The Top Ten Must visit Landmarks for any Photographer in Birmingham
As a Birmingham photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing the city's most stunning landmarks on a daily basis. Birmingham's rich history and modern developments offer a diverse range of photographic opportunities. Whether you're a local photographer or visiting the city from further afield, these iconic landmarks should be on every photographer's shot list. This is my top 10 must-capture locations that showcase the best of Birmingham's architecture, culture, and urban landscape. Right, in no particular order, let's get into it…
As a Birmingham photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing the city's most stunning landmarks on a daily basis. Birmingham's rich history and modern developments offer a diverse range of photographic opportunities. Whether you're a local photographer or visiting the city from further afield, these iconic landmarks should be on every photographer's shot list. This is my top 10 must-capture locations that showcase the best of Birmingham's architecture, culture, and urban landscape. Right, in no particular order, let's get into it…
It really would have helped if I had put them in a logical walking order 🤦♂️
1 - The Library of Birmingham
When it first opened in 2013, The Library of Birmingham was greeted with a lukewarm reception. It divided opinion and left many people pining for the grey, Brutalist nostalgia of the ‘old’ Library of Birmingham. However, over the years opinions have softened and it has become a much loved landmark on the Birmingham horizon. For Birmingham photographers, the striking square lines, intricate metal work and stunning gold colour provide plenty of photographic opportunity.
The Library of Birmingham with a future landmark in the background…
Photography Tips - Visit on a sunny day (good luck!) and capture the striking gold facade against a bright blue sky. Don’t forget to visit the ‘Secret Garden’ terrace to get amazing views and more photographs of Birmingham's skyline from the fourth and seventh floors. The Shakespeare Room on the ninth floor has amazing views but from behind glass.
2 - The Bullring and Selfridges Building
No trip to Birmingham is complete without a visit to Birmingham’s Bullring. Even for those who regularly photograph Birmingham, it’s pretty difficult to resist the charms of ‘meeting at the Bull’ (one of two famous Bull’s in the city, Ozzie being the more recent addition!) then capturing the view to St Martin’s - a personal favourite view and then walking around the corner to capture abstract photographs of another architectural wonder, the Selfridges Building.
Strictly speaking, this is the view from Bullring to St Martin’s but I couldn’t resist adding this image…
Photography Tips - Where possible, visit at sunrise to get the best views of St Martin’s and the Selfridges Building, in particular in Autumn. The Bullring is private land so the security may approach you if you are using a tripod, which requires a permit. At present, Summer 2024 - there are multiple developments going on around The Bullring and opposite the Selfridges Building so consider focussing on smaller details, rather than sweeping grand vistas.
3 - Birmingham Canal Network
Birmingham has more canals tha… Ah, don’t worry about it, you probably wouldn’t believe me. Famed for its sprawling canal network, our next amazing Birmingham photography opportunity is to explore ‘the cut’. Particular photography hotspots are Gas Street Basin, where you will find the MailBox and bars & restaurants. Then have a slow walk down through Brindley Place and to the SeaLife Centre, all whilst watching the Canal Barges and Kayaks go by…
Gas Street Basin, I may have taken a little ‘artistic license’ with this image but still a beautiful Winter’s morning…
Photography Tips - The canals are a fantastic place to explore and on a nice sunny day and offer plenty of photography opportunities. However, you do need to keep your wits about you. It is quite easy to wander into some more 'dodgy’ areas that are less busy and can be home to some of Birmingham’s less friendly residents. Keep a close eye on your expensive camera gear and where possible, explore in a group rather than alone, safety first!
4 - Victoria Square and Town Hall
Another Public space that is brimming with life and photo opportunities is Victoria Square. Home of the Town Hall and Birmingham Museum and Art Galleries, there are plenty of chances to street scenes, architectural shots and usually some event photography. Most weeks there is something filling the square from pop-up food festivals, dance festivals and we’ve even had an entire forest of futuristic trees filling the square! Don’t forget to grab some shots of our beloved Floozie!
An older image of Victoria Square as the Floozie finally has water in it now but again, just an image I love…
Photography Tips - If you are after a bit of life, visit on the weekends and evenings as it can be a popular gathering spot, in particular during the summer. However, if you’re after some really interesting shots, try to plan a visit at sunrise in Winter, there’s always a good chance of getting a bit of fog and it really adds a haunting quality to the images. Be sure to cross over the tracks to the Town Hall tram stop and get a wide shot of the entire square with 103 Colmore Row looming in the background!
5 - Digbeth and The Custard Factory
Digbeth is the beating heart of Birmingham’s creative scene and has undergone a bit of a renaissance over the past couple of years. It is awash with bars, restaurants and cool little independent shops. Famed for its Street Art and music scene, Digbeth has plenty to offer. However, the recent Midland Metro extension has significantly changed the look and feel of the High Street, a walk down to the Custard Factory will present plenty of photographic opportunities.
Digbeth really comes alive at night...
Photography Tips - Take your time to explore the side streets, in particular at dusk as many streets are illuminated with festoons. As with the Canals, be mindful of your gear but get chatting to the locals, they’re generally a friendly bunch and if urban street portraiture is your thing, you’ll have no shortage of interesting characters to photograph!
6 - Paradise
I’ve been casually photographing Birmingham for nearly two decades now and if I told you the ‘old’ Paradise was something of an oxymoron, you’d understand! The new Paradise however is far more fitting of its name. Clean crisp commercial buildings offer plenty of Architectural Photography opportunities whilst the bars and communal spaces are a great way to gently pass the time. The striking mix of ‘old and new’ buildings offers something for everyone and when you are all ‘photographed’ out - there are plenty of nice places to eat!
Find your spot in Paradise and watch the world go by, surrounded by beautiful architecture…
Photography Tips - The best views of Paradise are from Centenary Square and in particular, the balcony of The Library of Birmingham. Head from the library through Paradise and to Victoria Square, the walk will take in the best of Paradise. Don’t forget to grab some shots of the new developments in the area and in particular, The Octagon, you won’t miss it!
7 - Centenary Square
Centenary Square takes in some of the other landmarks already mentioned but you definitely shouldn’t overlook the square itself. Redeveloped in 2019, it’s another Birmingham landmark that divided opinion but has grown into a much loved area of the city. Neatly nestled between Broad Street and Paradise (some may say Heaven & Hell!) The square is a good place to sit and watch the world go by!
Centenary Square is arguably best captured from the balconies of The Library of Birmingham…
Photography Tips - This is probably a reflection of Birmingham City Councils financial difficulties but the main water feature at the heart of the square hasn’t been turned on in 2024. However, it has become a focal point for Birmingham’s roller skate community and in particular at weekends, you will find dozens of skaters circling the paved area - plenty of cool locals who are far braver and more talented than I am!
8 - St Philips Cathedral
I would take a good bet that every self-confessed Birmingham Photographer has at least a few shots of St Philip’s Cathedral hiding away in their Lightroom catalog. The Cathedral is at the heart of Colmore Business District and is surrounded by Colmore Row, Temple Street and the back of House of Fraser. Locally known as ‘Pigeon Park’ it is another great spot to watch the world go by and be entertained by the locals whilst enjoying a bit of 'green space’ in the heart of the city.
Autumn in Birmingham is a special time..
Photography Tips - St Philip’s looks great at any time of year, but a personal favourite time of year to photograph this iconic landmark is in the Autumn. When the trees have turned a golden brown and orange, they fall and leave a carpet of colour on the grounds of the Cathedral. It's a real photography treat if you time it just right and if the weather plays ball, you can capture some really wonderful images.
9 - Jewellery Quarter
I’ll admit, as a ‘JQ’ resident, I may be slightly biassed but the Jewellery Quarter is definitely an iconic location to visit for any Birmingham photographer. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s ‘trapped in a different time’ but you definitely get a feel for the heritage of the JQ. Quaint little jewellery shops and a wealth of cafes, bars and restaurants make the JQ a perfect way to waste an afternoon exploring with your camera.
