Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.

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.

Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography
Marcin our host for the Birmingham photowalk

As part of my New Yearโ€™s resolution to explore new photographic opportunities, I joined one of Marcinโ€™s photowalks. We met outside the Library of Birmingham, where a small group of photographers gathered before heading out to explore the city.

Marcin our host for the Birmingham photowalk
Dancers gather outside the windows of the Library to practice their routines. This causes bemusement to people passing by.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
A street cleaner creates a striking silhouette in the light.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
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 Libraryโ€™s glass faรงade, creating long shadows and strong contrastโ€”ideal conditions for street photography in Birmingham.

Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
Whilst the walkways between buildings are wide, they are made to look narrow by the height of the buildings.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
Two figures move along the walkway between buildings.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
The Town Hall is partly revealed by the available light.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
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.

MaBirmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.rcin Walk
Hill street has those New York vibes about it especially with the low level sun.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
This picture is to remind me that sometimes the best pictures arise when you least expect them.
I went on a super photowalk and 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.

Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
Overlooking the towpath from the Cube bridge. Long shadows in the setting sun start to look atmospheric.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
The surface of the water in Gas Street Basin has frozen leaving consumer debris on the ice.
Birmingham photowalk capturing winter street photography and long shadows.
Golden hour over the City generates vibrant colours.

Birmingham Photowalk reflections

I highly recommend joining such a Birmingham photowalk 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.

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

London Lights, December, 2025

Walking through London at Christmas is always a blend of wonder and chaos. Lights spill across every street, crowds move in every direction, and here and there you stumble upon small pockets of calm. I spent a couple of hours wandering with my camera, capturing the cityโ€™s festive energy.

London Lights, December, 2025
Winnie the Pooh and Piglet complete finding the North Pole in Selfridges.

My companion for the evening was Peter Thompson, and we set off from Selfridges to explore the brightest spots. New Bond Street was dazzling with its high-end storefronts lit up with elaborate displays. The place was crowded, and the cars parked along the street looked like they were auditioning for a Monster Trucks spin-off.  They were huge 4x4s in loud, flashy colours, with a generous scattering of BMWs and Mercedes squeezed in wherever they would fit. Amid all this noise, DPD vans were doing their rounds, delivering parcels to the shops. The upside? All those polished metal surfaces made for brilliant reflections of the lights around them.

London Lights, December, 2025
The Christian Dior shop window.
London Lights, December, 2025
Reflections of lights from the cars.

Other iconic landmarks such as Fortnum & Masons and the Burlington Arcade did not disappoint although the latter was very crowded. Piccadilly Circus had its usual hypnotic mix of colour and motion. From there we wandered into Chinatown, where the crowds thickened and the restaurants buzzed with activity. Leicester Square had been transformed into an ice rink, cheekily named โ€œWilliam Skatespeareโ€,ย 

London Lights, December, 2025
Fortnum & Mason sported red lights and the year 2025. The December full moon shines above.
London Lights, December, 2025
The doorman looking very smart at the entrance to the Burlington arcade.
London Lights, December, 2025
The bright lights of Piccadilly Circus.
London Lights, December, 2025
Lots of lovely aromas of cooking in Chinatown.
London Lights, December, 2025
Skating in Leicester Square. “Skatespeare”
London Lights, December, 2025
The Angels of Regent Street.

Before we looped back to Regent Street, I walked along the central reservation toward Oxford Circus. Soon I found myself standing on the central reservation, tourists pressing in from all sides, traffic sliding by just inches away. I took the final shot of Oxford Circus with my X100VI, and its internal stabilisation proved impressive, letting me capture the night scene handheld. Thereโ€™s something satisfying about the slice of nightlife frozen in that frame. Then it was time to mingle with the crowds and head home after an enjoyable evening.

London Lights, December, 2025
Crowds entering into the Oxford Circus Tube station.

If you enjoyed this description of the lights then feel free to visit my blog on last year’s lights.

Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025

Why am I so fascinated with Spaghetti Junction? Perhaps itโ€™s the way the urban landscape blends nature with man-made geometry, or the history embedded within the structure. In an alternative life, I imagine myself travelling the motorway system, passing along the M6 and then indicating to join the Aston Expressway into Birmingham. Yet during such journeys in the car, I rarely think about what lies beneath these roads.

Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill  Interchange, November 2025
The look of an unfinished cathedral within Salford Circus.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Movement in the underpass.

Under the concrete pillars that support the motorway network, the space resembles an incomplete cathedral, a place to worship the industry of construction workers, accompanied by the hymns of thundering traffic overhead. Cars and lorries make their presence known through constant noise and vibration. In contrast, the quiet canal network predates the junction. Around the concrete pillars, flows the River Tame and the still waters of Salford Reservoir reflect the motorway traffic. A train line also cuts through the area, all converging at what we know as Spaghetti Junction, or more formally the Gravelly Hill Interchange. The regimented concrete pillars and the patterns created by the elevated roads provide endless photographic opportunities. Inspiration is everywhere.

Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill  Interchange, November 2025
Waiting for the World Cup draw.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill  Interchange, November 2025
So that is where the channel changer is.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill  Interchange, November 2025
Careful where you tred.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Cycling along the arches.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Watch out for the cyclists as they speed along the towpaths.

Back in July, I visited Spaghetti Junction with a group of photographers. One of the highlights of any trip beneath the M6 is the artwork of Bill Drummond. Formerly of the KLF and now a recognised artist, Drummond has been regularly posting his work on a particular wall near the heart of the junction. I was surprised to find the artwork wall completely white. In the photo I took, one of the few pedestrians we encountered beneath Spaghetti Junction walks past the empty space. Although I was disappointed not to capture any of Drummondโ€™s artwork, Iโ€™m intrigued to see what reappears here in the coming weeks.

Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill  Interchange, November 2025
Surveying a white wall at the iconic graffiti site under the M6.

This Spaghetti visit started with a request from a fellow photographer Nicky who knew a photographer friend who had never been to the area before. I agreed to be involved in planning such a walk and enjoyed visiting the place again. John Waine was the visiting photographer and his work is outstanding. Follow the link to see more of his work. If anyone who reads this blog and wishes to visit what lies beneath the motorway then please contact me. Depending on timing and commitments, I will be happy to show them around.

Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Construction workers on a break.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Abandoned trailer.
Spaghetti Junction, Gravelly Hill Interchange, November 2025
Best seat in the Junction.
https://damienwalmsley.com/spaghetti-junction-stories-a-photo-essay/
This has to be posted as it is one of the classic views of the walk along the canal underneath the Junction.

Finally here is an account my last visit under the Interchange and the blog includes links of previous visits.

Signs on the HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.

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 with the official footpath.
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.

Signs on the HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.
One of the major bridges on this part of the HS2 track. A sign indicates where to go.
The HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.
Concrete pipes ready to be laid.
The HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.
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 โ€œDisastrous for the countryside.โ€ He told me how heโ€™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.

The HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.
Tony and Louise pictured by the steel HS2 fences.
The HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.
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.

The HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.
Pedestrian lights control the construction traffic.
The HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.
Beware heavy plants.
The HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.
A new pond is out of bounds.

Walking across the path of the future train tracks.ย ย I took in the scene.ย ย 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.ย ย Will nature ever fully reclaim it?

The HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.
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.

The HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.
An autumnal path leads to the HS2 works.
The HS2 path, 16 Acre Wood, Berkswell, November 2025.
A bleaker path takes you over the HS2 track.

Searching the internet, I came across a photograph online by Robin Stott titledย โ€œA Family Walk by Sixteen Acre Woodโ€ย .

A family walk by 16 Acre Wood by ยฉ Copyright Robin Stott
A family walk by 16 Acre Wood by ยฉ Copyright Robin Stott

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.

Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025

I travelled to Worcester in search of streets with burst of colour, even though the weather forecast looked less than promising. Accompanied by my daughter and grandson, we set off to explore the cityโ€™s urban art scene during the Worcester Paint Festival. From hidden alleyways to large murals, Worcester proved to be a colourful place, full of surprises for anyone who loves street art and photography.

Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Careful of paint splashes.

Our first stop was the CrownGate Shopping Centre, which served as the temporary headquarters for the festival. Friendly faces greeted us. We chatted about the Paint Festival and where to see the artwork. Printed maps were available and proved to be excellent as they were clear, detailed, and very useful alongside the online version. A great reference source that set us up for the day.

Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
A mural by Inkie looks down on the street market.

From the shopping centre, we headed to Angel Place street market, where several art murals caught our attention. The atmosphere of the market combined with the colourful artworks made for perfect photo opportunities. I particularly enjoy capturing street art with people passing by, as it adds a human element that brings both the artwork and the photography to life.

Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Passing by Katie Scott’s mural.
Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
My grandson admiring the work of Sophie Long
Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Work by Angry Dan
Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
The other half of the mural.

Next, we sought out Inkieโ€™s work at the Royal Porcelain Works. His colourful mural decorated the gate leading to the old printing works and stood out vividly against its surroundings. We then made our way back into the city centre, passing a series of murals, some finished, others still in progress. Friar Street is one of my favourite parts of Worcester, with its mix of heritage buildings and modern urban art. One mural was cordoned off while the artist was working though I managed to catch a glimpse from a stairwell.

Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Man at work.
Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Love this work by Peachzz

Along the way, we discovered plenty of independent shops and more artwork. Before leaving the city centre, I climbed the stairs to the car park roof to photograph some stunning murals, their lively colours contrasting with the rows of parked cars around them.

Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Stunning work by Jodi
Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Mindbending mural by Pad303

Our next destination was the Sixways legal wall on Offerton Lane, a council-designated space for street art. Tucked beneath the A449 and running alongside the Worcester and Birmingham canal, it has become a hub of creativity. We parked at the back of Sixways Stadium, and I went on alone to explore the underpasses. Artists were hard at work on the walls of the two underpasses.  The air was thick with the smell of spray paint being applied to the concrete.

Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Cycling past
Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Cathedral, mural and bike.
Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Colour co-ordination
Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Reflections in the canal.
Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Spray cans at the ready.
Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
Footprints.

The line-up was impressive: Worcester Writers KFO crew and guests, featuring PHE, Zeeizm, Kask, Sore, Spar, Knel, WWF (Wizards with Funk) Crew, Buser (OSK Bristol), Inkie (KTS, ASK Bristol), Such (ACT Sheffield), Rob Dise (TWC, Worcester), Merk, Hart, Frank Brough, Umix, and Arbour. I have always loved the names chosen by graffiti writers each one hinting at the personality behind the art. I am unsure who is who in my photographs at the Sixways legal wall, so please do get in touch if you can help with credits.

Worcester Paing Festival, Worcester, September 2025
City limits.

This visit was just a glimpse into Worcesterโ€™s thriving urban art scene, which comes into its own during the Paint Festival. Murals and installations can be found across the city where they are tucked down small side streets, hidden in alleyways, or displayed on large walls. With every visit, there is something new to discover, making Worcester a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in street art, colour, and creativity.

If you enjoyed this then be sure to read my blogs about street art When I visited Cheltenham Spa and Halifax, Canada.

Knowle Park, Sunrise, September, 2025

This is my 500th blog post โ€” 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 Margaretโ€™s Church, Ward End, Birmingham. August, 2022
The interior of St Margaretโ€™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 Margaretโ€™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 aboutย 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,ย ย 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!

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025

The newest addition to Paradise Birmingham, Three Chamberlain Square, is close to opening. This distinctive building sits next to the historic Town Hall and is stoneโ€™s throw from Victoria square. Its exterior design incorporates natural terracotta tones, giving a warm red ochre glow to the rows of vertical lines. Walking past the building, I often wondered what it would be like to look around inside and longed to visit the terrace on the top floor.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
Three Chamberlain Square.

I was therefore delighted when an invitation arrived from Core, the marketing team promoting Paradise Birmingham. They were hosting a special Photographersโ€™ Event at Three Chamberlain Square to mark World Photography Day.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
The BT Tower framed by the red beams.

On a warm but initially cloudy afternoon, a collective of photographers gathered in Chamberlain Square near the new building. There were many familiar faces amongst the group, and we did not have to wait long before being taken into the foyer of Three Chamberlain Square. The entrance is impressive, with a large, open multipurpose area. After a short introduction, we went straight up to the ninth floor and the terrace.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
The Birmingham skyline

The terracotta design was an instant hit with the photographers, and we all had to be careful not to photobomb each otherโ€™s shots. The photographic talent among the group was very high, and I knew their images would be excellent. My own thought was, try something different, easier said than done when surrounded by such skilled photographers.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
Inside looking out.

Reaching the ninth floor, the sun broke through the clouds. Before stepping onto the terrace, I paused to capture the light as it streamed into the room. Then it was time for the terrace itself, which offered stunning views across the city. The red support beams provided a perfect frame for iconic landmarks. I was able to capture the Octagon, BT Tower, the Rotunda, 103 Colmore Row, and the Town Hall clock, each neatly framed by the beams. Using my telephoto lens I was able to capture the street scenes below.  The terrace was undoubtedly the highlight of the visit and will be an instant favourite for those working in the building.

We then moved down to the eighth floor to view the open-plan offices. I took several pictures, and while the space itself was impressive, my eyes kept drifting to the windows. People working there will certainly not be boredโ€”the passing trams and other activities below may prove to be quite a distraction.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
Colmore Row stories.

Although I had to leave before the full tour was over, the terrace remained the highlight of my photographic journey through the building. On my way back to the car, I captured a few final shots outside. What struck me most was the contrast of styles: the terracotta of Three Chamberlain Square set against the Roman revival elegance of the Town Hall, with the towering Octagon rising in the background.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
Different Styles

Birmingham looks splendid with its mix of bold new buildings complementing the cityโ€™s historic landmarks.  Thank you to Paradise Birmingham for allowing us to photograph this beautiful building.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
Picture of me taken by Ell Brown on the terrace. Thanks Ell.

If you like tall buildings then I have highlighted more reading about my photographic visits on my blog.

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 

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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.

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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.

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