Digbeth is known for streets of light and the area looks it best when the sky is dark. But not too dark. An ideal time to take photographs is during the blue hour. The warm yellows of the streetlights reflect on the colourful buildings. I watched a PhotoPills YouTube video on the Art of Travel Photography. The guest photographer was Scott Stulberg who said if you want to get the best pictures then you have to go out at night. So my first blog of 2024 is all about Digbeth in January.
Early workers walking down Gibb StreetMama Roux’sXOYO
The blue hour is great but you must get up early and that is not easy unless you plan to go out in January. The sun rises at around 8 o’clock and therefore you can get into the city early and be ready for the golden hour. The rewards are many and I know this, as last year my photograph of Floodgate Street taken on an early January morning was “Highly recommended” in the Landscape Photographer of the Year awards in 2023. Making sure I was there at the right time helped. If you are lucky enough to be around after a night of rain then the streets light up with multiple reflections. My aim as always is to be different but also to fit in a few of those classic views.
Iconic DigbethYellow TongueOnly in Digbeth
Arriving in Digbeth early in January I was hoping that Floodgate street and Trinity Street lights would be on but I was disappointed. The lights were off but I guess it was a Monday morning. However Gibb street was ablaze with lights and this is where I concentrated my efforts on my picture taking. I walked up and down Gibb Street looking for pictures of the shop windows and the street art. There were a few people moving around and coming into work at the Custard Factory. My cameras were the trusty Fujifilm x100v and my iPhone 15 proMax. I set up my mini tripod for some of the pictures with the x100v and went for high ISO to catch the people moving around. I did move around Floodgate and Lower Trinity Street to take pictures as there were still some neon lights on to assist early risers to find their way to the Custard Factory.
Shiny Digbeth
Lingering and loitering is a good plan as I waited for people to pass through entrances. I aimed to catch their silhouettes against the street art. Some photographers advise to have your camera on burst function so as to capture several pictures. In this way you capture the moment. However, I like to take in the surroundings and press the shutter button when I am ready. Yes I miss a few pictures but I am generally happy with what I get.
The Green ManDJ GymChanging Street Art – this is Mike Skinner and the Streets by Robbie Jeffcott. Those eyes…..Window ShoppingBaked in BrickDetails on the railings.Details on the wallsBlinking of an eye on Floodgate Street
The neon lights throw up some strong colours as my pictures show. I took many more pictures before the daylight overcame the night. The buildings reverted to a grey colour and Monday daytime was beginning. The time had come to move on and find a hot cup of coffee to warm me up.
Looking back along Gibb Street
Postscript – This is another of my Digbeth picture series which are a popular read. Please check them out below.
Looking back on my photographic year, 2023 was an exciting one and there were several achievements including making the Landscape Photographer of the Year book. Two pictures were featured and these are described in my blog. Therefore I decide to choose four pictures that summed up my activity over the year. I love sunrises and sunsets in the golden hour. I have included a few of my favourite locations including Moor Street Station, Digbeth (including the Custard factory), Normandy Hill in Houlton near Rugby and the Lake District. My photographs have strong themes in the areas of Cityscapes and Street Photography. I do like a good reflection and trying to be different with my pictures. Let us take a look at my selection of photographs.
Sunrise at Birmingham Moor Street offers many street photography opportunities. Arriving early to take a picture of the sunrise, I looked around for a good view. The first London train was about to leave and another commuter train was just leaving. This scene made me think of the KLF song ‘Train to Trancentral’. The man pushing the button to release the doors, the sunrise and the golden train in the distance all came together at once. A very fortunate capture at Moor Street Train Station. (Taken with my iPhone 15)
All aboard, all aboard, whoa.
Normandy Hill is near Houlton in Rugby. The area of Hillmorton is nearby and the canal runs along the foot of the hill. The place used to have wireless masts for Rugby radio. The masts have been removed and the remnants of the bases are all that remain. When the conditions are right the hill has spectacular sunrises and sunsets. There are also views of the surrounding Warwickshire countryside. On a barmy night in July, I set up my travel tripod for my Fujifilm X100V. My camera settings were f/11, s 1/250 ISO 160. The sun was setting low and was just on the horizon. I pressed the button and realised that I had capture three people and their dog passing through the picture. The result was pleasing with the line up of the men and the sun outlining the shaggy coat of the dog. The rays of the sun were captured too. The atmosphere of the shot provides a permanent reminder of all the pictures that I have taken on Normandy Hill.
The last rays of summer sun on Normandy Hill.