I know I’m biassed but the Jewellery Quarter is a magical place…
Photography Tips - Once you’ve done with the busy streets and explored the museums and galleries - head to Warstone Lane Cemetery. It may sound a bit morbid but it is fascinating to see the old tombstones and monuments to some of Birmingham’s ‘older’ residents. There are Catacombs at the centre that make for some interesting photos. On The other side of JQ, St Paul’s Church makes for an equally interesting subject matter.
10 - The Rotunda
Right at the top of the list of Birmingham's landmarks, arguably next to the BT Tower - is The Rotunda, a true symbol of Birmingham. Whether it’s postcards from the 60’s and 70’s or ultra modern aerial timelapses, I can’t imagine a Birmingham building has been photographed more than our cylindrical chum. It looks great from every angle!
Finding unique angles of The Rotunda is a skill in itself…
Photography Tips - The Rotunda can be seen from many vantage points across the city. I personally like to get further away from the building and have it as part of a Birmingham Skyline photograph. However, if you are ever fortunate enough to visit the Penthouse at the Rotunda (now more difficult due to the very sad loss of Staying Cool) you would be treated to breathtaking views over Grand Central and beyond!
A Photographer's Paradise…
I hope this list helps any Birmingham Photographer, resident or visitor make the most of some of the landmarks. It goes without saying that there are obviously a ton of other landmarks that I could have mentioned but part of the joy of being a photographer is stumbling across those hidden gems!
I love this city…
I would also add that the one thing better than all of these physical landmarks, are the people that inhabit the city. We have a rich and diverse population and (for the most part) they are a friendly bunch! The city is proud of its diversity and people want to tell you their stories. So if you are a Photographer in Birmingham, don’t forget to say hello to the locals!
Did I miss something off the list? Do you completely disagree with anything on the list? Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts, I am always looking for great suggestions on new places to photograph! Happy ‘snapping’ :)
Posts you might also like…
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK/US are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
How much should I pay for a Photographer?
If I had a Pound for every time I was asked ‘How much do you charge?’ Well, I’d have almost enough to pay for a Wedding Photographer for a day! Photography (for the most part) is a service industry. This means that customers require a service and just like calling a plumber, it’s imperative that the customer knows how much that service is worth.
If I had a Pound for every time I was asked ‘How much do you charge?’ Well, I’d have almost enough to pay for a Wedding Photographer for a day! Photography (for the most part) is a service industry. This means that customers require a service and just like calling a plumber, it’s imperative that the customer knows how much that service is worth.
However, unlike our friendly plumbers, photographers' prices can vary wildly from the ‘free’ to many thousands of pounds per day! With our plumber pals, most people could probably have a decent stab at guessing how much a certain job would cost and more importantly, understand that an emergency is likely to cost more but there is an intrinsic value in that. Let’s face it, if you have a leaking boiler at 3.00am then you know a call out is going to get expensive!
The problem is that us photographers are a funny bunch. You would have a hard time guessing what a photographer might charge for a simple headshot and to make matters worse, the perceived value can vary wildly as well. For example, it’s reasonable to assume that a headshot, that takes around 30 minutes to set up, complete and a quick edit might only cost, let’s say £50 - right? There are many things that are not taken into account with this though, not least the cost of buying the photography gear and the years of experience that it takes to learn how to knock out a professional headshot in a short period of time.
In this post I have tried to break down what it might cost to hire a photographer in each of the most common scenarios. This is a far from easy task as most people don’t want to talk about their costs unless it’s finalising the details of a potential job. So for the most part, I have spoken to photographer friends, explained what I am doing and asked them to be honest! I’ve also done some research online (wedding photographers in particular are far more transparent with their packages!) and I literally called around photographers in other areas and just asked them what they charge!
This might not be the most scientific approach but it did give me a general feel for the going rates in 2024. I should also add that these are only indications of what you might be charged. One thing I did find is that there is a pretty huge spread in almost every area of photography in terms of what you can spend. That also raises the thorny question of quality, a subject that I will come back to at the end. So let’s get into the costs.
Commercial Photographer
Definition: A Commercial Photographer will typically work with brands or companies to show off their products or services. They are a mix of a lifestyle and product photographer with the main aim being to show off a product or service in the best possible way. Typical clients would be large companies or marketing agencies.
Typical Rates: £500-£1000 per day. Rates will probably vary based on region and experience but expect to be paying upwards of £500 for a full day shoot.
Event Photographer
Definition: An Event Photographer may cover a range of events from corporate to family gatherings, Birthday parties, awards ceremonies and indoor and outdoor get togethers.
Typical Rates: £250-£500 per half day - You’ll note that I’ve gone with a half day rate for this as that is more common but doubling it will be a good indication of a full day. However, many events are evening affairs and some may charge a slightly higher fee for anti-social hours.
Wedding Photographer
Definition: This should be self-explanatory but wedding photographers may charge different rates for how much coverage you need, additional packages (prints, image delivery etc) and some will offer engagement photography and other services.
Typical Rates: £500-£3000 per day - So this is the big one and the one that most people are trying to find information about. The average I came across was around £1800 for full day (and evening) coverage. However, wedding photography seemed to have the broadest spread of prices with some budget conscious photographers offering discount services and some who said their prices were strictly on an individual basis, depending on location and size of the wedding.
I think I would add that with both photography and videography for your special day, the sky's the limit with what you can pay and both could easily exceed £3000. This is one area I would certainly do plenty of research and also, don’t just make a snap decision based on availability. Take time to study portfolios and get a feel for what you like before even enquiring - but be warned, it’s not uncommon for wedding photographers to book months and even years in advance!
Portrait/Headshot Photographer
Definition: Typically someone who concentrates on either corporate or personal headshots. Usually offered as a package so either location or studio based. It’s not uncommon to find corporate photographers taking tens and sometimes hundreds of headshots in a single day.
Typical Rates: £400-£800 per day - Again, a lot will depend on the amount of people/portraits needed but a typical day will fall around the £600 mark and don’t forget to check if there are additional editing fees, in particular for model/actor portraits.
Architectural Photographer
Definition: A photographer that specialises in properties and urban spaces. I’m focusing slightly more on specific architectural photography for single buildings and not so much ‘real estate’ or ‘Airbnb’ style photography.
Typical Rate: £600-£1000 per day. This may feel steep but a lot of professional architectural photographers will fork-out on specific lenses and tripods etc. that are (literally) geared towards architecture and believe me, it gets expensive.
Food/Lifestyle Photographer
Definition: This is mainly aimed at people who photograph food and restaurants for websites and social media campaigns. If you’re looking for high-end food photographers, expect to pay way more!
Typical Rate: £400-£600 per day. It’s not uncommon for these to be shot on location, with a mix of location shots and individual meals. However, most venues only require a half-day coverage and depending on the variety of the menu, a full-day may not be needed.
Product Photographer
Definition: This is someone who produces images of specific products. It’s obvious that it could range from jewellery to jumbo jets so I’ve gone more for smaller household items, the kind of thing you may see on an Amazon listing - usually on a plain white background.
Typical Rate: £400-£600 per day - again, this will really depend on the scale and amount of products that need photographing as well as the complexity of those items. You may need to factor in if there will be an additional studio fee or if this is something that can be photographed on site.
Generalist Photographer
Definition: This is someone that may turn their hand to some or all of the things listed here, a bit of a generalist. This is also where I class myself as a photographer and usually they will be up front and honest with what they can and can’t provide.
Typical Rate: £600-£1000 per day - This is a little bit more difficult to cost as there is obviously a broad range of things that can fall in this category. However, it’s probably more common to find a generalist offering a flexible day-rate that reflects the work involved.
Scary Prices!
