All Eyes on the Town Hall Giant illuminated eyes on the Birmingham Town Hall columns in Victoria Square.

Birmingham Light Festival is back for its second year, brightening up Valentineโ€™s weekend. The nights are still dark; the weather has been wet for so long that a burst of colour and light is exactly what is required to lift the mood before spring finally arrives.

I signed up for a photo walk organised by IgersbirminghamUK as part of the Birmingham Light festival. Our mission was to cover as many installations as possible on foot. Birmingham is a big city, but the artworks are placed at key spots, each linked by a brisk 5 to 10 minute walk.

Firefly Field
We met at St Paulโ€™s Church, where the lawn shimmered with tiny moving lights. Up close, they revealed themselves as hundreds of glowing points gently โ€œdancingโ€ in the dark. This โ€˜Firefly Fieldโ€™ looked magical to the eye, but photographing the movement was a challenge. A tripod and long exposure did the trick, turning the flickers into sweeping trails of light.

Birmingham Light Festival
Firefly Field Long Exposure – Long-exposure light trails showing the movement of firefly-style lights at Birmingham Light Festival.

Ideas Happen Here
Our next stop was Newhall Square hear to the canal. Here, a giant glowing lightbulb sat beside a reflection pool. The artwork was bold, playful, and perfect for photography. The reflections doubled the impact, offering endless composition options. I had seen this at last year’s Birmingham Light Festival, but it still felt fresh when viewed for a second time.

Birmingham Light Festival
Ideas Happen Here โ€“ Large illuminated lightbulb sculpture at Newhall Square during Birmingham Light Festival.

Victoria Square
Victoria Square was packed with activity. In nearby Chamberlain Square, a giant Valentineโ€™s heart glowed for the selfie crowd. Meanwhile, Birmingham Town Hall was watched over by huge, illuminated eyes.  These were quirky and slightly surreal surrounded by the columns which were lit in shifting colours.

Birmingham Light Festival
All Eyes on the Town Hall – Giant illuminated eyes on the Birmingham Town Hall look down on Iron:Man.

In the square, a silly statues x silent disco was in full swing. Dozens of people danced freely in total silence, headphones glowing. Light projections covered the Council House, inflatable figures waved overhead, and the whole scene felt wonderfully absurd. Even the Floozie in the Jacuzzi looked extra glamorous for the Birmingham Light Festival.

Birmingham Light Festival
Silent Disco Crowd – People dancing with glowing headphones during a silent disco in Victoria Square at night.
Birmingham Light Festival
Birmingham Light Festival with a balloon man dancing in front of the Council House.
Birmingham Light Festival
Birmingham Light Festival – the Floozie in the Jacuzzi.

The Heartbeat of Brindleyplace
After more walking, we reached Oozells Square, where glowing green boxes pulsed gently with real human heartbeats from across the city. Each box represented a person going about their day creating a strangely intimate and surprisingly moving concept. Capturing their reflections in nearby restaurant windows added another layer of storytelling.

Birmingham Light Festival
Heartbeat of Brindleyplace – Green glowing boxes pulsing with light in Oozells Square pulsing in time with real human heartbeats.
Birmingham Light Festival
Birmingham Light Festival – beating hearts reflected in a restaurant window.
My Beating Heart

Our Beating Heart
The walk between the artworks became part of the experience as we headed off towards the Mailbox.  There were canal reflections, glowing restaurant lights, and even a rogue flamingo hat floating in the water. At the Mailbox, we found a giant illuminated heart installation. I preferred the Heartโ€™s past location at Snow Hill where there is more space, but it still made an eye-catching stop for photography.

Birmingham Light Festival
Brightly lit restaurants along the canal water near the Mailbox in Birmingham.
Birmingham Light Festival
Birmingham Light Festival – whose flamingo hat is this?
Birmingham Light Festival
Our Beating Heart Installation – Large illuminated heart sculpture displayed on the steps at the Mailbox.

Roof of Stars
On Thorp Street outside Birmingham Hippodrome’s stage door, strings of star-like lights stretched overhead They are beautiful to see, but tricky to photograph. Thankfully, some shiny parked cars nearby provided perfect reflective surfaces.