Our family summer holiday was at Lowfield House in Little Langdale. Arguably, this spot is the heart of the Lake District and is the starting point for several walks. A place I wished to visit was Cathedral Cave, which is a short 45 minute walk from Lowfield House. Cathedral Cave is an impressive chamber. As a former slate quary, the cave is atmospheric with an open window in the wall allowing light into the cavern. There is a large slate cylinder that appears to be supporting the ceiling. There is a pool of water to the back of the cave which provided many reflections allowing one to appreciate the grand space of the cavern. Needless to say, I, like many photographers who visit this place, just wanted to take lots of pictures. The picture of Jim, my son-in-law, at the mouth of the cave proved to be a popular post on Instagram. Taken with the iPhone13.
Jim standing at the entrance to Cathedral Cave. The surface water provided suitable reflections.
I spent a delightful Sunday afternoon wandering around Digbeth, Birmingham and came across @mr_h0spitalflip and his friends on the side steps of the Custard Factory. They kindly let me sit in and take a few pictures whilst they were skateboarding on the steps. I knew this was the best picture as soon as I viewed the result on the back of the camera. I was not using a burst on the shutter. Just one picture and I caught the skateboarder in the light doing the “Custard flip”. Taken with the Fujifilm X100v, ƒ/5.6, s 1/500, ISO 640.
The Custard flip
I also found my Top nine from Instagram and these show my most popular posts by the number of likes. The two UKLPOTY pictures feature heavily. There is a picture of Sandy and me. I was also pleased to see the blossom in Oozells square and my trip to the States feature in the high scores. All good fun!
My Top 9 Instagram posts in 2023.
Links to my Top 4 photographs of 2023. I realise that I do not have a blog about Normandy Hill and I shall write one up in 2024. I have also included my Top 4 ion 2022 for comparison.
I am very fortunate to live within a few miles of two outstanding National Trust properties. Packwood House and Baddesley Clinton are within walking distance of each other and during the summer I visit them on my bike. Both houses have different charms. Baddesley is a moated house in a picturesque setting. The gardens are well laid out and are fantastic to see in the summer months when they are in full bloom. Packwood house is charming and whilst it does not have a moat, there are other unique features. Packwood has the amazing topiary called the Sermon on the Mount and a walled kitchen garden where one can follow the changes in the vegetation during the year. There is little to choose between the two houses.
The moat around Baddesley Clinton.
This Christmas both houses have upped their game and have really gone to town with their decorations. You would almost think that there is a competition between the two properties on who could put on the better display. Looking on the web, I realise that the majority of the National Trust properties enjoy putting up their decorations. This story of Christmas between these two houses is reenacted up and down the country.
Visiting Packwood each December is a delight and this year the house looked very Christmassy inside. Each room of the house has a Christmas tree. The larger Christmas trees are naturally in the bigger rooms. The Entrance Hall Christmas tree is decorated with handmade decorations and has a commanding presence. The three adjacent rooms each with their own Christmas tree are set up for welcoming guests to dinner in the 1920s. The place settings and the arrangement of the food on the table is carefully choreographed.
The tree in the Entrance Hall at Packwood.The room is set for a 1920’s Christmas dinner.One of the many Christmas trees at Packwood.
When photographing National Trust properties, I always look for the small things and those details that you miss whilst looking around the room. I am naturally drawn to the bigger view and as I entered each room, your eyes quickly alight on the brightly lit Christmas trees. The polished wooden floors reflect the light from the trees. For inside photography, I use my iPhone15 as the sensor quickly picks up the colours in the low light. I did try and use a long exposure setting with my compact camera but there were too many people moving around in a small space. Plus the volunteers do become worried when you bring out the tripod even though it is a small travel one.
Hand made decorationsPretty paper wheels.Baubles Dinner table settingReady for the ball.Beautiful tree.
Packwood has one room off the Long Gallery, that is set up with a minature town scene with skaters on white icelike flooring. As the picture shows the lighting effect in the darkened room produces a magical effect.
A magical scene at the foot of this Christmas Tree.Details of the sceneThe Christmas Tree.
The Long Gallery has two more Christmas trees and the final room has a long narrow decorated table that leads to another impressive tree. I counted 8 trees in all (I could be wrong). Along the way there was a story being told as the place was set up for a Christmas masquerade ball.
Dressed for the ball.Some beads in your tea.Baby its cold outside.The Christmas Tree in the Long Hall.
I did enjoy visiting the house, however, the place I loved the most was the kitchen garden. Here the old tree near to the entrance was decorated with all types of decorations. The afternoon light shimmered on the shiny lanterns. Many of the decorations like those in the house were hand made. There was continuation of the skating theme on the potting shelves.