It’s worth quickly mentioning how some photographers come to such scary prices! When I have told people my day rate in the past I have seen their faces frost over as they are clearly wondering where I park my private jet! I usually quickly follow it with ‘I don’t work every single day and cameras are super expensive!’ - Still, they are probably wondering what my Yacht is called… (‘Indecent Exposure’ if you’re wondering, just waiting on the lottery numbers to come in…)
I don’t want to dig too deep into how photographers should structure their prices - I think there is another blog post in that - but let's use wedding photographers as a quick example. They may book 15-30 weddings in a year (possibly more but let's keep it simple!) and let’s assume they are charging £1500 for a full day - so 25 x £1500 is £37,500 per year. That’s a very nice income, just above the national average and with 340 days off to enjoy themselves!
Well, just like every other unfortunate soul we have to deduct tax! Then there is the equipment cost (typically two cameras, with 3-4 lenses and flashes etc - you’d be lucky to get change out of £10k!) then there are business costs, insurance etc. travel costs, the time spent editing, arranging prints, meetings, website, marketing, electricity etc… The list goes on and I’m not a wedding photographer, I’m sure I have overlooked many things!
I’m sure you get the point that I’m trying to make is that yes, I agree, the prices can look scary on paper. However, there are a lot of things to take into account and to make matters worse, every photographer will structure their costs differently. Of course, I’m being slightly defensive but before you adopt the brace position when opening a rate card, there’s a lot more to consider than just the topline price.
Does paying more mean better quality?
The same as many things in life, this is a frustratingly ‘grey area’. The truth is, yes and no. From what I have seen online, looking at photographers' portfolios and then getting an idea for what they charge, I would say for the most part ‘yes’ you do get better quality. This is likely due to the many years of experience a photographer may have and the knowledge they have accumulated. One good indication of their experience is the clients they have worked with.
However, if you are looking to book a photographer for over a thousand pounds per day, I would recommend doing a bit more research than simply checking their portfolio. See if it is possible to arrange a call with them, get to know them a little and see if any alarm bells start ringing! It’s not uncommon for commercial photographers to have ‘discovery meetings’ clients to scope out the work, this is also a great opportunity to get to know them.
It is also worth mentioning that low prices don’t always indicate poor quality. Unfortunately, we live in a world where cost is a huge element to purchasing decisions and many people/clients simply can’t afford thousands of pounds for a photographer. This creates a race to the bottom with photographers undercutting each other to secure clients. This might be helpful to the customer but it destroys the concept of a photographers ‘worth’ and it’s very difficult to ever raise your prices after!
In Conclusion…
I hope this has given some insight into what you might expect to pay. It’s a frustrating sector for customers and even more so for us photographers that walk a tightrope of making ends meet and not being laughed out of the conversation when we whip out our rate cards! Going into the conversation with a good idea what your budget is helps a lot and be open and honest with the photographer and they will usually let you know if they have a little ‘wiggle room’ in their costs.
As with everything in life, sometimes you get a bargain, other times you feel hard done by. A lot will depend on the amount of research you do and the relationship you build with the photographer. If you happen to fall on one that creates great work at good prices, keep them in mind for future projects. Good luck.
Did the prices come as a shock or perfectly reasonable? Leave a comment below :)
Posts you might also like…
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK/US are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
How To Create Cinematic Looking Photographs
Over the past few years, there has been a real shift towards photographers wanting their images to look more cinematic. It’s not necessarily something you will see in commercial photography but on social media, there are countless accounts dedicated to the cinematic aesthetic, and they are incredibly popular! So how do you make your images look cinematic? I took an evening stroll to see what I could create.
Over the past few years, there has been a real shift towards photographers wanting their images to look more cinematic. It’s not necessarily something you will see in commercial photography but on social media, there are countless accounts dedicated to the cinematic aesthetic, and they are incredibly popular! So how do you make your images look cinematic? I took an evening stroll to see what I could create.
It’s important to understand that this look isn’t for everyone and it will not make a bad photograph look better, it’s very much just a matter of taste. The good news is that the look is very desirable and even better, it can make very mundane scenes seem, well like a still from a gritty Hollywood movie, what’s not to like!
At this point, I’m sure many photographers will be rolling their eyes and thinking ‘it’s all been done before’ and I’ve certainly been guilty of wishing an early demise of the ‘Social Media’ fad of basically, trying to make images look like something they are not! However, maybe it’s my old age or my general love for any type of photography, but I’ve actually come around to quite like the cinematic look. So with my camera, a warm coat and a healthy dose of optimism - I set out around the dark streets of Birmingham to get some film-like photographs.
In all honesty, I’ve received compliments on my photos in the past, ‘Looks like something from a film’! Which is always nice to hear, but I really wanted to be more intentional and delve even deeper into the cinematic feel. I knew that there are certain elements that give an image a more ‘film scene’ feel. As I roamed the streets, looking for the perfect subject matter, those elements were running around my mind!
Getting the right Colour Grade
It is impossible to talk about cinematic feeling images without speaking about the most predominant element that gives an image a cinematic feel, the colour grade. Many photographers, both amateur and professional alike, will be very aware of the importance of colour and the potential that editing software can give us to manipulate those colours. Before anyone attacks me, yes black and white photography is by its nature, the absence of colour - but even black and white can look very cinematic!
However, we will be focussing on colour photography here and referring to the art of adjusting those colours as colour grading. The term itself can be applied to still or moving images, but more commonly used in the world of cinematography. Grading simply means the ‘feel’ that is given to a video or image in post production by using certain colours to elicit certain emotions. OK, so that’s a lot to wrap our heads around, let’s be a bit more specific.
Basic colour theory can tell us how certain colours may affect our emotions and perceptions of a scene. For instance, it’s pretty common to depict a warm scene using oranges and yellows, to imply heat and a cold scene - you guessed it, blues. Colours such as red can imply danger and greens can be calming and relaxing. We can also use multiple colours together to add interest to a scene, splashes of red in a blue scene will draw the viewer's interest to that point. The same red accents may be lost in an orange scene or lose impact.
The art of grading is, in its most simple essence, the choice the creator makes to convey the overall feeling of the narrative for that image or video. But why is grading our images so popular these days? Surely we want to create a true representation of the scene in front of us? Well, my very unscientific take on this is ‘blame social media’. Many of us can list our inspirations not just in the photography world, but that of the world of cinema and social media is awash with people claiming inspiration from the likes of Wes Anderson, Roger Deakins and countless other directors and cinematographers.
Possibly the most enduring ‘grade’ of modern times is the Teal & Orange look - no prizes for guessing the primary colour scheme there and a quick Google search will show thousands of examples of it! This particular look creates depth and can draw the viewer's attention to important aspects of a scene. However, it’s important to remember that just because this is the most popular, doesn’t make it the only scheme we can use and neither does it imply that we need to use such extreme grades, as with everything, less is often more.
So we have established the importance of colour and its impactfulness of setting a mood for our image. But there is more to creating a cinematic feel than simply ramping up certain colours and hoping for the best! Next we will look at choosing the right subject matter in the first place and making the seemingly mundane, well, look magnificent!
Choosing Cinematic Feeling Subjects
As I continue my walk around Birmingham, I find my eyes are constantly drawn to construction yards, car parks, street lights and any pools of light in the otherwise dreary night. This is where personal taste and opinion play a huge part in choosing the right subject (and where my particular love of the Sci-Fi and moodier feeling films comes into play!) but the mix of metal, flood lights and concrete give me very ‘Blade Runner’ like feels! It’s a stretch, but I did say I was venturing out with a healthy dose of optimism!
Finding scenes that feel cinematic is no easy feat. For a start, one person’s cinematic scene is, well, another’s ‘picture of a crane in rainy Birmingham on a cold, wet Tuesday night’. If cinema has taught us anything, it’s that almost any scene can look cinematic, it is all in the vision of the person creating it. I’m certainly not adverse to photographing on warm sunny days, but I do find I lean towards darker, moodier settings on a regular basis so choosing what time of day and in what weather conditions, is equally as important.
