Burst of Colour on the Streets of Worcester

by Damien Walmsley 28/09/2025 29/09/2025

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 city’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.

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.

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.

Next, we sought out Inkie’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.

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.

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.

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.

This visit was just a glimpse into Worcester’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.

This is Quinpool Road — Exploring Street Art in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Adding a splash of colour to the streets of Cheltenham

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500 Blog Posts: A Milestone in My Photographic Journey

by Damien Walmsley 27/09/2025 27/09/2025

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.

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.

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!

Home

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Terracotta and Skylines: Exploring Paradise Birmingham’s New Landmark – Three Chamberlain Square

by Damien Walmsley 22/08/2025 01/10/2025

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 stone’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.

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

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.

The terracotta design was an instant hit with the photographers, and we all had to be careful not to photobomb each other’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.

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 bored—the passing trams and other activities below may prove to be quite a distraction.

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.

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

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

Birmingham sunset and sunrise from the Octagon

The popular key – 103 Colmore Row

London Times – The London Horizon from Horizon22

Top of the Rotunda

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This is Quinpool Road — Exploring Street Art in Halifax, Nova Scotia

by Damien Walmsley 06/05/2025 09/05/2025

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.

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.

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

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

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 from The Wizard of Oz, commemorating one of the final films screened there in 2017. This nostalgic piece was painted by @alexjfowkes.

One of my personal favourites was tucked away in a car park just off the main road. Titled Cattails and Pansies, the mural by Montreal-based artist Bosny (@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.

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 artist Bosny — 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 Road’s history. The artwork is full of local references, stories, and even a bus seemingly rising from the pavement.

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.

Other examples of street art along Quinpool Road.

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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. 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

Halifax harbour waterfront.

Halifax waterfront, Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025 — An Eagle mural by Warrior

Street Murals on Burlington Street walking Northwards

Burlington Street murals, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2025 — Colourful walls

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. I did enjoy walking along the streets of Halifax looking out for examples of murals on buildings.

Much of the background information I gathered came from the Discover Halifax website 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.

Digbeth Art

Adding a splash of colour to the streets of Cheltenham

Leamington Street Art

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Mist, Lobster Rolls, and a Lighthouse: My visit to Peggy’s Cove

by Damien Walmsley 05/05/2025 05/05/2025

There is something hauntingly beautiful about the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. The dramatic skies, the churning sea, and the wind-whipped coast all make for a landscape that is as raw as it is inspiring. I recently had the opportunity to explore this iconic stretch of Canada’s coastline during a weekend trip to Halifax—and what a memorable journey it turned out to be.

I was in Nova Scotia for the UIA Symposium, hosted at the Westin Hotel in Halifax. A colleague, Lisa, and I had arrived a few days early, hoping to explore the local sights—specifically, Peggy’s Cove and the historic town of Lunenburg. Both are about an hour’s drive from the city. Unfortunately, my plans to hire a car fell through when I realised that I had left my credit card at home. That setback turned Saturday into a relaxed day of exploring Halifax on foot, which was no bad thing. However, I still held out hope for a coastal adventure.

Sunday’s weather forecast was dire—rain, mist, and wind. Not ideal for a scenic drive. But fate stepped in. Over breakfast at the hotel, Lisa and I met Nico and Rebecca from Nami Surgical, who were also interested in seeing the coast. Nico kindly offered to hire a car, and just like that, our impromptu road trip was on. As we headed towards Peggy’s Cove, the weather worsened. A thick mist blanketed the road, and the wind grew stronger by the minute. When we finally arrived, the visibility was low, and the air had a sharp, salty bite.

The village of Peggy’s Cove lies in a protected inlet, with its famous lighthouse perched precariously on a granite outcrop. Warning signs near the rocks made it very clear: venturing too close to the water’s edge could lead to death. The wind was creating a dramatic frenzy—white foam and crashing waves everywhere. For a photographer, the conditions were perfect.

