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Regent Street Lights

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Regent Street Lights, London, December 2022

I was fortunate that I was in London during Christmas week. My reason for being there was to undertake a photographic assignment for the British Dental Association Museum. Once I had completed my task then I set off for the Christmas lights. I walked from Wimpole Street along Oxford Circus taking in Bond Street, New Bond Street and Piccadilly. Whilst I took many photographs on this journey, my main destination was Regent Street. The Angels were strung across the street and were a beautiful feature of the Christmas lights. The theme was the ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ and covered both Regent Street and St James’s neighbourhoods.

Regent Street Lights, London, December 2022
Under the arch leading to Regent Street.
Regent Street Lights, London, December 2022
Angels, London Buses and shoppers.

The place was very busy with people on both sides of the road and in the central reservation taking pictures of the Angels. My x100v was set up with a high ISO3200 and an aperture of f/4. The shutter speed was set at 1/125. I brought along my travel tripod to help me. However I did forget that the ISO was on high for some of the motion shots. It was difficult to think with being in such a dangerous position in the middle of the road and so many people around you. Whilst the pictures do look pretty, there are many obstacles around the area such as the shoppers and traffic. I kept my wits about me and did not look for pictures that may have put me in danger.

Regent Street Lights, London, December 2022
An Angel of Regent Street
Regent Street Lights, London, December 2022
Take the bus to see the lights.
Regent Street Lights, London, December 2022
Oxford Circus

I came away with a story as there were a few couples in the pictures and the story looks as if I have followed one couple up from Piccadilly to Oxford Circus. I enjoyed seeing the lights and experiencing the atmosphere of Christmas Shopping.

Regent Street Lights, London, December 2022
Making your way back home on the tube.

London is a wonderful city to photograph and you may wish to see my other Blog entries on photographing the UK capitol.

Categories blog

Westside BID Calendar winner 2023

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Winning photograph Westside BID calendar 2023

In January 2022, I spent the morning walking around Gas Street Basin. The area was bathed in beautiful sunshine and I took several photographs with my Fujifilm x100v. Several of the photographs came out really well. I was lucky with the light and the weather. Plus there were several people walking along the canal tow path. There were two stand out pictures that I took that day. The first was from outside the Tap and Spile public house on the west side of the basin looking towards Regency Wharf. This picture was highly commended in the urban view category of UK Landscape Photographer of the Year. I also took pictures on the other side of the basin. One part of the basin that used to be difficult to access is The Wharf which has access to various offices including the Pakistani Consulate. On that morning I found that the barriers had gone and there is now public access to the area where you can access the canal bank. This gives you a great view of the Bistrot Pierre restaurant building. The morning was still and quiet providing excellent conditions for reflections of the restaurant. As luck would have it, a passerby came into the picture and looked backwards. I snapped him and found that he was centred perfectly. The picture turned out well and did not need much adjustment post processing. There was a good reaction on social media when I posted the picture. Therefore when the Westside BID calendar competition came up then I entered this one along with several others. I was pleased to learn that I was the overall winner for the competition with my Bistrot Pierre picture and my prize was £175 vouchers for the Craft restaurant in Brindley Place next to the ICC. There was also a cheesy write up of my win which I include here. The title was “Dentist ‘reflects’ on top prize in Westside BID’s 2023 calendar competition”.

The calendar in its display case.
Categories blog

Time to Reflect with my Key

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Hall Green Library

The following visits were quiet and enabled me to reflect on my journey around Birmingham with my #keytothecitybrum. Two different venues, but each allowing a key holder to stop, pause and take in life.

Robin Hood Cemetery

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Acocks Green Cemetery
Approach to Lavender walk
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Acocks Green Cemetery
Opening the vault.

The key took me to Robin Hood Cemetery near Hall Green, a place I have visited several times previously saying my respects to good friends who have passed away.  This time it was for the #keyofthecityBrum project.  The place was relatively quiet as usually when there is a large funeral taking place, access is difficult.  When I arrived, there was a funeral in process and I kept discreetly in the background.  Passing the main buildings, I made my way to the pergola over a path called Lavender walk.  Here the overground vaults were laid out along the walk.  The key opened one of these vaults.  There were no signs or indications of where this would be.  After 5 minutes I looked up a photographic colleague, Elliot Brown who had already discovered the vault.  Reading his account, I realised which vault I should focus on.  Immediately I saw that there was one vault which was slightly different to the rest and it had a lock on the front.  My key opened the vault and inside there were drawings, ceramic pins, and other objects.  There was a lovely poem about the sea and a few other notes.  An interesting find that made me pause and reflect.