Entrance to the Kitchen Garden.Skates on the potting shelves.Lantern in the tree.A beautifully decorated tree.
My Verdict on Packwood. The house is amazing with the Christmas trees that enhanced the beauty of the old building. The best part of my visit was viewing the outside tree in the Kitchen Garden.
Baddesley Clinton is fully prepared for Christmas. As you pass through the shop into the courtyard you, a Christmas tree awaits you. Before entering the house, I walked along the garden paths and loved the large, big red ribbons and the decorations of the summer house with the story of the Holly and the Ivy.
Lovely red ribbons.
The larger sloping greenhouse on the garden wall had orange slices hung up as decorations and there were pomanders (oranges with cloves) adorning the ceiling. Recipes for making mulled wine and smoking Bishops were available. I love the name of Smoking Bishop for an alcoholic drink. The walled garden and the vegetable growing areas were being prepared for winter by the gardeners and my time slot for the house entrance was due.
Decorated Greenhouse.PomandersMulled wineHolly and the IvyThe decorated entrance.Entering the garden and house.
The walk through the house was a Christmas tour de force. The kitchen was getting ready for a grand feast. There was a Christmas card display to browse over before entering the grand Christmas tree by an open fire in the Great Hall. The downstairs rooms were a delight to visit with preparations for dinner and carols being many of the activities being featured.
Christmas time by the fireplace.DecorationsRed and white bowsGingerbread manTable set for a feast.
Upstairs the first two rooms were all ready for Christmas presents to be delivered. Lady Chatterton’s Bedroom on the corner room overlooking the orchid was beautifully laid out and included a decorated tree. The next room was the Great Parlour and there was a spectacular frieze of children skating. This had the wow factor. There were two Christmas trees, children skating on the ice and little owls watching the proceedings. The final room had a frieze of a family singing carols. In the room, the exhibit I found most interesting was of the glass ornament that had a model of the house in a large jar.
This display had the Wow factor.Hand made decorations.A snowy owl hidden in the tree.Christmas StockingLady Chatterton’s Bedroom
After such an exciting visit to the house, I retired to the cafe and had a Turkey Bap with trimmings. This was a Christmas dinner at a reasonable price. Another highlight of my visit to the property.
My delicious Turkey Bap in the Stables restaurant.
My Verdict on Baddesley Clinton. Great food, some wonderful ideas put into practice with the decoration of the rooms and a garden ready for Christmas.
So two houses, giving two versions of Christmas, lots of trees, decorations, and food. Which of the two properties is better prepared for Christmas? I would recommend visiting and if you read this at a later date, my answer is that they both have captured the Christmas Spirit in a brilliant manner.
Thanks must go the National Trust employees and the volunteers whose industry at Christmas and throughout the year make these properties such fun places to visit. If you enjoyed this blog then I do have other entries of my visits to National Trust properties around the area. Click on this link to find all my visits.
I visited Packwood House at Christmas in 2021 and if you want to see what they did back then, the blog is below.
London Times is a short series of photographic blogs that record a recent visit to London. See more links at the end of the blog.
Someone left a chair outside the Cheapside Road entrance to St Paul’s Tube station. I had already had a bit of fun doing some pictures on the approach to the Tube station when I came across this discarded chair. I assume it had been left or transported from one of the nearby restaurants. The chair was ignored by all the commuters entering or leaving the underground station. I had a wonderful 10 minutes just taking pictures of people who studiously went out of their way to ignore the chair that was in their way.
A lone chair sits outside on the pavement.People know the chair is there but do their best to avoid it.It was great to see how people just did not react.No matter how busy the station became, the chair just sat out the rush.The chair does not seem to mind the fact that it is being ignored.One of my earlier pictures as I was walking towards the tube station.
So this ends my brief tour of “London Times”. If you missed any of the others then here is the full list.
London Times is a short series of photographic blogs that record a recent visit to London. See more links at the end of the blog.
My appointment was at the Sandbox workspace, which was conveniently located near to the Millennium bridge. This London landmark is a photographic challenge. How do you take different pictures on this iconic bridge. The answer is that it is very easy to do so as people are passing over the bridge all the time creating their own photographic moments. I scouted around the underneath of the bridge and took a few pictures of tourists moving around above.
Approaching the Bridge.Tourists from above.Underneath the bridge.
Then I went to the south part where the two pedestrian walkways split and provide a pleasing symmetrical photograph. As I expected there were too many photographers in this area although taking photographs of photographers is a fun pastime.