Unless we are heading out with the intent to create one single image, we usually will have a series of images in mind. This can again have an impact on choosing what and where we shoot. Thinking in even broader terms, we will normally be trying to add images to a portfolio and will want to keep a consistent look and feel across those images, this again will influence the kind of subject that we choose to shoot on a regular basis.
Seeing the light
As I loop around the dark streets and start to head home, I find I’m drawn even more towards the dark corners, single points of light and the soft puddles of illumination glowing on the wet streets. This is no accident, with cinematic feeling images, it’s often what we choose to leave in the shadows that help create mystery and can give the viewer a slightly uneasy feeling of what might be lurking there.
After years of shooting with film cameras and having a particular love of Cinestill 800T (a derivative of a film stock used in motion pictures) I’ve learnt to seek out artificial lighting and to try to replicate the subtle glow or halation created by such film stocks. This certainly was my intent as I walked around, crown to the lamppost and lights from buildings like a crazed photography moth!
Light is the most fundamental part of any photograph but using light to create a cinematic feel is often about the subtraction of that light. I’ll have a friendly bet with you that if you Google the word ‘cinematic’ the kinds of images you find will lean towards the darker, rather than bright sunny days. Again, it’s not to say that bright and light can’t be cinematic, that’s simply not true. But there is definitely a skew towards the notion of a cinematic image having a darker, moodier overall feel.
Bringing the elements together
As I get home, make myself a drink and sit down to edit the images, I feel engrossed in how all of the elements actually come together to create a look, feel and emotion. I frantically move sliders in Lightroom, a little here, a lot there and slowly concoct my interpretation of something I feel has a cinematic feel. Though it won’t be to everyone's taste, for a brief stroll around the streets of the second city, I feel quite happy with the overall impact of the images.
The choice of subject matter, the light and most importantly, the colour grade all come together to give the images a certain feel. Now I am not saying they are anything special, they’re no ‘In the Mood for Love’ - Wong Kar-Wai’s masterpiece! But they have very distinct stylisation that helps the viewer imagine that they could be a still from a film, and I think that is the goal here.
Yes, there are certain aspects that don’t fit so simply into a ‘cinematic’ feel - for instance, I've still stuck with my love of the 4:5 aspect ratio, where a more widescreen ratio would have helped sell the cinematic look. However, photography is all about compromises and I’m afraid I am a little too stuck in my ways!
I hope you found some aspects of this useful - there are no groundbreaking techniques here and nothing that hasn’t been done a thousand times before. However, even for someone as stubborn as I am, it’s still nice just to spend an evening trying something a little different and broadening our photographic horizons!
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
My Commonwealth Games - Birmingham Shines in the Spotlight
It’s pretty fair to say that in 2022, Birmingham had one of its busiest years ever! Without doubt, the absolute pinnacle was the Commonwealth Games. It was an incredible display of sport, community, entertainment and a whole lot more. I’m very pleased to say I was (a very, very small) part of it. One year on, I’m taking a look back at a crazy couple of weeks!
It’s pretty fair to say that in 2022, Birmingham had one of its busiest years ever! Without doubt, the absolute pinnacle was the Commonwealth Games. It was an incredible display of sport, community, entertainment and a whole lot more. I’m very pleased to say I was (a very, very small) part of it. One year on, I’m taking a look back at a crazy couple of weeks!
The excitement in Birmingham had been brewing for months. Everybody knew that something big was coming. All of the ‘Perry the Bull’ banners and colourful decor couldn’t quite prepare us for what was about to happen in our incredible city.
I had been contacted by Birmingham City Council to see if I would be interested in photographing the games. This was probably one of the quickest decisions I’ve ever had to make as a freelance photographer. ‘Yes’ had practically spilled out of my mouth before the sentence had even finished.
Plans were made, requirements laid out and all I had to do was get ready for the start of the games. I would mostly be photographing the festival sites and some of the street events. This all sounded good to me and even though I wouldn’t be at Alexander Stadium, I was happy just to be a part of it.
Birmingham is Abuzz…
In the days leading up to the games, there was a strange swelling feeling in the city. I spent some time walking around Victoria Square & Centenary Square to soak up the atmosphere. One thing that struck me was seeing all the different nationalities descending on the city. ‘How incredible;’ I thought.
Birmingham has always been known as a diverse and welcoming city. I was sitting on the tram going from Jewellery Quarter to Edgbaston and I couldn’t ignore the loud, humourful conversation between German & Jamaican visitors and a group of local football fans. Usually, this might be an anxious encounter but this was full of laughter, joy and excitement.
This was my first glimpse at how the next few weeks would go, a true celebration of community and togetherness. That evening, I sat on Centenary Square and it was clear that even the most hardy locals, to whom all of this must have been one big inconvenience, we’re getting washed up in the overwhelming feeling of joy.
Showtime…
My first assignment came and went in a flash. I was photographing a traditional New Zealand blessing. It was a fantastic mix of formal greetings, traditional acts of generosity and a healthy dose of humour. I was also terrified of getting something wrong and I remember feeling exhausted at the end of it.
Later that day, the Queen's Baton Relay was reaching Victoria Square and even though I wasn’t formally photographing the event (BCC had a team of photographers, all of which played their part in capturing different events) this was the first time I’d seen the crowds really gather. Victoria Square was heaving!
“By the time the Opening Ceremony came around, the word was out - the City Centre was the place to be!”
By the time the Opening Ceremony came around, the word was out - the City Centre was the place to be! Thousands had gathered to watch the big screens and the ground swell of excitement even managed to block out the noise of the Red Arrows passing over the city, having shot over the stadium moments earlier.
The jubilant crowds watched on as a raft of celebrities, artists, dancers and of course, athletes had their moment on the big screen and the feeling that the nation was watching suddenly dawned on me. What started as mildly humorous, ‘Plucky Birmingham having a go’ was soon replaced with ‘Wow, this is incredible’ as the opening ceremony came and went - so much so I watched it again when I got home!
The Real Work Begins…
Over the course of the next two weeks, I was in a constant state of either taking photos, editing photos, checking emails and trying to sleep! Everyday I would get home between 10-12pm, edit all of the photos from the day and wake up early the next morning to check to see where I was meant to be that day!
It’s not that there wasn’t a plan - there was a huge plan with pretty much every waking hour scheduled across the two week spectacle. I think it soon became apparent to everyone involved that this was going to be even more special than anyone could have imagined! And it all needed documenting!
Emails that had previously started with the typical ‘Hi Ross, I hope you are well’ soon descended into ‘Is there any chance you can..’ and even ‘I’m so sorry, can you make it to…’ Of course, I was more than happy to play my [art and rushing from location to location quickly became the norm.
Relationship Building…
One striking thing about the games was the sheer organisation that had gone into it. A workforce of thousands spread across the city and the suburbs were unanimously on top of their game and everyone you spoke to was completely washed up in Games Fever.
I was fortunate to meet so many great people from volunteers, to athletes and even the Major herself. There was no time for too many pleasantries though, the schedule wouldn’t allow for that. However, after the third or forth shoot with the Major, the nerves had subsided and the cheeky comments soon started landing, it was all good fun!
Even the security at the Council House quickly relaxed from wanting to see every shred of ID I owned to first name basis and fist bumps! I pride myself on my Council upbringing but having the balcony overlooking Victoria Square as my own, personal photography platform was a world away from the ‘Council House’ I grew up in - and I was loving every opportunity I got!
All Good Things Come to an End…
The weeks flew by in a blur and before I knew it, we were on the count down to the closing ceremony. I was going to be shooting Victoria Square and I remember feeling a little bit sorry that it was all coming to an end.