After taking countless photos of the lighthouse and the surrounding seascape, we wandered back into the village and stumbled across a small museum housed in the old schoolhouse. From there, we discovered a hidden gem: a photography exhibition entitled, “Visions of Time: Peggy’s Cove Captured Through the Lens of Photography and Film, 1920s to 1950s.” The exhibition featured vintage photographs and early film footage that documented the lives of fishermen and their families before tourism would change the village. The work of Edward A. Bollinger, Helen Creighton, W.R. MacAskill, and others brought to life a way of living now largely gone. Their black and white images inspired me. Although my visit was brief, I felt connected to this lineage of storytellers who have been drawn to Peggy’s Cove for nearly a century. I took more photos—my own small contribution to the village’s long visual history.

No trip to the coast is complete without seafood, and we found the perfect spot at Shaw’s Landing, just up the road in West Dover. The restaurant was recommended by Lee one of the concierge at the Westin Hotel. This was a great recommendation. The lobster roll was so tasty and full of flavour with a lovely salad to go with it. The meal was the perfect ending to out visit of Peggy’s Cove.

Shaw's Landing, West Dover, April 2025 — The counter in Shaw’s Landing. Beer and Lobster the ideal combination.

Final Thoughts

Peggy’s Cove is everything you hope for in a coastal destination—dramatic scenery, a rich history, and that unmistakable Atlantic charm. The mist added so much atmosphere making my visit memorable. As a photographer, this tiny village was a joy to visit and photograph.

The majority of my pictures were taken with my Fujifilm x100vi unless stated. The pictures were converted to black and white in Paint Shop Pro and contrast applied.

Further links to Lighthouses

If you like Lighthouse photography then I have more blogs to satisfy your interest in this area.

Photographing the sunrise at Trwyn Penmon point, Anglesey

Burnham on Sea Lighthouse

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Starcross Yard – an escape from Euston Station

by Damien Walmsley 28/03/2025 28/03/2025

Starcross Yard, Euston, HS2, March, 2025

If you want to escape the Hell’s Kitchen that is Euston Station whilst waiting for your train, visit this delightful pop-up park. The theme echoes the past people and life of the area, providing a quiet place to sit and watch the world go by.

I came across Starcross Yard by accident. My train was delayed at Euston Station, which is a common story. I therefore went out to the west of the station and walked along Drummond Street. I often walk along here to and from the station, using it as a shortcut to Triton Square, where there are sparkling skyscrapers and interesting pieces of art to photograph. To get there, you must walk across an area slated for the HS2 station. There is not much going on there now, as there is still debate over whether the station will be built. As you move along, security is intense, with several guards and wardens stationed near the entrance to Drummond Street.

camdengreenloop — Old ironwork vs new steel buildings.

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Instead of going straight on, I turned right into Starcross Street, and this is where I found the pop up park. Starcross yard sits on the former site of the Maria Fidelis School, which was closed and relocated due to HS2 construction. Now, it has been transformed into a temporary pop-up park. With a triangular footprint, the small green area features a circular yellow mural and several benches. An interesting structure of four metal posts forms a canopy—these posts were taken from King’s Cross Station and thus maintain the railway connection. At one end, there is a training centre, and along the railings, information boards share stories of past people and events in the area.

Drummond Street and Starcross Yard are now home to a diverse community, mainly Bengali and Pakistani. Drummond Street boasts a rich mix of restaurants, sweet shops, and eateries, as well as a few public houses serving independent brews. As the sun streamed down, the shimmering glass towers of Triton Square loomed in the distance, but my attention remained on the pop-up park. I appreciated the little details that made the space unique, as my pictures show.

The park also inspired me to research the names and histories mentioned on the information boards. I have returned a couple of times and plan to visit again in the future. How long the park will remain is uncertain, given the ongoing debate about HS2’s future at Euston, but until then, it will continue to be a welcome space for the community to enjoy.

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The blossoms on Oozells Square herald the start of spring

by Damien Walmsley 28/03/2025 28/03/2025

Every year, Blue Square blossoms into a wonderland. The cherry trees wake up from the long winter months, and the blossoms that appear are captivating, making the square look beautiful. The trees are arranged in front of the Icon Gallery, where the warm brick contrasts with the soft cream colour of the blossoms.