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Acocks Green Cemetery
Mementoes left in the vault
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Acocks Green Cemetery
A poem about the sea.
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Acocks Green Cemetery
The Lavender walk

Hall Green library

All the public libraries in Birmingham were participating in the #keyofthecityBrum project.  You just needed to visit one of the listed libraries to access a lock.  

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Hall Green Library
Entrance to Hall Green Library

As it turned out Hall Green library is not far from Robin Hood Cemetery.  I arrived just after lunchtime as the Birmingham libraries close for an hour and reopen at 2pm.  The place was busy, but the librarian showed me the metal box which was padlocked.  My key opened the lock allowing me to access a red book.  Opening this book, I found that I was asked to write down a list of my experiences of visiting the various places in the #keytothecityBrum.  The book was brand new, and the librarian informed me that I was the first person to visit Hall Green Library and ask to see the box.  I wrote down my entry replaced the book and  locked the padlock.  I left thanking the librarians.  Outside I took several pictures.  Once outside I wondered how libraries are surviving in the present era of digital changes. This library may look a little dated on the outside, but it was very much part of the community judging by the number of people who were using it.

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Hall Green Library
The safe box in the Library
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Hall Green Library
Retrieving the book out of the safe.
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Hall Green Library
My reflections.

My Journey with the Key
If you wish to review my journey then I have published all my visits on my blog as follows.

Categories blog

Keys to the Blyden’s Garden and the Legacy Centre

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden

My next two venues for #keytothecitybrum were close to each other and both were intriguing. They took me to a part of Birmingham that I have rarely visited. I have had no previous reason to visit the area and I have only passed through on the dual carriage way onto Perry Barr. The north west part of the City is relatively unknown to me and I was about to find out that I had missed some hidden gems.

The Blyden’s Garden

This was a delightful place to visit.  A private garden in the middle of Birmingham.  When the #keystothecitybrum were released, this place was the most intriguing.  A small plot of land was going to be shared with the larger Birmingham community.  I did not know what to expect and headed out to the garden.  Finding Brooklyn Avenue, I went along to the end of the cul-de-sac and located the road that went behind house 63.  The place did not look inviting and one of the houses on the street had a stack of rubbish on the front lawn.  I turned the corner and at first did not register anything except an open gate.  As I took in my surroundings, I saw a shocking pink door with a welcome sign.  

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
The pink door to the garden

This was nothing like the picture in the booklet!  My key fitted the lock.  The door needed a good pull as it opened towards me and once inside I discovered a quiet oasis.  The place was set out with herb plants including strawberries.  There were motivational words hung up on the surrounding fences.  There was a large bench where you could sit down and survey your surroundings.  

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
Motivation signs
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
A corner of the garden
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
Plant pots hanging on the fence

A blackboard was set up near to the door and someone had written in chalk a question of the day.  

“If you could go back in time and meet your 10-year-old self. What advice would you give yourself?” 

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
My advice to myself from @dammodammo

I am not sure that my answer was profound enough for the board, but it was fun to participate.  I took a few pictures and then sat down.  I took some time out to reflect and soak in the ambiance of the garden.  Then I took some pictures and before long (around 10 minutes later), I decided it was time to move onto the next venue on my #keytothecitybrum quest.

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
Reflecting on my time in the Blyden’s Garden
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
My friends for the day
Cool plant pots
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
A corner of the garden
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
A pink door with a key
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
Tools of the Garden
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
A bench to sit upon

Thank you to the Daniel and Rebecca Blyden for making this happen.  A lovely experience and one to treasure. I found this link about their garden and gives more insight into their vision

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, Blyden's Garden
Leaving the garden and onto the Legacy Centre.