Those photographers LOL.
On the bridge I took a few pictures and then I moved back to the picture sweet spot to try and take some more pictures. Again more photographers! It was time to cross the main part of the bridge and I took a cool panoramic view of the Thames towards Tower Bridge. Then I started to focus on St Paul’s Cathedral which was framed by the northern part of the millennium bridge. London always has something to photograph and you are never lost for subjects. Both the people and the buildings are super subjects and I hope you agree when you see my photographs.
The bridge is a popular crossing point.A panorama from the middle of the bridge.Framing St Paul’s Cathedral.Flowers are still around St Paul’s cathedral.
Here are more pictures from my “London Times” series.
London Times is a short series of photographic blogs that record a recent visit to London. See more links at the end of the blog.
Sunrise at the end of November and the sun is low in the sky. The chance to wander around Borough Market before a morning meeting was too good to miss. Arriving at Southwick, I took some time to reflect at the London bridge viewpoint which has a memorial to the people who lost their life in the terror attack in 2017.
The shard towers above Southwark Cathedral.A view of the Cathedral through the branches.
Southwick cathedral stands tall against the Shard which dominates the skyline. Borough market was busy as traders were replenishing their stores following the previous day’s work. The market is expanding all the time and much larger than when I remember it when I worked in the area. Mind you that was 40 years ago. Time does pass quickly and that is why I love photography as you capture those moments for others to look back on and enjoy. The low morning sun created pockets of light which I tried to follow with my camera.
Christmas is coming.Pockets of light in the Market.Helmets together!
There is some street art around that helps create stories when the people walk past the artwork. I just let myself be pulled along with the commuters that were passing through the area. They were stopping off at coffee shops and then disappearing into offices. I like Clink Street and the two murals one of which depicts William Shakespeare.
Street Art under the bridges.Shakespeare Mural.Colourful lamp post.
London was cold and a chill wind was driving along the Thames but this did not stop me taking pictures of the river from Bankside in the gorgeous light. Dropping into the Borough Yards underneath the railway, there are many different pictures to be taken as the lights from the shops create shadows on the walls.
Arches in Borough Yards.Colours on the walls in Borough Yards.Looking out at Southwark Bridge.
And if you missed my other London Times Blogs here we go.
London Times is a short series of photographic blogs that record a recent visit to London. See more links at the end of the blog.
Following on from Paddington Basin my next stop was the SouthBank. Colleagues had booked dinner at Brassiere Blanc near to Waterloo station and I aimed to arrive early so I could take pictures in the area. Waterloo station was busy with commuters getting home on a Friday. This is not a station that I know well although I quickly found a couple of sweet spots for taking pictures.
Waterloo StationThe Friday rush hour at Waterloo station.
The Southbank was buzzing with people visiting the Christmas markets and the Royal Festival Hall. There was so much activity with the area under the Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges being a mixture of regular bars and eating establishments. The added addition of Christmas markets was bringing in the crowds.
Colourful lights.Festival Hall with a boat on the Thames advertising Slow HorsesChristmas markets under the bridge.
Along the Queen’s walk, there is an old carousel which draws the eye. Such attractions are always good to photograph. I was able to set up the camera to do several slow-motion pictures of the working carousel. Many people are standing looking at their loved ones sitting on the horses. As they remain stationary, they make a nice focus for the long exposure.
Spinning Carousel.Silhouettes agains the lights.
The London Eye has a commanding presence and was illuminated in pink providing a backdrop to the activity taking place around the Jubilee Gardens. There were good photographic opportunities at the entrance to the Jubilee Gardens that leads the eye to the eye. My final subject for my photographs was the Shell centre which was bathed in a contrasting deep blue and stood out as a backdrop to all the fun that was taking place in there area. The meal at Brassiere Blanc was very tasty and a set of restaurants that I will visit again in the future.
The London Eye in pink.Fish and chips anyone.The Shell Building.Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges.The Southbank at night.
I had a couple of days in London and this provided a wonderful opportunity to take pictures around the Capitol when there was downtime between meetings. I have created a series of blogs for you to enjoy which contain my photographic journey.
Looking towards the end of the canal and the heart of the area.
Before booking into the hotel, I went to Paddington station to see my highly commended picture of Floodgate Street in Digbeth. The picture was part of the travelling exhibition of selected pictures from the UK Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition. Paddington is adjacent to the canal basin and provides photographic opportunities of people, boats and buildings.
Boats moving on the Canal.