Birmingham Light Festival
Roof of Stars โ€“ Overhead canopy of star-like lights suspended across Thorp Street.

Reunion
Back to our walk and the 1,000 trades square had arches of light symbolising connection between people.   The colourful arches outside New Street station symbolised reunions and framed the streams of passing travellers. This was a dream place for street photography with light, movement, and real human moments all in one place.

Birmingham Light Festival jpg
Reunion Light Arches – Glowing archway installation near Birmingham New Street Station with people walking underneath.

My Heart Belongs in Birmingham
By now, my legs were protesting, but there was time for one final stop. Tucked into a tree near the Shakespeare pub were glowing hearts withthe โ€œInstagram-readyโ€ slogan, โ€œMy heart belongs in Birmingham.  We joined the long line of photographers capturing the same shot but it was worth it.

Birmingham Light Festival
My Heart Belongs in Birmingham – Illuminated heart shapes hanging in a tree on Lower Temple Street.

Huge thanks to Nadia, Kasim, and Jack from IgersbirminghamUK for leading such an energetic tour of the Birmingham Light Festival. Covering that much ground and that many installations in one evening was seriously impressive.

FORGED
I returned the following night to catch a fiery animatronic installation featuring pounding industrial music (Insurgent), flame effects, and dramatic mechanical movement. It perfectly captured Birminghamโ€™s industrial heritage brash and noisy, it was spectacular and impossible to ignore.This yearโ€™s festival clearly built on the success of the first. If this is the direction that the Birmingham Light Festival is heading, then it will be a highlight of Birminghamโ€™s winter calendar for years to come.

Birmingham Light Festival
FORGED – Fiery animatronic installation with flames and industrial lighting effects at Birmingham Light Festival.
The fire breathing bat at FORGED
Birmingham Light Festival
Insurgent playing at the FORGED art installation. I would love to hear them again.
Insurgent at FORGED

You may wish to compare this year’s description of the Birmingham Light Festival with the one that took place in 2025 and here is my blog of the event.

Birmingham Light Festival - Frefly Bokeh
Firefly Bokeh
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025

Birmingham Christmas Markets in the City Centre

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.

Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
The classic decorations along Birmingham New Street.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
there are many stalls selling Christmas gifts.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Buying that expensive food and drink. Prices on display.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Walking along New Street.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
I captured the conductor on the tram. who seems to be singing a Black Sabbath song for Christmas.

Cathedral Square and Colmore Row

Theย Cathedral Marketย is my preferred part of the Birmingham Christmas markets. It is better organised than along New Street and uses the footpaths around St Philipโ€™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,ย Ashaโ€™sย has a stall in the square, and the food is excellent. Another popular stop is the pop-up pubย Pigeon in the Park, which is always busy and adds to the festive spirit.

Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
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 aroundย Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square, where the decorations draw large crowds.

Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Victoria Square looking festive.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Ho, Ho, Ho!
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
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.

Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
The big wheel.
Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
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.

Birmingham Christmas Market, Birmingham, 2025
Waiting for the punters.

Links

More Christmas links with London. ย There is also a blog describing the Birmingham market in 2023.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025

Digbeth Photography and Constant Change

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.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
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.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Digbeth adds extra colour to where we live. @MrPenfold

Street Art Through a Photographerโ€™s Lens

Forย 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.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
A classic mural still remains @philthblake

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.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Love this artwork from @miscfit
Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Figure in the Archway.
Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Arch reflections (artists unknown)

Photographing a Changing District

This post is a roundup of some of the new scenes and artwork Iโ€™ve photographed recently. Wherever possible, Iโ€™ve credited the artists. If any credits are missing, please leave a comment and Iโ€™ll update the post.

Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
The yellow door (artwork @phithblake and @Fum.Armada
Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Bike lineup (artist unknown)
Changing Digbeth, December, 2025
Blue mural on the walls of the Red Brick Market (artist unknown)

Iโ€™ll be back in the new year to focus once again onย Digbeth photographyย 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 โ€” Digbeth always changes.