Legacy Centre of Excellence

The Legacy Centre of Excellence is on Potters Lane, Birmingham.  Upon arrival, I was made welcome by Sarah who showed me what my key unlocked in the building.  The room I entered had pictures made from card cut-outs hanging on the wall.  These were drawn by Dr Martin Glynn, lecturer in Criminology at Birmingham City University.  The collection of pictures was called “Moments and Memories” and were inspired by the Covid19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.  

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, the Legacy Centre
Moments and Memories
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, the Legacy Centre
The cut outs were striking and very visual.

Dr Glynn investigated the themes of reflection and during his journey wished to immerse his audience into his work.  Dr Glynn’s pictures resonated with my own reflections.  I have done a series of articles of life during and after the pandemic.  In a similar way, I have been on a part of Dr Glynn’s journey.  His cut-outs provided very powerful imagery.

Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, the Legacy Centre
The face echoes moments from the pandemic.
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, the Legacy Centre
More of Dr Glynn’s pictures
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, the Legacy Centre
Windrush history.
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, the Legacy Centre
The visitors’ book
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, the Legacy Centre
The modern look of the centre
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, the Legacy Centre
Sarah in the legacy centre.
Key to the City Brum, Fierce Festival, 2022, the Legacy Centre
Legacy centre

Sarah gave me details of the Legacy centre and showed me the main stage that was set up for a B2022 Commonwealth Games Community Engagement event: A journey through Windrush.  Sarah agreed to having her picture taken and I discovered that she is an artist in her own right and examples of her work are on her Instagram site @whitecanaryillustration.  Another fascinating place on my Journey with the Key.

Negotiating the City

My Journey with the Key
If you wish to review my journey then I have published all my visits on my blog as follows.

Link to the Legacy Centre

https://legacycoe.co.uk

Categories blog

The discs are back in town

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Selfridges July 2022

The Selfridges building is now back to its full glory after a period of renovation. The silver discs were causing problems by becoming detached and falling off the building. All this was happening prior to the pandemic. There were additional problems as the original manufacturer of the discs was no longer operating and a new supplier needed to be found. When the contractors were ready, they covered the building in a spectacular pink and black cover designed by Osman Yousefzada and underneath this “skin” replaced the discs. I liked the Infinity Pattern 1 design as it was a such a different take on the building.

Selfridges July 2022
An upward view accentuating the symmetry.
Selfridges July 2022
A reflection capturing the work being done near to the HS2 site

The repair work continued during and after the pandemic. Finally, the scaffolding came down revealing the new replacement discs. I take part in a weekly photographic project and the week’s theme was geometry. The Selfridges building is perfect for this theme and I went out and about with my camera taking pictures to accentuate the amazing patterns. There was also the chance to get some interaction with reflections of people sitting next to the building. There was a good reaction to the pictures and I find that many people love the design. There are many people who dislike the building but everyone agrees it does put Birmingham on the map.

Selfridges July 2022
An opportunity for a few more reflections.
Selfridges July 2022
Wherever you look there is a different pattern revealed.

I have included some past posts which will provide details of my previous photographic blogs that have involved this iconic building.

Selfridges Study

The Changing Face of Selfridges

Categories blog

Sunrise in Kardamena

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Sunrise in Kardamena, Greece, July 2022

Several mornings during July, I ran into Kardamena from where I was staying.  My hotel, Acti Beach, is around 2 miles away from Kardamena.  Getting up early and watching the sunrise develop during the Golden Hour is an unforgettable experience.  Two years ago I was here in August and the sun rose over the sea. In July, the sun rises behind the mountains. Therefore I saw the sun start to rise by the golden colours appearing on the white buildings of the town as I ran towards Kardamena.

Sunrise in Kardamena, Greece, July 2022
The rising sun creating shadows on the walls of the whitewashed buildings.
Sunrise in Kardamena, Greece, July 2022
The sun appears from behind the mountains.

I run with my iPhone13 and I was able to stop for a few minutes and capture the golden rays. The fun is getting back to the hotel and seeing what the results are like.  These pictures were taken on different mornings and when posted on my social media, they received a positive response.  I certainly want to get back to Kos in the future and experience more sunrises on this beautiful island. This is the last of my Kos Island sequence and hope you enjoyed them.