In truth, I was exhausted. Long days and hours of editing every night had meant that sleep had been at a premium for too many days in a row! I’d also not really had much opportunity to watch any of the events and I was looking forward to some genuine TV bingeing!
The closing ceremony ended up being a strangely emotional event - there were heaps of joy and laughter but I was surprised by how many people were clearly shedding a tear. I distinctly remember one lady, shrouded in a Union Jack, was in floods of tears and my instant reaction was to check if everything was OK, fearing the worst! She smiled through the tears and said ‘Oh yes, my daughter is one of the athletes and this has been the most beautiful Games, I’m so proud’...
A proud legacy…
As I sit and write this, a year to the week since the games started, I can’t help but feel incredibly proud. However, the pride is not for myself, far from it. I am absolutely blown away by how well Birmingham did as a city! Every single person played their part and proved to the world what we all know - this is a special place!
Twelve months on and with a strange uncertainty over the future of the Games, I can’t help but feel it would almost be fitting if Birmingham 2022 was the last ever. Without getting too political, the Games have certainly had their critics over the years and not completely without justification. But Birmingham embraced them like it does everyone and welcomed everyone with a huge smile and a hug!
I regularly joke that the weather made the Games special, two weeks of uninterrupted sun seem very alien as I sit in the middle of a huge downpour with multiple layers on - it’s July!! However, that’s a lie. Birmingham made it special and I’m so proud to have had a very, very minor part in it.
I’ll finish with a strange thought. As the committee hurriedly tries to find a new host for the upcoming Games, I know many would love to see it come back to Birmingham. I don’t. I honestly don’t see how we could top what was achieved in 2022. That said, those two weeks proved to me more than ever that if you can count on something, it’s that Birmingham will always surprise you!
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission for providing the link. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
My First Bikepacking Adventure! It Didn't end well...
Life is full of ‘firsts’.. Your first holiday, your first car, your first house. Some are certainly more exciting than others and some are, well, a bit of a disaster! I took my first bikepacking adventure last week and very much like all of my other ‘firsts’ it had it started out great and soon descended into calamity…
Life is full of ‘firsts’.. Your first holiday, your first car, your first house. Some are certainly more exciting than others and some are, well, a bit of a disaster! I took my first bikepacking adventure last week and very much like all of my other ‘firsts’ it had it started out great and soon descended into calamity…
It’s probably best to start a few months back though, when I went on a little hiking trip to Wales. This trip was all about gearing up to do a spot of Wild Camping. The premise was simple, I want to do a bit more traditional landscape photography and shoot something different to my typical Birmingham or Commercial Photography.
However, as a non-driver, getting about in the wilderness isn’t exactly easy. As my little hiking adventure proved, carrying the weight of a tent, all of my camping gear and photography gear on top was a challenge! As a forty something male with a phobia of gyms, let’s just say I’m not exactly built for long rambles with tens of kilos of gear on my back.
One thing I can do is cycle though and despite my ‘comfy’ rather than ‘athletic’ body shape, I actually quite enjoy cycling and I’m happy to rack up the miles. So the solution seemed simple, buy a bike, put the gear on the bike, cycle out to the middle of nowhere. Sounds like a great plan so I set about assembling the perfect bikepacking rig!
I won’t bore you with the details (I’ll save that for another post) but it’s fair to say my fully loaded bike at least looked the part and with the amount of gear strapped to it, I’m sure most people would assume I was off on a six month trip around Europe. I wasn’t though, I’d decided to go for one night in Wales, to the same campsite I had been to on my mini hiking adventure.
For all of my other sins, I am quite a logical person and logic stated that my first bikepacking adventure should at least be to somewhere I know rather than diving headfirst into a week's adventure cycling the length of the Outer Hebrides… though that is on my ‘to do’ list! So with everything packed up, I made my way to ‘good ol’ New Street Station and set of to Machynlleth.
The observant amongst you may notice that the Cae Du Campsite that I had previously stayed at and would be a guest of again on my bikepacking trip is not in Machynlleth. It is some 20+ miles around the coast. This was all part of the plan, the idea being to get some miles under my belt to see how the bike, the gear and my legs all held up on some of the kind of terrain that I plan to be travelling on more often.
This would be a relatively easy feat to even most amateur cyclists. However, with a strong headwind, rain, the weight of the bike plus my hefty size - it would be a bit of a struggle. As I set out from the station, the riding was pretty nice. The scenery certainly pulled me along with every turn seemingly revealing a rewarding view. It felt like I was climbing forever as I skirted the coastline but the descent into Aberdyfi was worth the effort.
After a very brief stop I could see the rain heading in off the sea so decided to keep going. A little over 14 miles into my journey I hit Tywyn where the heavens opened and I had my first taste of bikepacking in a storm. I laughed it off as this was all part of the ‘test’ but like some cruel joke, this was just a light shower compared to the downpours I would endure over the next 24 hours!
As I cycled out of Tywyn and along a beach road, I stopped for a snack and after jumping back on my ‘hog’ I noticed the rear tyre was a little squishier than usual. Ah, my first puncture! No bother, I thought, a little air and I’ll fix it when I get to camp… That was wishful thinking and before long, the innertube was completely deflated and soon after, my spirits would be the same.
Around this time, a full blown thunderstorm broke out and it was clear that I was not going to make it to camp anytime soon! I found shelter under a tree and with a half dozen sheep watching me, decided to swap the knackered innertube for a good one. A wise choice I thought as making it to the campsite was going to be a challenge with only one working wheel.
My decision was soon challenged when I attempted to get the wheel back on the bike. The axle refused to tighten up and without getting too technical, you kind of need that to happen otherwise the wheel drops off. After several failed attempts and even more expletives shouted at the wheel, I pretty much gave up - I was pushing the bike to the campsite!
As I watched the thunderstorm slowly push on (happily in the opposite direction to me!) I thought I’ll have a look online and see what the smart people recommend - there I found my solution and this very Reddit post saved me! ‘Try loosening the hanger’ it said, well I did and guess what, it worked! The axle started to tighten and I was back on my way!
Full of beans after my Reddit hero had come to my rescue, I made my way the remaining four-or-so miles to my campsite. Even another huge downpour couldn’t deter me. Admittedly, by the time I got to the campsite the rain was so heavy that I decided to not even bother attempting to put the tent out and just stared out to sea like I was in some kind of dramatic film - I’m sure my fellow campers were mildly concerned for my sanity.
Later that evening with the tent up, food in my belly and the sun finally making an appearance, I went for a little cycle along the coast. This was what I was here for. The bike felt light with all of the gear stowed in my tent and with just a camera and mildly damp shorts, I was out on the road. This was how my adventures should be going.
As beautiful as the evening was, I didn’t really feel like taking pictures and I was enjoying the cycling so much, I just kept going. The only anchoring thought was that however far away from camp I went, I needed to cycle back. I got back to camp around 9.00pm, just in time to watch a very nice little sunset and after some food, I settled in for the night with the waves in my ears.
The next morning I was woken to another sound, a slightly more sobering one - heavy rain hitting the tent! At first, as a person who struggles to sleep at the best of times, I thought ‘this is nice’. Then it dawned on me, I was going to have to pack the tent up and cycle back in this weather. A not so gentle clap of thunder brought the realisation crashing home.
I put the inevitable off long enough and dash out of the tent, scrabbling to take the tent down as quickly as possible and get all my gear together. This was in vain though as the weather pelted me from all angles and within minutes, I was soaked through and destined for a day of wet clothes, cold limbs and the delights of a severe headache for my troubles.
“with the thought of a twenty-odd mile cycle back to Machynlleth in my mind (next to the headache!) I decided to call quits”
I slowly cycled back up to the main road and with the thought of a twenty-odd mile cycle back to Machynlleth in my mind (next to the headache!) I decided to call quits on my adventure and just get a train from Tywyn back to Birmingham! By the time I got to the station, I was ready to have a little cry but my tears would have been hidden by the storm anyway. Fortunately, I only had a few minutes to wait for a train.