Many people converge on the square, with celebrations ranging from Eastern European dance performances to Asian cultural gatherings. The arrival of the blossoms draws in people from all over Birmingham. Capturing a unique picture of the square has now become a challenge, as so many photographers have documented it over the years—some even choose to stay away, feeling they have seen it all.

However, I still enjoy visiting the square and taking pictures whenever I have the opportunity. These are the results of my yearly visits since the start of my blog, and it is fascinating to compare the images over time.

This is an account of last year’s blossoms in the square.

Early blossom brings colour to Oozells Square

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Starting off the year with reflections

by Damien Walmsley 04/02/2025 06/02/2025

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 camera—even a compact one—would be difficult in such conditions. Of course, larger cameras work well when photographing a lake beneath a mountain range, safely away from the water’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.

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 photography—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.

Reflections

Featured in the book – my reflections on Landscape Photographer of the Year 2023

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Top 4 in 2024

by Damien Walmsley 30/12/2024 01/01/2025

Time to review my best pictures of 2024. The latter part of my photographic year was devoted to the Stirchley Observation Project. This course, organised by the PRISM Photographic Network, ran over 12 weekends from September to November. A final exhibition featuring many of my photographs will take place in 2025. This documentary course, led by Oksana Bischin, changed many of my perspectives on photography. With valuable feedback from fellow participants, it led to a deeper appreciation for the art of taking pictures. Two of my top four photographs are from my time on the course.

Streetphotography, Stirchley, December, Top4, 2024 — Red Hair, Green diamond.

The first of my top four, and my favourite, is titled Golden Hair with Green Diamonds. This picture was taken in Stirchley, on the footpath behind the Birmingham Brewing Company. When I first reviewed the image, I wasn’t happy with it, as the person was out of focus. However, I did appreciate the vivid colours, which gave the composition a lovely vibe. I was taken aback by the positive comments I received. People mentioned the timing, the texture in the wall, and the shadow cast by the railing. Yet, it’s the woman reading the book that adds so much more interest to the picture.

Stirchley, Birmingham, Top 4, December, 2024 — The distant skyscrapers contrast with the housing and bus in the foreground.

Birmingham is undergoing a construction boom, with many high-rise skyscrapers being built. I took this picture on the canal bridge over the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, which forms the western border of Stirchley. Using my 400mm zoom lens, I aimed to capture the contrast between the older houses on Pershore Road and the shining new residential towers in the city centre. Just as I took the shot, the number 11 bus passed over the bridge, and there was a person at the front of the bus, looking out at the scene. This picture was well-received on the BBC Birmingham social media pages and made the BBC news website.

Selfridges, Birmingham, Top 4, December, 2024 — Reflections around Selfridges bring out the sunrise.

Selfridges is an iconic building that always offers photographic opportunities. This picture was taken on a morning in early December. The sunrise brought a few colourful clouds, and the rain from the previous night had left several puddles, creating the perfect chance to capture a puddle reflection—my trademark style of photography. I was initially concerned that the partially constructed building in the background would spoil the shot. However, I needn’t have worried, as all the elements of the composition came together beautifully. The colourful clouds seem to flow across Selfridges, adding a dynamic element to the image.

Poppy field, Kinver, Top 4, December, 2024 — Early morning light on a poppy field in Kinver, Staffordshire.

My final picture is of a poppy field near Kinver Edge. I remember the morning well. After getting up early, I headed to Kinver and arrived at the field, where I found a fence surrounding the poppies, making it tricky to find a good composition. Another photographer was also there, searching for a good vantage point. I decided to stay put and wait for the sunrise. The morning was cool, which provided a clear, distinctive light. I pointed my 400mm zoom lens through the fence and used a wide-open aperture. The images looked good on the small LCD screen of my Canon 5D Mark IV, so I took several more shots. Then, I realised the sun was about to appear on the crest of the hill overlooking the poppies. My next set of pictures worked well, but when I got home to review my images, this one stood out. The cool light had created a magical scene, with the wildflowers set against a background dotted with the red of the poppies.