Sunrise in Kardamena, Greece, July 2022
Sunrise on the sun loungers at Malibu Beach
Sunrise in Kardamena, Greece, July 2022
A view of the sunrise from a jetty at Kardamena.
Sunrise in Kardamena, Greece, July 2022
Sunrise in the harbour with golden rays on the Pirate ship.
Sunrise in Kardamena, Greece, July 2022
The day begins.

Here are my links to Kardamena and Kos

I love Kardamena 2022

Reach for the sky

Back in 2020 when I first visited Kardamena

And where it all started with my daughter’s wedding on the beach in Kos

Categories blog

Birmingham Blossom

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Oozell's Square Blossom Birmingham

Oozells square in the westside of Birmingham is unremarkable other than the IKON gallery which is on one side of the square. The IKON is a highly acclaimed contemporary art venue and when you have finished looking over the latest exhibits, take a well earned rest in Yorks coffee shop.  However in the months of March and April the square erupts with cherry blossom and becomes one of the most photographed squares in Birmingham.  I also took many photographs.  The square was featured in a BBC news and my photograph was included.  I have also added a few more of my own in this post.

Oozell's Square Blossom Birmingham
A favourite reflection is produced around the water feature
Oozell's Square Blossom Birmingham
the blossom turns and ordinary square into the extraordinary.
Oozell's Square Blossom Birmingham
A traditional view of the blossom with the IKON in the background.
Oozell's Square Blossom Birmingham
Another traditional view of the blossom in the square.

Further links include
The IKON gallery
Yorks Cafe

If you would like to see previous entries on this square then please visit
Blosson in Oozells Square
Cherry blossom experiments

Categories blog

Reflecting Reflections

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Reflections in Birmingham

There have been many opportunities over the last couple of weeks to take pictures that rely on reflections. Surface water from all the rain leads to puddles on footpaths and pavements that are a good source for taking reflective pictures. Modern cameras have a flip screen that allow you to get low and take the picture without having to get too uncomfortable on the floor. The placement of the lenses has to be very low to take advantage of the reflective split. On the iPhone 13, the positioning of the lenses allows you to get closer to the water. However take care as in doing this you will find your mobile phone getting a little wet! Straight after the rain, I am always looking for a new angle for my photography using reflections from the water and here are a few examples. Most of them are taken with the iPhone camera. However during the visit to Upton House near Banbury, I discovered a very large reflective pool in the garden that provided a wonderful opportunity for a reflection.

Upton House March 2022
The reflecting pool, Upton House and Garden.
This was featured on the lunchtime weather news of BBC South.

There was some local and national successes with several of these pictures being picked up on Instagram by both National Geographic Traveller and BBC weather watchers. Some were successfully featured in local instagram pages. There are explanations behind all the images shown and whilst you are reading this blog post, I am still on the look out for reflections.

Reflections taken in Birmingham
Taken on a wet night in Birmingham looking up towards the Bullring.
This was featured on the Birmingham.City Instagram pages.
Reflections at Umberslade Estate
The line up of trees at Umberslade Estate becomes the perfect setting for a puddle reflection.
Reflections at Moor Street Station
Waiting for the train home and I happened to catch these puddle reflections which were perfectly placed for the picture.
Reflections in Birmingham
A classic view of the IKON gallery in Oozells Square. The “river” of water provides the reflection.
Reflections in Birmingham
A puddle in Gas Street Basin provides a great reflection. He looks like he is walking on water.
This was featured on the National Geographic UK traveller Instagram pages.
Categories blog

Walk on By

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Brindley Place, Birmingham

“If you see me walking down the street
And I start to cry each time we meet
Walk on by, walk on by.”
Song and Lyrics composed by Burt Bacharach, with lyrics by Hal David

The following images should be viewed when listening to the song by Dione Warwick although there is the alternative version by Isaac Hayes which is worth a listen as well. These pictures were taken in Brindley Place, Birmingham using my 70-200mm lens on my Canon 5D IV. The rising sun casts a shadow against the brick wall and as people walk by it appears as if the shadows are making an arrow. Add in the bonus reflections and it makes for a superb place for street photography. Enjoy the following set of 5 pictures.