Looking back, I’m glad the trip didn’t go too well. The whole idea of doing a little tester trip was to see how the gear and I held up to adversity. I know there are a lot of things that could have gone wrong but I think weather and bike issues are the two biggest challenges I would face doing bikepacking, so it was interesting to go through a few challenges.
I only took about ten images on my ‘big’ camera and most of those were of the bike - but this was never really about the photography. The trip wasn’t a waste though, a few tweaks to my setup and I’m itching to get out and do more! I’m glad my first trip wasn’t the Outer Hebrides, that may have put me off bikepacking for good if it had been a disaster! That can wait for another day…
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission for providing the link. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
Birminghams Ever Changing Skyline - A Trip to Staying Cool at the Rotunda
Photographing Birmingham’s Skyline can sometimes feel like a thankless task. Living in the knowledge that your photo will pretty quickly be outdated when the next development shoots skyward can make you wonder why you bother. However, this is not all doom and gloom, quite the opposite.
Photographing Birmingham’s Skyline can sometimes feel like a thankless task. Living in the knowledge that your photo will pretty quickly be outdated when the next development shoots skyward can make you wonder why you bother. However, this is not all doom and gloom, quite the opposite.
Staying Cool at the Rotunda are more than well established in the city. The landmark building has been delighting Brummies and travellers from all over the world for decades. However, such is their commitment to the city, they continue to be a positive force, so when they launched their Creative Heights II schedule, you knew it would be filled with wonderful events.
I was lucky enough to attend their ‘Shoot the Sunset’ photography session, offering Birmingham based photographers the opportunity to take in the amazing views from the penthouse and capture some summer sunset goodness. More importantly, this was a ticketed event with 100% of proceeds going to the amazing LoveBrum charity, who support countless good causes across the city.
103 Colmore Row dominates the skyline with the BT Tower to the right
Now in truth, I’ve been very lucky to capture photographs from the penthouse at the Rotunda on many occasions. However, it seems like lately there has been a glut of new buildings springing up all over the place and the views only take in around 180 degrees of the Birmingham skyline, with many new developments only being visible from the other side of the building.
The view towards Broad Street with The Mercian and Bank Towers
That said, the view we had was by far the preferable side to be on, overlooking the majority of the city's landmarks. Grand Central dominates the view with it’s sprawling rounded shapes and curves. Not too far though are the Raddisson, The Cube and a whole group of new buildings on Broad Street including Bank, The Mercian and more new developments.
Paradise and One Centenary Way in the centre with Octagon on the right
Looking to the right of Grand Central and 103 Colmore Row dominates the skyline, leaving just enough room for the iconic BT Tower to be visible. Only a stone's throw away is the Paradise redevelopment including One Centenary Way and just behind, the new Octagon building which is creeping upwards at a fair pace. All of this represents investment in Birmingham and even though some might not like the change, it does show the city is still an appealing place to build!
“It was a beautiful summer’s evening and there was just about enough cloud in the sky to give hope of a decent sunset.”
I was more interested in photography though and the weather was certainly on our side. It was a beautiful summer's evening and there was just about enough cloud in the sky to give hope of a decent sunset. The event was sold out so around 25 of us mingled in the penthouse, occasionally popping out onto the balcony to see how the light had changed and see if it was worth capturing another image.
In truth, it’s very easy to create good images from this vantage point as the skyline views of Birmingham don’t get a lot better than from our perch. It was more of a waiting game to see how the sunset developed and whether the view would improve when it got a bit darker and the city lights slowly started to twinkle.
In the meantime, our generous hosts had provided food and drink for us to enjoy whilst we admired the view. The drink was particularly noteworthy as Staying Cool had partnered with the Birmingham Brewing Company to create the Rotunda Pale Ale - which was slipping down very nicely. Being the professional that I am and knowing I had a photo shoot the next morning, I only had a few and managed to bag a couple to enjoy at home!
As the evening slowly progressed, I had a great opportunity to meet and chat with many other local Birmingham Photographers. There was a great range of age and experience in the room (or I should say, on the balcony!) and it was fantastic to see everyones differing approach to photographing the skyline. Some were going wide with super wide-angle lenses, others were choosing to zoom in, knowing they would stitch huge panoramas together after the event.
I chose the lazy option and pretty much stuck to one lens, only taking out the zoom when I had finished my drink so that I could employ the use of both of my hands! Capturing skyline images can be a challenge, there is no one best way to do it and a lot depends on how much work you are willing to put in with your post production. My simple approach would pay dividends as my edits were quick and easy!
That said, I have already seen some images from my fellow Brummie photographers on social media and once again, I am blown away by the amount of talent our city has! There were so many skilled photographers on that balcony and I have huge admiration for their dedication in capturing some truly wonderful images.
As the evening drew to a close, the insomniac in me couldn’t help but chuckle as I thought I would be counting cranes rather than sheep that night! It’s true that the rate of change in the city is huge at the moment and the skyline will be evolving for many years to come - I also couldn’t help but think of the ‘Brmingham, it will be nice when it’s finished’ quote that I have no idea who to credit for!
It is scarily accurate though, it will be nice when it’s finished but as the tongue in cheek jibe alludes to, it won’t ever be finished. That is a scary concept to me and it reminds me that I won't ever see all of the things that the city will become - but rather than being all melancholy about it and worrying about my mortality, it fills me with joy! I can only imagine what the rotunda will look like in 2323 - hopefully it won’t have gone the way of so many of our other lost buildings.
For me, that is the beauty of capturing the skyline. Rather than feeling like a chore that you will never complete, I see it more as a service. The images captured by those photographers on that summer's evening should last hundreds of years. They will provide a snapshot of what Birmingham was like in 2023. Future generations will ponder over where they used to work, live, the roads they walked down and even in 2323, people will still be claiming they went to the ‘original Snobs’...
One thing is for sure though, I really hope it’s not my last opportunity to take in this view and photograph Birmingham from such a great viewpoint. I can’t wait to see how I can capture it for many more years and more importantly, all of the great changes to come!
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission for providing the link. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
A little trip to Wales but making some Big Plans!
I recently took a few days off after what feels like a very hectic 2023 so far! The idea was simple, a little bit of relaxation and maybe take a few photos if the opportunity presented itself. However, I also had a sneaky plan to try something out that may take my photography in a very different direction later in the year, but would it work out?
I recently took a few days off after what feels like a very hectic 2023 so far! The idea was simple, a little bit of relaxation and maybe take a few photos if the opportunity presented itself. However, I also had a sneaky plan to try something out that may take my photography in a very different direction later in the year, but would it work out?
For a while now, I have wanted to get out into nature and do a bit of traditional landscape photography. I’ve always loved the idea of capturing some stunning landscapes but living in the middle of Birmingham and being a non-driver, I’ve never really had the opportunity to. However, I’ve been working on plans to change this and in my mind, a spot of ‘Wild Camping’ was going to help my dream become a reality, but more on that later…
After a three hour train journey, we arrived at Aberdovey (Aberdyfi) and almost as soon as we stepped onto the platform, the rain started and it looked like being a miserable weekend. As one of the locals explained though, if you don’t like the weather in Wales, wait 5 minutes… We had booked a hotel for a couple of nights and the first couple of days would be fairly simple, plenty of food, plenty of drinks and no real other plans.
However, the third day would be where things got interesting as I had brought my new Wild Camping set up with me to test out. Rather than trying out all of my new gear in a strange new environment, I decided to book onto a campsite to give everything a run out and see how it went. And what a campsite it would be too with stunning views and a very interesting experience in itself!
