The chance to stroll around Rugby Town with my camera was too good an opportunity to miss. Whilst the family were at the soft play premises in the town centre, I was able to take photographs on the streets.
Rugby Central looks quiet on a Sunday afternoon.
Rugby town centre reflects how many small to medium-sized towns are evolving. The heart of the town is becoming lifeless and losing its atmosphere. There are people in the numerous coffee shops, but there are also many empty and boarded-up shops. This was a Sunday afternoon and, besides those shopping at the local supermarket, only a few individuals were moving around.
The majesty of Regent Street.
There are parts of the town that still have a dignified look, such as Regent Street. Other parts of the town centre are very quiet. The main Rugby Central shopping area is largely empty, with few people around.
Coffee on the streets.
During my walk, I headed down to Caldecott Park to see the large life-sized rugby ball. I then followed the road to the aptly named “The Black Path” bridge, which crosses the main West Coast railway line. This is always a good place for photographs. It is a major pedestrian thoroughfare, yet the caged structure and general grime create an atmospheric setting that is ideal for street photography.
A Rugby ball statue in the park.A cyclist on the Black Path.Words of wisdom.
While my black and white photography may have painted a bleak picture, there were some touches of colour, particularly around the yarn bombing of trees and benches. There is still laughter, too, attempting to lift the downbeat feel of the town.
There is happiness on the streets of Rugby.
If you liked this view of Street Photography in Rugby then I have provided a link to blogs on Edinburgh and Digbeth, Birmingham.
The passing of Ozzy Osborne leaves a large imprint on the people of Birmingham. The band Black Sabbath are very much loved and their Birmingham origins are celebrated throughout the city. Back in 1974, I remember “Paranoid” blasting out loudly through the student common room speakers. I loved the Black Sabbath album covers which stood out from others at the time with their own distinctive take on the early seventies. Even as my musical tastes moved towards glam rock, punk and new wave, I still had fondness for the distinctive Tony Iommi guitar riffs from “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid”. Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne still connect with me especially as their influences are all around Birmingham.
The shrine to Ozzy outside the Crown pub on Station Street.
Getting caught up in the emotion around the city from the reunion concert and people gathering to honour Ozzy, I went in the day before his funeral to visit the notable Black Sabbath sites in the city and pay my respects.
The Crown pub, Station St.
My first stop was the Crown pub often known as the birthplace of legends. Many famous bands played there including the early Black Sabbath concerts. Closed since 2014, the building is now protected by its Grade II listed status although what the future will be is uncertain. The Crown has had a lick of paint and the boarded-up windows now have pictures of the band. A small shrine has taken shape below the picture of Ozzy. There are a few candles, flowers and fan messages set out. Pedestrians entering New Street rail station glance curiously at all the commotion.
Ozzy the Bull at New Street station.
Then there is Ozzy the Bull. Towering above the concourse of New Street Station, this animatronic sculpture was a massive success during the Commonwealth Games. Once forgotten, now restored, much like the man himself, Ozzy the Bull is a great symbol of the City.
Ozzy’s signature on the wall in Navigation Street.
Outside the front of the station, Navigation street has attracted the City’s attention where Mr Murals, a local artist has created a striking Black Sabbath mural. Along the wall facing the station are photorealistic spray can pictures of the four band members. The Black Sabbath logo looms large beside them. Less than a month ago, the group came to look at the murals and each signed their name against their picture. The signatures have been protected with Perspex glass. The length of the street has become another shrine for Ozzy with flowers lined up against the wall.
More floral tributes along the Black Sabbath mural.
The focus of the outpouring of grief for Ozzy was taking place at the Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street. In 2019, the city dedicated this space to the band with a bench featuring the faces of Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Bill. Now, the bench is transformed with flowers, tributes, hand-written notes, empty Jack Daniels bottles, and even a guitar. The tribute has taken over the pavement and security are required to keep a semblance of order. On the day of the funeral, this was the place where the hearse bearing Ozzy stopped and the family paid their respects. The news and pictures from the BBC and Rolling Stone magazine show how much he will be missed.
This is the day before the funeral at Black Sabbath Bridge.A guitar with inscription amongst the tributes.More details of the tributes.
