Knowle Park, Sunrise, September, 2025

This is my 500th blog post — a remarkable milestone in my blogging journey. I first began writing my blog on this website on 27th December 2016, although my experience with online storytelling stretches back much further. Since 2006, I ran a work blog for the School of Dentistry, and even before that, in the early nineties, I was exploring websites and digital storytelling. I have always enjoyed keeping a diary of photographs, recording important years and events alongside my images. Social media gave me the opportunity to bring words and photos together, sharing my personal blog reflections and photographic stories with a wider audience. Now, 500 posts later, I am still passionate about blogging.

My first post in December 2016 and included this reflection of one of the entrances to the then recently opened New Street station. I was very proud of this picture and is one of my trademark reflections. I still come here to take pictures as you can get many varied and interesting street photography views.

Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada, July 2019
Watching the sun set whilst sitting on the edge of Stanley Park

Post 100 – I was at a conference in Vancouver in July, 2019. On one of the evenings, I went out to Stanley Park and sat with many other local residents to see the Sun set. The experience was memorable and the picture does not fully convey the atmosphere of the evening.

Red post and telephone box in the snow
Red post and telephone box in the snow

Post 200 – January 2021 and we had lived through Covid19 but we were still in one of the many lockdowns. Luckily waking up one morning, I saw that it had snowed. My village, Knowle, is very photogenic and the red postbox and phonebox stand out against the white background.

Keys to the City, St Margaret’s Church, Ward End, Birmingham. August, 2022
The interior of St Margaret’s Church, Ward End, Birmingham.

Post 300 – The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham was a magical time and there was so much going on. There was an art project called “Keys to City” which open locks around Birmingham. I visited several venues with my key. This is St Margaret’s Church, Ward End, Birmingham. No longer a church, the place is a community centre. What was special about the Church were the stained glass windows which were created by pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones.

The Ringway Centre, update February 2024
A view along Smallsbrook Queensway.

Post 400 – The Ringway Centre which is to the right of the picture is earmarked to be demolished. There is opposition to this proposal and therefore the bulldozers are so far silent. The planners wish to take down what they say is a building with concrete sickness and replace it with new shiny residential towers. I am unsure if this is progress but we wait and see what the outcome will be.

Knowle Park, Sunrise, September, 2025
Knowle sunrise in September and featured on BBC Midlands today weather.
My picture on BBC Midlands today. September 2025.
My picture on BBC Midlands today – note the spelling of Solihull.

Post 500 – This is Knowle Park on a cold Tuesday morning in September. The figures walking along the path are entering the mist with the fiery sunrise beyond the trees. This was featured by Shafali Ozer on the BBC weathers. I always receive kind comments on social media when a picture is featured.

So we have reached 500 posts and I would like to thank James Kelly, who has been instrumental in setting up my website back in 2016. Little did we know back then that this blog would still be thriving 500 posts later. My very first post was about Birmingham Gems, an annual calendar at that time featuring my photographs. That first image, the entrance to New Street Station with ceiling reflections creating a surreal scene,  remains one of my proudest photographs.

Finally, thank you to all my readers over these 500 posts. Some of you may have joined for just one or two views, whilst others have followed the entire blogging journey. I appreciate every single reader.

Here is to many more blog posts, more photography inspiration, and perhaps even a few books drawn from the stories I have shared over the years.

Please check out James Kelly and his web site Burst of Fruit.

And check out more in my blog!

Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025

Balti Triangle, the Number 50 bus, Alcester Road, Ladypool Lane, Moseley Road Baths, and the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood. The diversity of Balsall Heath is renowned, which provides an insight into its character. The area does not stand still, with a rich history reflecting the growth and wealth of the city. Whilst Balsall Heath was initially an affluent area, over the years it has faced many difficulties with poor housing and social deprivation. The area is now undergoing a revival, and house prices are similar to those in other parts of the city. This brings its own share of challenges, as young people strive to set foot on the housing ladder.

Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
Entering Balsall Heath on the No 50 bus as you pass over Belgrave Road.
Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
Moseley Road swimming baths.

Last year, I became involved with the PRISM photographic network, who organised a photographic project around Stirchley. The Stirchley Observation Project proved to be a very successful venture where I met and interacted with a group of talented photographers. We took pictures, we discussed them, and then we exhibited our best work. Now, a year later, we are turning our attention to Balsall Heath.

Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
Seven streets pocket park. One of the many green spaces in Balsall Heath.
Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
One of 6 arches that pass under the railway line that runs through Balsall Heath. This one is on Runcorn Street near to Seven streets pocket park.

Before the course starts, I decided that I needed to have a brief walkabout the area to acquaint myself with the streets, the architecture, and the character of the neighbourhood. I have eaten many times in the Balti Triangle, and I have often driven down the Alcester Road towards Moseley. More recently, I have got to know the Old Print Works and attended photographic workshops there.

Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
The street art reflects the politics of our time.
Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
Tribute to Mohammad Ali underneath the Brighton Road railway bridge.

Taking the Number 50 bus from the town centre, I got off near the Castle and Falcon pub. I love cityscapes, and my eye was drawn to the railway arches that connect the west and east wards of Balsall Heath. During the day, the area is busy as traffic moves along the Alcester Road. Students travel to and from Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, and the coffee shops are lively. Walk along the side streets, and you immediately notice how quiet it becomes. There is still activity in these secluded area, and the nature of the urban landscape throws up countless photographic views.

Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
The houses along Mary Road contrast with the shiny new elevated buildings in the nearby city centre.
Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
Ladypool Road seen on a quiet weekday morning.
Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
Street scenes – Workin’ at the car wash.
Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
Open all hours.
Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
The value of education.

These photographs are a small selection of my observations from my walk around Balsall Heath. I am looking forward to the forthcoming project, and you can follow my adventures on my blog.

Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
A luxury camper underneath the bridge.
Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
The ongoing bin strike leads to piles of uncollected rubbish around Birmingham.
Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
Changing places

.

Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025
Luxury seating is available on Alcester Road.

If you wish to learn more about our Stirchley Observation project, I wrote a short blog at the beginning and there will be more material being published from our work. I also provide an account of one of the courses on cyanotype that we undertook during the Stirchley course.