Before my girlfriend returned home and let me go off on my adventure, we decided to mix things up and have a day out to Barmouth. The 45 minute train journey was spectacular in itself, snaking along the coast and in a nice twist, providing me my first glimpse of where I would be camping. Arriving into Barmouth though, we had other things on our minds, most importantly a bit of seaside grub and a drink in the sun!
“I went bold and only brought a small digital camera, the Sony ZV-1 and one film camera”
I had decided to try and pack light, in particular as I would be carrying all of my camping gear so deciding which cameras to bring with me would be critical. I went bold and only brought a small digital camera, the Sony ZV-1 and one film camera, the Yashica Mat 124G. This might not sound like any kind of setup a landscape photographer would choose but weight was very much a consideration and well, it was meant to be a holiday after all…
Exploring Barmouth with the Yashica was actually quite a treat and I certainly feel these were the best images that I created whilst I was away. For once though, the photography was very much a secondary and this weekend was more importantly a test of the camping gear. On Sunday morning, my Girlfriend headed home and I made my way, camping gear on my back to the Cae Du Campsite.
I arrived at Tonfanau, a request train stop about two miles away from where I would be camping for the night and began trudging my way to my pitch for the night. As I followed the coastal path and made my way through fields of sheep, I suddenly felt a long way from home and very far from the busy streets of Birmingham. It was a literal breath of fresh air though as the sounds and smells of the countryside filled my head. After the long walk, I arrived at the site and was immediately blown away by the views.
Cae Du is situated right on the coast and spread over two large fields that sit on jagged cliffs overlooking the sea. With only one other tent and one camper, I pretty much had the site to myself but immediately went to the far end of the field, a few hundred yards away from anyone else. Now was the moment I’d been waiting for, setting up all of my new gear for the first time!
The tent went up in minutes and was quickly followed by the sleeping pad and all the sleep system. With some dark clouds gathering further down the coast, I was glad that I at least had shelter sorted and decided it was time to cook my first meal - noodles and bread, this certainly wasn’t haute cuisine! The food was a welcome break but it was back to work setting up camp for the night and preparing for a little walk out.
With everything set up and the clouds seeming to be going away from camp, I went for a walk along the coast road with the idea to get up into the hills to take in the views. And what views they were, the hills were full of the signs of spring and it felt great to be out in the countryside, with the sun on my face and the Yashica in my hand. I strolled for a few miles before heading back to be back at camp for sunset.
The sunset was a beauty and as I hurriedly took a few photos, I could feel the temperature drop and the night starting to set in. It felt strange settling down on my own for the evening with just my distant neighbours being the only life for what felt like miles - apart from the cows in the next field. As darkness fell, I got my first sense for what wild camping on my own might feel like and I was totally in love. As I settled into my sleeping bag, the sounds of the waves crashing below me felt deafening with only the occasional rustle of wind on the tent breaking the rhythmic noise.
I slept OK, waking a few times to a few odd bumps and noises, but a shrill squeak of sea bird woke me around 5.00am which I wouldn’t really recover from. After some breakfast and a slow morning, I decided to pack down and make my way home. Packing down was a chore as there had clearly been a bit of a downpour in the night, so everything was soaked. With everything packed away, all of my rubbish collected and no trace left, I decided to walk back to Tywyn where I would get my train back to Birmingham.
The five mile walk went relatively quickly and the weight of my pack wasn’t too bad. The long walk on Tywyn’s pebble beach was a bit of a challenge on the legs and I couldn’t help thinking that if I was bringing any more camera gear, the weight would be a real challenge! However, with rain once again looming and working up a hunger, there was no time for daydreaming and there was a train home waiting for me.
The long train journey home gave me an opportunity to really assess whether wild camping was going to be a good option for me and it felt like a resounding yes! There would still be plenty of hurdles to overcome but the thought of being able to get out into some really remote areas was too much to resist! Plans were definitely forming for more adventures.
All-in-all, the gear had held up well (leave a comment below if you would like me to explain my setup in more detail) and I certainly think I will be doing it again soon! Even though it wasn’t ‘actual’ wild camping, I do think testing all of the gear out was a good idea and it has really whetted my appetite for more adventure. Though I would probably like to head to Scotland next and get out into some even more spectacular landscapes.
One option that I think I will be exploring is the idea of bike-packing - I cycle on a regular basis anyway so the idea of getting the weight off me and onto a bike combined with the ability to move a bit quicker and a bit further, certainly sounds like a good option! However, all of these plans are for another time and after getting home and a warm shower, I was certainly happy to be back in my own bed! Adventure can wait…
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission for providing the link. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
2022 in Review - Looking back at a crazy year!
To say that 2022 has been an odd year would be a bit of understatement. Everybody knows that the last few years have been a challenge. The 2020 Pandemic ruined lives, businesses and the economy and things were not too much rosier in 2021! So I think we were all hoping that 2022 might finally be the year where things felt a bit more normal.
2022 in Review - Looking back at a crazy year!
To say that 2022 has been an odd year would be a bit of understatement. Everybody knows that the last few years have been a challenge. The 2020 Pandemic ruined lives, businesses and the economy and things were not too much rosier in 2021! So I think we were all hoping that 2022 might finally be the year where things felt a bit more normal.
Well, if financial uncertainty, global events and a sense of impending doom were the overarching feelings of the previous couple of years, 2022 was pretty much standard in that case. However, I don’t want to look back on a year and just complain about the doom and gloom. I just think it’s important to acknowledge that this has been a very testing time for everyone and 2023 is likely to be just as difficult!
Slow Beginnings
Being self employed has taught me one thing and that is that it’s a very unpredictable lifestyle. One week you can be run off your feet and the next it's Crickets and you start panicking that you’ll be out of business by the weekend! Well that is how January felt for me. Although there were a few interesting little jobs, there is always a bit of a delay as clients and business get back into their own rhythm.
By February and March, things were getting much more into a steady routine and work was coming through from regular clients again. Two in particular were Aston Villa Football Club who were updating some of their hospitality offerings and Tom White Waste, who need to rebrand their website and took the chance to capture new imagery.
Both clients required multiple day shoots and as with every late Winter/early Spring shoot - the weather would have a big impact on both jobs. Planning is essential but also being completely up front and honest with clients is strongly advised. Having a ‘Plan B’ if the weather is too bad to shoot is pretty much essential at that time of year.
Interestingly, a lot of my clients throughout 2022 required a lot more video in addition to traditional photography and this allowed me to really stretch myself both in terms of learning new techniques and in the gear I use. Throughout the Spring I had to update my main camera, I plumped for the Canon R5C for those that are interested - as well as buying a lot of additional lighting and sound recording gear.
The additional investment was fully justified as the work continued to come in and having the peace-of-mind knowing that the equipment could handle all of the clients requirements was worth the outlay alone.
Things were heating up!
Going into the Summer, I was more than aware that it was going to be a big one as Birmingham was due to host the Commonwealth Games. This was massive for the city when I was asked to help capture certain events, I was completely over-the-moon. I’ll be writing a post in more detail about the experience but it was two weeks of utter madness with long days, huge amounts of editing and physical exhaustion by the end of it! I loved every second though and our amazing city completely smashed it!
By this point, the weather was also going into overdrive with the UK recording record breaking temperatures and for the first time ever, I had to adjust a shooting schedule because it was too hot to work! I’m used to dragging myself out in the depths of Winter but I couldn’t quite believe we had to reschedule shoots because of the risk of heatstroke and worse - a wise decision though and one that I’m glad the clients agreed with!
Birmingham’s incredible Summer continued as Unboxxed brought their ‘Polinations’ event to Victoria Square. In the space just a couple of weeks, the square had been transformed from the hub of the Commonwealth Games (outside of Alexandra Stadium!) and into a mystical forest complete with evening light shows. It was a complete spectacle and one that I was once again, very proud to be part of.