Links

Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.

As readers will know, I regularly post oil and water pictures on my blog. I have completed a couple of sessions and now have a new set of pictures to share. The differences in these photos lie in the various backgrounds I have used. These backgrounds come from several sources, including magazines, childrenโ€™s books, and abstract colour pictures that I have created in Photoshop.

Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
The use of LED lights in the background has worked in this picture

I am also improving how I use the light source and am working to prevent the reflections that occasionally compromised the quality of previous photos. LED lights were used in some of the pictures. Although they mostly overpowered the images of the oil drops, though there was the occasional success. Switching to another brand of oil may have helped but, again I am unsure whether this is truly critical to the success of the pictures.

Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
A colourful black hole.
Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
A background of some lips from a magazine cover was used for this picture.
Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
Compartments of colour.
Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
An exposed centre.

I use a spirit level app on my iPhone placed on the top to ensure the lens is at 90 degrees to the surface of the water. A large open aperture ensures that the maximum light is hitting the sensor.  However, at f/2.8 your depth of field becomes narrow so focussing and positioning of the lens is critical to a sharp picture. Good technique helps reduce ISO noise and allows more information to be retained in the image which again will undergo cropping to get the desired photograph.

Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
A cluster of moons around larger planets.

I hope you enjoy the current crop of pictures (pardon the pun).

Here are a few more oil and water pictures to enjoy.

The Confetti Fields, Wick, Pershore, June 20225

This year, the Real Confetti Company offered evening viewings of the Confetti Fields for the first time, and I signed up immediately. There is always a short window when the Confetti Fields at Wick, near Pershore, open to the public. The weather and the timing of the delphinium blooms have a significant influence on this.

The Confetti Fields, Wick, Pershore, June 20225
The view from the top of the field looking down towards Bredon Hill.

Although the dates did not suit the family calendar during the day, the evening timing worked for me. On a warm June evening, I arrived at the fields two hours before sunset.

The Confetti Fields, Wick, Pershore, June 20225
On top of the viewing platform.
The Confetti Fields, Wick, Pershore, June 20225
The Delphinium flowers

As always, the vibrant colours of the flowers, neatly arranged in colour zones, were quite magical. The evening opening meant the field was less busy, allowing time to take pictures without the usual distractions of people walking through the lanes and avenues. When I arrived, the light was excellent and really brought out the colours. I met up with fellow photographer Dave Wells, and we were able to compare notes as we took our pictures.

The Confetti Fields, Wick, Pershore, June 20225
The wildflowers were spectacular.
The Confetti Fields, Wick, Pershore, June 20225
Colour contrasts in the field.

Unfortunately, a sunset never materialised. The sun disappeared behind clouds on the horizon, and rain arrived just as we were leaving. However, this did not dampen my enthusiasm for photographing the flowers. Enjoy the picturesโ€”and I have provided links to previous visits to the Confetti Fields in 2023, 2020, 2019, and 2018.

The Confetti Fields, Wick, Pershore, June 20225
Three empty chairs.
Quinpool Road Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025

Halifax, Nova Scotia is a city alive with creativity. During my visit for an ultrasonics symposium, I discovered just how vibrant and artistic the city is especially when it comes to street art. Between conference sessions, I made time to explore. Dr Andrew Mathieson is on the board of UIA and also lives in Dartmouth.  Andrew kindly shared recommendations of the city with the conference delegates. When I mentioned my love for street art, he immediately suggested I visit Quinpool Road.  This is a student-friendly area just behind the Halifax Citadel.

On the last day of the conference, the sessions wrapped up early, giving me a free afternoon. The sun was shining as I set off on foot, making my way through the lively Dalhousie University campus. Students filled the walkways and the place was buzzing with energy.

Quinpool Road Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Quinpool Road and a tantalising glimpse of a mural.

Arriving at the head of Quinpool Road, I was disappointed. There were one or two artistic pieces here and there, but not the mural-rich environment I had been told about. I passed by Dilly Dally Coffee Shop, still searching.  Behind the cafe at the intersection of Quinpool and Vernon, I found beautifully crafted lettering by mural artist Kristen De Palma (@kdpletters | kdpletters.com). Her work stands out in an otherwise hidden spot.