Next I find myself in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Here a special tribute holds centre stage. The ” Ozzy Osbourne (1948-2025): Working Class Hero” exhibition celebrates the lead singer’s astonishing career. Videos play on loop; photographs of his successful career adorn the walls. The many gold and platinum records are displayed. At the entrance, The civic book of condolence for Ozzy waits. I stood in the queue, looking up at all the artwork around waiting my turn to add my condolences.
The working class hero exhibition.
On my way home, I pass through Victoria Square where there is an exhibition of Black Sabbath with many posters arranged to tell the history of the band that will forever be associated with Birmingham.
The Black Sabbath poster board exhibition in Victoria Square.
Even at Selfridges, the modern temple of retail, screens shimmered with Black Sabbath’s images. Pictures of the band and Ozzy great you at the store entrance. A place is set aside to stand and watch a continual loop of the greatest Black Sabbath songs.
Tributes to Black Sabbath.A mini theatre inside the store.
There is much to take in and the legacy of Ozzy and Black Sabbath is celebrated on the streets. He is a hero not only of the working class but everyone who looks to make a better future for themselves. Ozzy with his charismatic personality will forever symbolise the City of Birmingham.
Ozzy at the Commonwealth Games in 2022. (picture from the Working class hero exhibition).
There are a few Ozzy images in my past blogs. See if you can spot one in this blog.
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 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.
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: “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.
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 from The Wizard of Oz, commemorating one of the final films screened there in 2017. This nostalgic piece was painted by @alexjfowkes.
Tribute to the Wizard of Oz.
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.
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.
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.
Seen outside on the wall of the Busan Korean BBQA 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.
@deliveravalon@nessyrt@mollymargaretart
.
Other examples of street art along Quinpool Road.
Love EvolvesColours on the old Cinema.Dog FoodStrike out
. 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.
Reflections in the rainPuffins and Deck ChairsLighthouse on the pier.
Halifax harbour waterfront.
Surfing the WaveAn Eagle mural by WarriorSunrise on the pier
Street Murals on Burlington Street walking Northwards
Colourful wallsPiano playersRainbow shaking handsMural 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. 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.
I am always on the lookout for new street art in Digbeth and on social media I learnt that there was new artwork by Fokawolf under one of the railway arches. Another popular street artist, Gent48 frequently puts out vibrant murals and his new artwork was mentioned in recent instagram posts. My third reason for a visit was to take a look at the Colour Palette of Digbeth by Stacey Barnfield. This made it the perfect time for one of my regular visits to Digbeth, giving me the chance to refine my street photography techniques. I have experimented with different ways of capturing people, and a recent visit to London had proved quite successful. Now it was time to see whether the streets of Digbeth would be just as receptive.
Story by the arches.
The railway arches are a defining feature of Digbeth and often make a strong impression in photographing the area. I took the opportunity to capture the stories that unfolded beneath them. My Fujifilm X100VI was set up with back-button focusing, and as the sun was shining, I attached my Urth polarising filter to cut down on glare. The resulting images tell distinct stories, and I was pleased with how they turned out.
Twist again and again.
When searching for street photography opportunities, the combination of artwork and typography is incredibly helpful. Timing is everything. I try to blend into the background. Focusing away from the subject while drawing them into the story is often a delicate balancing act.
Let us sort the city out.Red Brick Market soaking up the sun.The colours of Gent48
Eventually, I found the Fokawolf piece—a large printout of the Chuckle Brothers pasted under the arches on Heath Mill Lane. Although I took many shots of people passing by the artwork, I was not satisfied with the initial results. Then I noticed someone approaching down the road. I waited in position. This is a useful technique: appearing to photograph the artwork and then capturing the subject as they enter the frame. I pretend I am still waiting for the right moment, even though I have already taken the shot. This approach only works in certain situations, but when it does, it can be very effective.
The chuckle brothers by Fokawolf.
I also took some close-ups and other images of the surrounding streets. Digbeth naturally lends itself to photography. The colours of the street art are vibrant, and the architectural features add depth and texture. Messages on the walls and passing people add narrative and character to the photographs.