Top 9 Instagram 2024 — My top 9 on Instagram.

These are my top 9 photographs from Instagram. Instead of paying for a program to identify them, I worked through the year to find out which ones received the most likes. The most popular photos are the selfies of me, either with Mason, my new grandson, or with Sandy. The northern lights were amazing and appeared right over my house. The poppy fields also made an appearance, as did pictures of the Birmingham cityscape, which are always popular.

The archives rule and please compare my 2024 selection with 2023 and 2022.

Top 4 in 2023

Top 4 in 2022

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The Bright Lights of Central London this Christmas

by Damien Walmsley 17/12/2024 17/12/2024

The London Lights in Central London, December 2024

Street photographers love London, and everyone has their favourite area for taking pictures. I simply enjoy watching people move around the streets. Sometimes, you find a street teeming with opportunities for photographs; other times, it is not so fruitful. But, as they say, go with the flow—good pictures are always waiting for you.

When wandering the streets, having a companion to share your journey is invaluable. Peter is an excellent photo buddy (link to Website). Living in London, Peter knows the best places to visit and is adept at finding ideal spots to stand. My other companion is my Fujifilm X100vi. The inbuilt image stabilisation makes it perfect for street photography. I shoot with a low shutter speed (1/30,1/60), a wide aperture (f4), and auto ISO to adapt to unexpected moments. The resulting pictures can be noisy, but a quick edit with Lightroom’s denoise function cleans them up effectively.

I have also set up my camera with back-button focusing, which has significantly improved my ability to capture scenes in focus. However, this technique introduces a slight delay as I focus before pressing the shutter. I overcome this by anticipating the scene forming in front of me.

My first stop was to see the lights along Regent Street, with the beautiful angels soaring above the centre of the road. The shop windows offered bright, eye-catching displays. My technique here was simple: stand still for a few minutes and point my camera at the scene waiting for a suitable picture to materialise. The magic in this series of pictures came from the rain earlier in the afternoon. A light drizzle was falling on the pavement, creating reflections that shimmered with colours.

I met Peter at Waterstones’ coffee shop, and we set off together. Starting with the bright lights of Piccadilly, we walked along Shaftesbury Avenue before exploring Chinatown. The city was bustling as it was the end of the working day. Pubs were overflowing, and people were moving everywhere, on foot and by bicycle. There was so much activity that pictures appeared all around us.

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The rain added another layer to the story, bringing out umbrellas that enhanced the scenes. As we wandered into the narrow streets of Soho, the vibrant atmosphere gave way to Leicester Square. Here, we encountered a German market, but it was a disappointment. The stalls were no different from those found in Birmingham, and their circular arrangement felt uninspired. I did, however, find an interesting tree to photograph, though not much else of note.

We did not stay long at the market. Instead, we headed to the Diamond Jubilee Garden facing St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden. The coloured lights reflecting off the wet pavements created a stunning view, and the silhouettes of people walking through the garden added depth to the composition of my pictures. We arrived at Covent Garden itself, and the decorations there were breathtaking. The large decorative bells and Christmas ornaments hanging from the ceiling filled the space with festive charm. The place was alive with energy, and I could have spent hours photographing the scene. This was my final stop on my visit to the lights of London. There were a few more pictures to take along the Strand before arriving at Charing Cross station and the Bakerloo line up to Marylebone station.

All that remains for me to say is: enjoy my photographs and the short descriptions accompanying each one. There are some fantastic backdrops, including a particularly amusing one where a poster is upside down. I am sure this was deliberate, designed to catch the eye of keen street photographers like Peter and me as we wander London’s streets.

If you enjoyed this view of Christmas lights then please follow the links below for more stories. One is about Christmas in Birmingham this year. The second is snow in our village in 2017.

The Birmingham Cathedral Christmas market

Let it snow

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