Quinpool Road Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Colourful Typography by by mural artist Kristen De Palma.

I was still looking for more murals and asked a local resident for guidance. They gave me a valuable tip: โ€œLook around โ€” check the alleyways and look behind buildings.โ€

The first large mural I encountered was on theย Recreation Nova Scotiaย building.ย ย This was a striking blue mural of local fishing boats byย Dom Laporte. From that moment on I began to notice murals everywhere.

Quinpool Road Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
A blue harbour scene mural by Dom Laporte

Across the street stood the old cinema building which is now home to a climbing gym and a brewery. On the wall there was a quote fromย The Wizard of Oz, commemorating one of the final films screened there in 2017. This nostalgic piece was painted byย @alexjfowkes.

Quinpool Road Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Tribute to the Wizard of Oz.

One of my personal favourites was tucked away in a car park just off the main road. Titledย Cattails and Pansies, the mural by Montreal-based artistย Bosnyย (@bosny.jpg) pulled me into its intricate details. His artistic approach invites viewers to slow down and look more closely at the style of the artwork.

Quinpool Road Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Cattails and Pansies, by the artist Bosny 

As I walked towards the more residential end of Quinpool Road, I came across a dominant mural on the wall of Pro Skates across from Oddfellows Barbershop. Created by Jeks One (@jeks_nc) the mural honours the late John Dunsworth, best known for playing Jim Lahey on the cult Canadian series Trailer Park Boys, which is set in the fictional Sunnyvale Trailer Park in nearby Dartmouth.  Although I am not familiar with the show, I appreciated the care and character captured in this tribute.

Cattails and Pansies, the mural by Montreal-based artistย Bosnyย 
Trailer Park Boys

On the return walk, I found more murals, including a wonderfully detailed wall painting outside Busan Korean BBQ. Created by local artist Dan Burt, it is a vibrant homage to Quinpool Roadโ€™s history.  The artwork is full of local references, stories, and even a bus seemingly rising from the pavement.

Quinpool Road Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Seen outside on the wall of the Busan Korean BBQ
Quinpool Road Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
A street scene with a real bus!

Other pieces had no listed artist but were just as memorable. Even the electrical power boxes had been transformed and were painted with bright, creative designs.ย 

.

Other examples of street art along Quinpool Road.

Quinpool Road Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Love Evolves
Quinpool Road Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Colours on the old Cinema.

.
Quinpool Road is a lively area with restaurants and shops. The people who live and work there seem to accept that their everyday lives are part of the artwork, making it an ideal place for street photography.ย ย This student road is just one example of street murals in Halifax .

More examples of street art around Halifax – seen outside Pier 22, where the cruise ships arrive.

Pier 22, Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Reflections in the rain
Pier 22, Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Puffins and Deck Chairs
Pier 22, Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Lighthouse on the pier.

Halifax harbour waterfront.

Pier 22, Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Surfing the Wave
Halifax waterfront, Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
An Eagle mural by Warrior
Halifax waterfront, Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Sunrise on the pier

Street Murals on Burlington Street walking Northwards

Burlington Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Colourful walls
Burlington Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Piano players
Burlington Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Rainbow shaking hands
Burlington Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025
Mural depicting the people of Halifax

From large-scale murals to hidden gems, Halifax is a city full of colour, character, and creativity. If you are an enthusiast for street art and love to photograph such murals then Halifax offers many opportunities. Quinpool Road stands out but there are many other places where colourful art greets you.ย ย I did enjoy walking along the streets of Halifax looking out for examples of murals on buildings.ย 

Much of the background information I gathered came from theย Discover Halifax websiteย which is an excellent resource for anyone keen to explore the city’s artistic side. I have not been able to list all the artists and for this I apologise. Please let me know and I will add your name to the list.

Further blog reading

I do enjoy taking pictures of street art along with the street photography that goes along with it. Two of my blogs will lead you into more UK based street art. Please feel free to browse through the articles.