The colour palette of Digbeth.Close ups of Digbeth.The dentist in me appreciated this close upThe green heart of Digbeth
Enjoy my latest venture into Digbeth, and there are more adventures and photography in Digbeth in my blog.
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.
People flock to the square to take pictures of the blossom.
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.
The view from the IKON and the bench under the blossom.
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.
The IKON gallery with reflections in the nearby restaurant windows.
This is an account of last year’s blossoms in the square.
The Birmingham Light Festival has brightened up the city as look to the end of winter. Light festivals have been held previously, and this year, the company Opus supplied 11 imaginative light installations. Although many other activities were taking place, the BBC was planning a feature on the lights. I tagged along with John Bray, and we systematically tracked down most of the installations. It was also an opportunity to try out my night lens filter for my Fujifilm X100vi which was a present by my daughters. I was eager to try it out.
‘The Roof of Stars’ lights up Thorp Street, and transforms the area around Birmingham Hippodrome’s Stage Door. It was fun trying to capture both the cars and the reflections of the stars. Near to the main entrance of the Hippodrome, there is a peace poem – the words are very much needed at present.
The Roof of StarsPeace Poem
‘The Light Door’ at New Street Station was very bright. There were also many people around and catching either a clear shot or getting one where they were interacting with the light was not straight forward. I soon realised that taking pictures of these light installations was going to be tricky due to their placement and the challenge of capturing the atmosphere of people interacting with the displays.
The light door
The Mailbox featured a fruit machine installation, “Positive spin”. My Fujifilm did not have the wide angle view and I should have reached for my iPhone for a wide angled view. As we walked towards Gas Street Basin and Centenary Square, we spotted a light boat passing by on its way to the Mailbox, allowing us to capture the scene at just the right moment. There were volunteers from the Canal and River Trust who had been involved with the lights on the narrow boat.
Positive SpinThe narrowboat of light arrives at the Mailbox
Centenary Square had two installations: “Dance on Lava” Floor is LAVA x Silent Disco and “Night Badminton.” People were having fun especially on the dance floor. The badminton installation had a purple shuttlecock which was difficult to follow against the city lights and the dark night sky. The people playing the game did not seem to mind.
Dance Floor is LavaNight Badmington
I was not disappointed with the last three installations we visited. The first was “Ideas happen here” in Newhall Square, where the fountains and water reflections provided plenty of opportunities for great pictures. Saint Paul’s Square had a bioluminescent fungus display in lights, offering numerous leading lines and a quieter setting that made it easier to capture images. The final installation was “Flux” in Snow Hill Square. Fortunately, I found a display board where I could rest my camera, allowing me to take a long exposure shot of the bars of light as they whirled around.
Ideas happen here.Mycelium networkFlux
The one I missed was Alright Bab but as this is a legacy installation, I have time on my side to take pictures of it. I returned on the Monday and took pictures of this iconic phrase.
Alright Bab.
Tracking down the light installations made for an super night of photography. I was pleased with how my lens filter performed, as it cut down on light pollution and allowed for very small apertures, resulting in some nice starbursts. Winter is almost over, and spring is just around the corner, but I always enjoy these light installations.
Here are my blog entries from previous light festivals in Birmingham to enjoy.
I love January days when there is a clear blue sky and the weather is dry and crisp. We have had a few cold days like these, which have also featured bright sunrises and warm sunsets. January is also a great time to photograph the streets of Digbeth. Warm colours are created as the sun sets, highlighting the character of the old industrial brick buildings of the area. The brickwork soaks up the light and emits a deep warm glow. Checking my TPE, I found that the setting sun aligns along Floodgate Street during the golden hour.
Long shadows starting to form along Floodgate Street.The Moon above Spiderman at Luna Springs
Wrapping up warm with plenty of layers of clothing, I arrived at Moor Street Station. My route to Digbeth took me past the old Typhoo tea factory, which is under renovation and will soon become the new Midlands headquarters for the BBC. Along the way, I met fellow photographer Simon MacCreedy, who was out with his trusty Pentax. We caught up on the latest news and talked about our photography. Simon specialises in black and white photography, and his work is worth exploring, especially on his @Macindigbeth Instagram account.
Striding towards with ambition.
