surprise me. Its striking architecture, spacious interiors, futuristic escalators and sweeping balconies all have a story to tell. Although it is, of course, a library filled with books, I wanted to focus on its atmosphere and design rather than what sits on the shelves.
The sharp angles against the cloud filled sky.
Autumn had arrived and the leaves on the trees were a deep contrasting red colour. The outside gardens are a peaceful place to visit. Visitors to the library enjoy finding quiet spots to reflect and relax from the busy City below.
The colours of Autumn against the backdrop of the library.Finding a quiet place to reflect and take time out.
For this project, I used three cameras: my Canon 5D Mark IV, my Fujifilm X100VI, and my iPhone. Each one encouraged a different way of seeing. The Canon, with its wide-angle lens, delivered crisp and detailed shots. The Fujifilm, which has a fixed 50 mm lens, performed beautifully in the softer light but required a slower, more considered approach. The iPhone proved surprisingly powerful when capturing reflections, as its lens can be placed right up against a surface to create playful and unexpected effects.
A place to meet and look out over the square below.
This collection of photographs shares what I discovered on that visit. It is my attempt to show the Library of Birmingham from a new angle and to remind myself that inspiration often appears when you look at familiar places in unfamiliar ways.
An example of the futuristic design of the interior.A reflective window to the outside world.Colour contrasts on the balcony.
This is not the first time that I have photographed the library and you may well enjoy this earlier account. Be warned a few library books creep into the pictures.
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