Street Photography in Digbeth, April 2025

I am always on the lookout for new street art in Digbeth and on social media I learnt that there was new artwork by Fokawolf under one of the railway arches. Another popular street artist, Gent48 frequently puts out vibrant murals and his new artwork was mentioned in recent instagram posts. My third reason for a visit was to take a look at the Colour Palette of Digbeth by Stacey Barnfield.ย ย This made it the perfect time for one of my regular visits to Digbeth, giving me the chance to refine my street photography techniques. I have experimented with different ways of capturing people, and a recent visit to London had proved quite successful. Now it was time to see whether the streets of Digbeth would be just as receptive.

Street Photography in Digbeth, April 2025
Story by the arches.

The railway arches are a defining feature of Digbeth and often make a strong impression in photographing the area. I took the opportunity to capture the stories that unfolded beneath them. My Fujifilm X100VI was set up with back-button focusing, and as the sun was shining, I attached my Urth polarising filter to cut down on glare. The resulting images tell distinct stories, and I was pleased with how they turned out.

Street Photography in Digbeth, April 2025
Twist again and again.

When searching for street photography opportunities, the combination of artwork and typography is incredibly helpful. Timing is everything. I try to blend into the background. Focusing away from the subject while drawing them into the story is often a delicate balancing act.

Street Photography in Digbeth, April 2025
Let us sort the city out.
Street Photography in Digbeth, April 2025
Red Brick Market soaking up the sun.
Street Photography in Digbeth, April 2025
The colours of Gent48

Eventually, I found the Fokawolf pieceโ€”a large printout of the Chuckle Brothers pasted under the arches on Heath Mill Lane. Although I took many shots of people passing by the artwork, I was not satisfied with the initial results. Then I noticed someone approaching down the road. I waited in position. This is a useful technique: appearing to photograph the artwork and then capturing the subject as they enter the frame. I pretend I am still waiting for the right moment, even though I have already taken the shot. This approach only works in certain situations, but when it does, it can be very effective.

Street Photography in Digbeth, April 2025
The chuckle brothers by Fokawolf.

I also took some close-ups and other images of the surrounding streets. Digbeth naturally lends itself to photography. The colours of the street art are vibrant, and the architectural features add depth and texture. Messages on the walls and passing people add narrative and character to the photographs.

Street Photography in Digbeth, April 2025
The colour palette of Digbeth.
Street Photography in Digbeth, April 2025
Close ups of Digbeth.
https://thecolourpalettecompany.com/blogs/the-colour-palette-company/the-digbeth-colour-palette-a-super-sized-celebration-of-birmingham-s-creative-heart
The dentist in me appreciated this close up
Street Photography in Digbeth, April 2025
The green heart of Digbeth

Enjoy my latest venture into Digbeth, and there are more adventures and photography in Digbeth in my blog.

Flowers in my garden, April 2025

I love linking pictures to songs from my youth, andย Talking Headsย were a big influence on my musical tastes after seeing them back in 1978 at the then Manchester Polytechnic. Even more surprising was that the support band wasย Dire Straitsโ€”but I digress. The title of the songย “(Nothing but) Flowers”ย ties in nicely with the following set of photographs.

Flowers in my garden, April 2025
A dark approach to the series.

I am not the best gardener, but I do enjoy taking pictures of flowersโ€”both cultivated and wild varieties. With the fine weather, spring has arrived and many of the flowers in my garden are in full bloom. I was keen to take pictures of them but with a slight twist in composition. With photography, setting yourself a mini project is fun. My aim with this set of pictures was to complete a macro series looking closely at the flowers in my garden.

Flowers in my garden, April 2025
Unsure what is happening here but fun to photograph.

I have a 100mm Canon macro lens set up with a ring flash, and it works well on my Canon 5D Mk IV. I was taught by the best how to use ring flash photography for my dentistry work, and this Canon macro setup has served me well over the years. My settings for this series were aperture f/22, shutter speed 1/100 sec, and ISO 100. Flash power varied between 1/1 and ยผ depending on the available light. I prefer the manual flash setting for this work as I am able to control the amount of light on the subject.