There were a few boats moving on the canal and people were leaving work. Several canal boats are now floating restaurants and as the sun was going down colourful neon lights were being turned on. The canal is familiar territory to me and I looked for new opportunities and the Paddington Central footbridge provided them. The bridge links with the Venice Walk via brightly lit tunnels. Always a good place for a camera.
Pedestrian Tunnel on Venice Walk.Another view of the Pedestrian Tunnel.Bridges – Paddington Central FootbridgeBridges – The Point Footbridge.Bridges – the Rolling Bridge.Bridges – under the A4206
I also ventured into Sheldon Square as the flash of colour caught my eye. The line of coloured panels provide a super background as people walk by, hurrying home after a long day’s work or taking time to reflect.
Reflecting after a long day at the office.
As dusk becomes firmly entrenched, the lights from the office buildings surrounding the canal provide numerous reflections on the water. The weather was cold but there was no wind and the water was very still. Many people are moving around, crossing bridges and their silhouettes contrast with the bright lights. The point bridge and rolling bridge are other places for good photographs. Soon it was time to move on as I had a dinner date to attend.
Skyscrapers around the basin.Close up of boats and offices.Christmas tree
You may be wondering about my visit to Paddington Station. I was delighted to find that I am in the travelling exhibition with my highly commended picture of Floodgate Street. Here I am besides my photograph.
Paddington Station with my picture from UKLPOTY
London Times is a short series of photographic blogs that record a recent visit to London. Please visit my other links
The low sun during winter provides a special time in Birmingham. The best place to experience sunrise in Birmingham is Moor Street train station. The four platforms line up with the sunrise throughout the year and using one of the several phone apps, predicting the sunrise is relatively straightforward. In winter, the low sun makes it extra special and if you are lucky the station concourse provides great opportunities for golden hour pictures. I arrived around 8 o’clock on a late November morning and the sun’s rays were beginning to touch the station. The reflections of the glass surfaces of the trains adds to the special golden hour light that occurs. The scene below made me think of the KLF song Train to Trancentral. The man pushing the button to release the doors, the sunrise and the golden train in the distance all came together at once. A very fortunate capture at Moor Street Train Station.
All aboard, all aboard, whoa.
The light was still good as I passed through the Bullring onto the Mailbox. The sun was creeping into Gas Street basin creating warm colours with the red bricks which are a feature of the area. Whilst the golden glow was disappearing, the light was low and beginning to light up several buildings along the canal. There were also long shadows as people walked along the towpath. I missed several good photo opportunities as the sun moved quickly and I lingered in some spots more than others. The unfolding scenes of light and shadow do not stay for very long. Over the years, I have learnt that the winter sunrise works well from the basin up to National Indoor Arena. For a few minutes, the place looks as if someone has shone a torchlight onto the water. Then it disappears and light intensity drops to normal levels. I captured many pictures from the morning both in the city centre and the westside of the city. Enjoy my selection as you scroll down the page.
Golden Carriages at Moor Street.Looking down towards St Martin’s in the Bullring.More building in Birmingham. “It will be good when it is finished”20 mph.Into the Sun on the canal.Know where you are going.The pink runner complements the colour of the basin.Shadow walking the Black Sabbath bridge.Bradley place commuters.The Basin starts to see the sun’s rays.The Cube outlined by the sun.More sun, shadows and reflections.For a brief moment the sun illuminates the bridge.
Enjoying it so far then here are some pictures from November 2020.
Flying back from Portland to Reykjavik on Iceland Air was an experience. Having a window seat on a clear day provided uninterrupted coverage of the Pacific Northwest landscape. As the pilot turned the plane north eastwards, we were able to view the snow-capped peaks of Mount St Helens, Rainier and Adams. We were on the wrong side of the plane for Mount Hood but caught glances of the mountain. The highlight of the flypast was crossing over Mount Adams with Rainier in the background. The light was clear and bright. It is possible to distinguish the features in the mountain and where previous lava flows had occurred. All three are active volcanoes with Mount St Helens erupting in 1980.
Flying over Mount Adams.Mount RainierMount St HelensRainier and Helens
Eventually the night came and we entered Canadian air space. There was one more exciting view to see on our flight. As we crossed over the North West Territories we saw the Northern Lights flickering above the clouds. Taking pictures of the Lights is interesting as to the naked eye there is a faint glow. I then pressed my iPhone15 against the window to remove reflections. Fortunately the cabin lights were dimmed. The long exposure coupled with the sensitivity of the iPhone reveals the green colours of the lights as shown in the pictures. The lights lasted for about 10 minutes and then slowly faded. This was a memorable flight for sightseeing.
The Northern lights seen out of the window.More Northern Lights.
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