After saying our goodbyes, I headed to Little Ann Street. The sun was low, and only the tops of buildings were still bathed in light. Shadows crept across the street but had not yet obscured the words “Striving forward with ambition,” painted on the side of the Performers and Screen and Film School building, part of the BIMM Music Institute group. The sign was created by FokaWolf, a subversive street artist known for parody and satire.
Adam and his mate flagged me down and asked for a picture of them in their car. They had heard of @dammodammo.Long shadows in the sunset.A billboard with a message seen on the High Street.
On Floodgate Street, long shadows stretched behind pedestrians walking along the pavements. Having taking a few pictures, I walked over the canal to Montague street to visit the Digbeth Loc. Studios where the filming of the forthcoming “Peaky Blinders” movie is taking place. The film studios were established by Steven Knight and he commissioned Mr Murals to paint a mural the building of the iconic Peaky Blinders characters. The hand-painted street art features the characters, Thomas Shelby, Ada Shelby, and Alfie Solomons, with a scene of Birmingham from the past behind Thomas Shelby. It is a fantastic piece of art, though not the easiest building to photograph.
Part of the Peaky Blinder mural on Montague Street.The eyes have it, Alfie, Ada and Thomas.
Back on Gibb Street and Floodgate Street, the sun had almost set. I lingered, taking pictures, and noticed the sky beginning to change colour as the blue hour approached. Standing at the entrance to Gibb Street, I saw the city’s high-rise buildings silhouetted against the deepening blue sky. Searching for the best view, I crossed over the high street to the newly laid tram tracks. Standing on the tracks I saw classic leading lines that conveniently pointed back towards the city. I know that his would be a good picture. After activating the RAW function on my iPhone for the most detailed information, I captured several shots and was very pleased with the resulting pictures.
The tracks of the city.
The temperature was dropping fast, but I was determined to photograph more of Digbeth during the blue hour. The contrast between the warm streetlights and the cool blue sky created vibrant, colourful scenes. Eventually, the cold won, and I retreated to the warm carriages of a train back to Olton for dinner at my daughter’s house. Reflecting on the day, the two to three hours spent in Digbeth were worthwhile and added another chapter to my photographic diary of this dynamic area of Birmingham.
The yellows and blues along Floodgate Street.The classic view of Gibb Street.Yo Birmingham
I have done many visits to Digbeth and I am spoilt for choice. I have narrowed down my selection of my two more popular blogs on Digbeth. I hope you enjoy reading them. My first choice is a visit to Digbeth in January 2024 but the setting is in the morning. My second is a study of the street art and the pictures were taken during the day in July 2020. Enjoy!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These pedicabs or rickshaws look exciting but they are an accident waiting to happen as often or not the cyclist is not looking at the road whilst he is weaving in and out of the traffic. These pictures were taken on Oxford and Regent Street during the early evening. The streets were full of Christmas shoppers and were many of these bright contraptions on the roads. Furthermore the rickshaw does look very flimsy. There are so many of them blaring out music and weaving in and out of traffic. Even though these bicycles do not travel so fast, the light is tricky when photographing at night.
Three in the back and one driver.
There are many articles on these so called pedicabs which highlight the problems that surround them. I have featured two of them from the BBC and the Metro.
Whilst the passengers are happy, the driver has one hand on the bar and the other on his phone.All eyes on the road please.
These pictures were taken during my recent visits to London and you can read more on the link below.
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.
The upside down world of Soho.Good will on Earth to Refugees.
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.
Everyone is taking pictures of the Piccadilly light show.The streets were atmospheric giving a Christmas look.
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.
Regent street shop displays are very elegant making super street photography backdrops.
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.
Reflections and 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.
Umbrella for the rainRed Coat
— 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.
Tree decorations – Leicester Square.Busking away looking for an audience.
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.
Approaching Covent Garden.St Paul’s Church Covent Garden.Street reflections and silhouettes. St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden.The Christmas tree and decorations in Covent GardenThe beauty of the interior of Covent Garden.
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.
Toys and Souvenirs.Blue tyres and red lights on the Strand.Outside Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.Walking in the rain outside the Hippodrome.I love London.The shop window says it all.Escalator at Charing Cross.
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.
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