Brindley Place, Birmingham
Shadows point to the person walking
Brindley Place, Birmingham
Walking to each other
Brindley Place, Birmingham
Walking to the shadows
Brindley Place, Birmingham
A wall of shadows and textures.
Brindley Place, Birmingham
Bike, phone, shadows.
Categories blog

Photographing Royal Leamington Spa

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa

Royal Leamington Spa is long associated with the family. We used to visit in the late 1980s and think it was so exciting with the Parade and the Parade and the Royal Priors shopping centre. Returning over the years, the town still looks impressive with the Georgean and Victorian buildings looking clean and impressive in their whitewashed coatings. The opportunity to do a photographic walk around Leamington Spa was organised by my fellow photographer buddy, John Bray.  I arrived in the town inbetween two storms, Dudley and Eustace. The sun came back during the lull which whilst welcome, created strong shadows during our morning walk.

Royal Leamington Spa Bowls Club
Royal Leamington Spa Bowls Club
Blossom on the trees, Leamington Spa
Blossom on the trees along the River Leam, Leamington Spa.
Bandstand, Leamington Spa
The Bandstand in the Royal Pump Room gardens.

Our first stop was the home of bowls, Royal Leamington Spa Bowling Club. The groundsmen were preparing the greens for spring and the greens looked beautiful. Our walk followed the river Leam and we passed through the Royal Pump Room gardens with the impressive Bandstand.

All Saints Church reflections
All Saints Church reflections in the puddles.
Reflections in the street of All Saints Church
Reflections in the street of All Saints Church
The results of all the surface water from Storm Dudley

Moving over the river again we headed past All Saints Church where there were some opportunities to take reflective photographs. We went onto Mill Road and then Mill passage lingering on the impressive iron pedestrian bridge over the river. It was here that we encountered our first street art with a mural of elephants painted on an electricity substation hut near to the entrance to the bridge.  This work was painted by the Brink Contemporary Arts group and makes a feature of three elephants who used to live in Leamington. 

Elephant Mural, Leamington Spa
Elephant Mural on Mill Road, Leamington Spa
Detail of the Elephant Mural
Detail of the Elephant Mural

The river Leam was full following the recent rains and there was a strong current under the bridge.  There was also a fine mist of the spray from the waterfall crashing over the weir.  Having photographed the bridge and the river our next destination was the Grand Union canal.

Bridge over river Leam
Spray on the bridge
Bridge over river Leam
Details
Bridge over river Leam
Angry looking river
Bridge over river Leam
Lovers’ Locks on the bridge.

Our walk took us through the streets of the town and we commented several times at the hidden gems of architecture.  Just before the canal there is a mixture of light industry and new buildings that leads onto an old factory where the Brink art group has facilitated more street art.  The pedestrian canal bridge has curved steps and provides views of the street art.

Pedestrian Bridge over the canal
It is in this area around the Pedestrian Bridge over the canal that the Leamington Spa Street Art is concentrated.

A selection of the murals is featured in my next blog.  My favourite was a mural painted by @n_4_t_4 on the side of the canal.  There were several others that are featured and part of the Brink Art group.

Street art by N4t4
Street art by N4t4

Making our way back to Jephson park, we stumbled upon a small oasis of crocuses in bloom showing that spring was well on its way.  Following on from Jephson park, we took in coffee in the city centre before heading off to Clarendon Square where many films are filmed including Upstairs, downstairs.  The latest TV series to be filmed there is “Stonehouse” based on the MP who faked his own death. 

Clarendon Square
Clarendon Square

Royal Leamington Spa is well worth photographic attention as there is much to see from the beautiful architecture to the contemporary street art. All the pictures were taken mainly with my Fujifilm x100v compact camera unless otherwise stated.

Crocuses
Crocuses
The Town House
The Town house, Leamington Spa.
Bench and feet
Bench and feet
Staircase to the sun
Staircase to the sun
Study in B&W
Study in B&W
All Saints Church
All Saints Church
Leamington Spa
Leamington Spa

If you found this interesting then please take a look at the following site for more information about Leamington Spa
The street art in Leamington is overseen by the Brink Street Art Group.

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