Flowers in my garden, April 2025
A dramatic clash of colours.

Composition:ย I aimed to photograph the flowers in my garden from an above point of view. By firing the flash directly at the flower, I would illuminate the centre, with the light falling off around the edges to create a black vignette. The pictures are full of contrast, and the colours are vivid. I like the effect, and I used the circular design of the flowers to fill the square crop.

Flowers in my garden, April 2025
the symmetry and geometry of nature.

I enjoyed this experimental approach to using the ring flash in this way and appreciated the sharpness and contrast in the images. Maybe next time, I will look out for some small insects to interact with the flowers. Nature certainly knows how to put on a good showโ€”with beautiful symmetry and geometric design.

Flowers in my garden, April 2025
Intense yellow colours on a white background.

These pictures were of my flowers taken in my back garden. I also mentioned that I enjoyed pictures of wildflower landscapes. Please visit my link below to see a beautiful poppy field in Kinver, Staffordshire.

Reflections, Selfridges, Birmingham, January, 2025

The year may have started with plenty of rain, but that never stops me from hunting for reflections. I have a few favourite spots where I find good puddles, and here is a selection from the start of 2025.

Reflections, Kingswood Junction, Lapworth, Warwickshire, January, 2025
Kingswood Junction after a very heavy downpour flooded the towpath.
Reflections, Gas Street Basin, Birmingham, January, 2025
Taken with my Fujifilm x100vi of Gas Street Basin. There is smoke billowing out of one of the narrowboats.

Someone recently asked about my technique for taking such pictures. When capturing reflections, I use my iPhone, seeking out patches of water and anticipating how a reflection may appear. A key step is to get as low as possible to the puddle. This can be challenging, especially with particularly muddy puddles, like the one on Normandy Hill. One wrong step, and you could end up a muddy mess if you stumble into the water.

Reflections, Normandy Hill, Hillmorton, Warwickshire, January, 2025
This reflection was taken from the surface of a very muddy puddle on Normandy Hill, Hillmorton, Rugby.

I position my phone so that the back lens is as close to the water as possible, just before autofocus engages. This creates a blurred background effect as the phone focuses on the nearest object. Since you are often crouching in muddy water while holding your phone, you must anticipate the outcome of your shot rather than seeing it perfectly in the moment. Using a larger cameraโ€”even a compact oneโ€”would be difficult in such conditions. Of course, larger cameras work well when photographing a lake beneath a mountain range, safely away from the waterโ€™s edge. However, the beauty of using a phone is its ability to capture reflections effortlessly during everyday walks.  There are two pictures, in this gallery that have been taken with my Fujifilm x100v and I am still able to capture the magic of reflections.

Reflections, Dorridge Train Station, January, 2025
Tow trains, one local, the other to London with the reflections framed by the footbridge.
Reflections, Paddington Basin, London, January, 2025
This contrast of colours of the blue hour and the warm lights is enhanced by the reflections. The picture was taken with my x100vi.

Having taken reflection photographs countless times, I now appreciate that the real skill lies in composition. It is about anticipating the possibilities that even a small puddle can offer.

Reflections, Selfridges, Birmingham, January, 2025
Reflections at Selfridges with a blue theme. A favourite place for photographs.

The final picture of Reflections at Selfridges was featured in the 52Frames project. I was really pleased that it was selected and I received many positive comments. I would recommend readers to get involved with the project.

Enjoy this small selection of my reflective photographyโ€”I am sure there will be more throughout the year, so check back for updates!

Here are two more links to follow if this section on reflections has “wetted” your appetite.

Sunset and blue hour, Digbeth, Birmingham, January, 2025.

I love January days when there is a clear blue sky and the weather is dry and crisp. We have had a few cold days like these, which have also featured bright sunrises and warm sunsets.ย ย January is also a great time to photograph the streets of Digbeth. Warm colours are created as the sun sets, highlighting the character of the old industrial brick buildings of the area. The brickwork soaks up the light and emits a deep warm glow. Checking my TPE, I found that the setting sun aligns along Floodgate Street during the golden hour.

Sunset and blue hour, Digbeth, Birmingham, January, 2025.
Long shadows starting to form along Floodgate Street.
https://www.instagram.com/dammodammo
The Moon above Spiderman at Luna Springs

Wrapping up warm with plenty of layers of clothing, I arrived at Moor Street Station. My route to Digbeth took me past the old Typhoo tea factory, which is under renovation and will soon become the new Midlands headquarters for the BBC. Along the way, I met fellow photographer Simon MacCreedy, who was out with his trusty Pentax. We caught up on the latest news and talked about our photography. Simon specialises in black and white photography, and his work is worth exploring, especially on his @Macindigbeth Instagram account.

Sunset and blue hour, Digbeth, Birmingham, January, 2025.
Striding towards with ambition.

After saying our goodbyes, I headed to Little Ann Street. The sun was low, and only the tops of buildings were still bathed in light. Shadows crept across the street but had not yet obscured the words “Striving forward with ambition,” painted on the side of the Performers and Screen and Film School building, part of the BIMM Music Institute group. The sign was created by FokaWolf, a subversive street artist known for parody and satire.

Sunset and blue hour, Digbeth, Birmingham, January, 2025.
Adam and his mate flagged me down and asked for a picture of them in their car. They had heard of @dammodammo.
https://www.instagram.com/dammodammo
Long shadows in the sunset.
https://www.instagram.com/dammodammo
A billboard with a message seen on the High Street.

On Floodgate Street, long shadows stretched behind pedestrians walking along the pavements. Having taking a few pictures, I walked over the canal to Montague street to visit the Digbeth Loc.ย Studiosย  where the filming of the forthcoming โ€œPeaky Blindersโ€ movie is taking place.ย ย The film studios were established by Steven Knight and he commissioned Mr Murals to paint a muralย ย the building of the iconic Peaky Blinders characters. The hand-painted street art features the characters, Thomas Shelby, Ada Shelby, and Alfie Solomons, with a scene of Birmingham from the past behind Thomas Shelby. It is a fantastic piece of art, though not the easiest building to photograph.

Sunset and blue hour, Digbeth, Birmingham, January, 2025.
Part of the Peaky Blinder mural on Montague Street.
Sunset and blue hour, Digbeth, Birmingham, January, 2025.
The eyes have it, Alfie, Ada and Thomas.

Back on Gibb Street and Floodgate Street, the sun had almost set. I lingered, taking pictures, and noticed the sky beginning to change colour as the blue hour approached. Standing at the entrance to Gibb Street, I saw the cityโ€™s high-rise buildings silhouetted against the deepening blue sky. Searching for the best view, I crossed over the high street to the newly laid tram tracks.  Standing on the tracks I saw classic leading lines that conveniently pointed back towards the city. I know that his would be a good picture.  After activating the RAW function on my iPhone for the most detailed information, I captured several shots and was very pleased with the resulting pictures.

Sunset and blue hour, Digbeth, Birmingham, January, 2025.
The tracks of the city.

The temperature was dropping fast, but I was determined to photograph more of Digbeth during the blue hour. The contrast between the warm streetlights and the cool blue sky created vibrant, colourful scenes. Eventually, the cold won, and I retreated to the warm carriages of a train back to Olton for dinner at my daughterโ€™s house. Reflecting on the day, the two to three hours spent in Digbeth were worthwhile and added another chapter to my photographic diary of this dynamic area of Birmingham.

Sunset and blue hour, Digbeth, Birmingham, January, 2025.
The yellows and blues along Floodgate Street.
Sunset and blue hour, Digbeth, Birmingham, January, 2025.
The classic view of Gibb Street.
https://www.instagram.com/dammodammo
Yo Birmingham

I have done many visits to Digbeth and I am spoilt for choice. I have narrowed down my selection of my two more popular blogs on Digbeth. I hope you enjoy reading them. My first choice is a visit to Digbeth in January 2024 but the setting is in the morning. My second is a study of the street art and the pictures were taken during the day in July 2020. Enjoy!

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