I went on to shoot several more events with Unboxxed which involved exploring a converted oil rig in Weston Super-Mare, complete with plants, a huge cascading waterfall and eyes! However, that was just the tip of the iceberg they also had me photograph the solar system! No telescope needed though, this was a scale model laid out across Liverpool! Though it spanned some 10km so after walking to Pluto multiple times, I was ready for some time off!
That wasn’t a possibility though as between regular clients and huge events, I was having my busiest year ever! It’s not uncommon to work seven days a week when you’re self-employed and this was certainly the case for me. Regular shoots and huge amounts of editing were slowly but surely taking their toll. I never complain about being busy, it’s a privilege to be in this position - but self-care is equally, if not more important than work!
Finding a balance…
By the late Summer/early Autumn, I need to reset a little and find a bit of time to decompress after a very hectic few months. I don’t have too many means of escape, I like a drink but have to stay level headed, I like football but I’m commonly working on match-days. So I turned to the one thing that gives me a huge amount of pleasure and that is film photography.
I had purchased a new camera in particular that I was really excited to use and set about finding time wherever I could to get out with it. The camera in question was a Bronica GS-1. It’s a medium format beast that is commonly overlooked in favour of the Mamiya RB/Z67 or the Pentax 67 systems.
When I first picked it up, I knew it was the right choice for me though. It is slightly smaller than its competition (but in no way a small camera!) but still produces a huge 6x7 negative and had a beautiful waist-level viewfinder that makes everything look amazing. It was a pleasure to be out shooting film but the work kept coming in.
By mid-Autumn, I’d already worked with around 15 new clients in addition to my regulars. This was quite mind blowing to me as I was already passing work over to fellow photographers - something I love to do if I get the opportunity. This did mean that there wasn’t going to be any big holidays or adventures this year - not too much of a problem in a cost of living crisis!
Gearing up for Christmas…
Going into the final few months of the year, I was very conscious that I would start getting enquiries about prints etc. for presents. This is brilliant as it’s always special for me to see my work in print. I decided not to push this too much as I am really aware that lot’s of people have been struggling financially this year.
Being completely honest, this year has been a struggle for me as well, regardless of being incredibly busy. Personal situations and living conditions have been a huge strain and being financially conscientious is a must! This all lead me to think that this really isn’t the year to be encouraging any unnecessary ‘gifting’ for gifts sake - though I always appreciate anyone who likes my work enough to hang it on their walls!
Throughout the year another issue cropped up that I had never seen coming. I was working more & more in other cities from Brighton to Edinburgh and many place in between! However, rail strikes had a big impact on getting too and from many of those jobs and having good ‘Plan B’s’ were essential.
Looking ahead…
I often have to pinch myself and I still find it amazing that people pay me to do something that I get so much pleasure from. I’ve already start booking jobs for January & February and can’t wait to get stuck into next year.
I have a few more personal plans next year and need to take a bit of personal time out to make sure I’m in a good place mentally & physically. 2022 threw up and few nasty surprises and more than ever, I’m realising that taking care of myself is a huge priority!
I’m also looking forward to getting out with the film camera more and actually sharing some of the results! I pretty much didn’t post to any social media for the entirety of 2022! Again, I will be writing a post sharing a bit more detail about this but all-in-all, I feel ready to start engaging a little more next year.
Finally, I am always looking forward to working with existing clients and get very excited about working with new people. I love meeting new people and can’t wait to see who I get to meet in 2023 and what experiences that might lead too!
A huge thank you…
More importantly than anything, I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to anyone that I’ve worked with, anyone that has asked me to do more than one job! Anyone who has been on a 1-2-1 with me or purchased a print! Also, anyone that has simply dropped me a message or left a comment on social media - I’m truly thankful for any kind of support that I receive!
I can’t wait to get stuck into 2023 and wish you all an amazing Christmas and New Year! :)
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission for providing the link. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.
A Roof With A View - A Unique Vantage Point!
Another week and another rooftop with spectacular views over Birmingham! I was incredibly lucky to be invited to grab some shots from the roof of House of Fraser, one of Birmingham’s most recognisable buildings. As if this wasn’t good enough, it also meant that I would be taking in some pretty special views of ‘Christmas in Cathedral Square’ - Birmingham’s Independent Christmas Market at St Philip’s Cathedral.
Another week and another rooftop with spectacular views over Birmingham! I was incredibly lucky to be invited to grab some shots from the roof of House of Fraser, one of Birmingham’s most recognisable buildings. As if this wasn’t good enough, it also meant that I would be taking in some pretty special views of ‘Christmas in Cathedral Square’ - Birmingham’s Independent Christmas Market at St Philip’s Cathedral.
The event which is being staged by Colmore BID and partners, provides a fantastic market for some of the city’s best Independents and more importantly for me, looks fantastic too! My day had started at 3.30am and after multiple jobs, a very fortunate meeting and spending 12 hours outdoors in close to freezing temperatures - it was time to get on the roof and take in the beautiful scene!
Arriving at House of Fraser, the staff greeted me and were incredibly friendly and accommodating. Even though they had offered hot drinks and a chance to warm up, I was keen to get straight to the roof and try to capture sunset - which wouldn’t disappoint! It was kind of strange seeing ‘behind the scenes’ at House of Fraser, including a very cool workshop in the upper floors of the building that felt like I’d been transported back 50+ years!
As we made our way out through the final security doors and onto the roof, I almost ran to the barrier to take in the view and pretty much blanked my hosts as I started scrabbling to get my camera out! As with my previous excursion to the Rotunda (read all about that Here) I would be shooting a mix of digital and film - so there was no time to waste!
I quickly started grabbing images as I knew the best of the light would be gone in the first twenty minutes or so and as I’d planned to get some film shots as well, time was not on my side! I ran around trying to find which compositions worked best for me.
Digital Images
Shot on Canon Eos-R with 24-105mm lens
Purely for speed and convenience, I took my digital camera with me as well and I’m glad I did as I was happy that I’d got some shots ‘in the bag’. This meant I could spend a little more time planning the film shots. I pretty much always shoot landscape shots with a graduated filter and it work well in this situation as the sun set - it really helped balance the exposures well.
Overall, I’m really pleased with some of the digital images and it’s very nice to have my ‘safety blanket’ camera with me. About the only thing I wish I could change would be to have some snow or frost on the ground to give it a slightly more ‘Christmassy’ feel - but that might have to wait for another time!
I took full advantage of my time and even shot some of the the other buildings around me such as Bank House and the Rotunda! I switched to the longer lens to grab some close up shots of the market. It was great to have such a unique perspective. Later, after I’d left House of Fraser, I also grabbed a few shots from ground level - just to show how cool the markets look!
FiLM PHOTOGRAPHY - KODAK PORTRA 400
Shot on Mamiya 645 with Kodak Portra 400 and 55-110mm lens // Developed and Scanned at home
This was the highlight for me! For any of you following me on social medium, you’ll know that shooting film has been a bit of an obsession for me for the last couple of years. Every opportunity I get, I try to shoot film. On this occasion, I thought Portra 400 would work well, as it has a bit of warmer feel to it! I was certainly not disappointed with the results!
I knew from previous experience that I would get the best from the film before the light had completely faded, so I rushed to get as many shots as I could, just tweaking my compositions while the sun was setting. Some of the shots were a little difficult to expose as I wanted to make sure there was enough shadow detail - but on the whole, I think they worked out pretty well!
FiLM PHOTOGRAPHY - Cinestill 800T
Shot on Intrepid 4x5 Mk iv Black Edition with Cinestill 800T and Nikon 90mm lens // Developed and Scanned at home
So for anyone that’s shot even a little bit of film, you may have heard of ‘Cinestill 800T’ - For those unaware, it’s a type of film that us film photographers go a bit nuts over! It is a ‘cinema’ film that (when used correctly) just makes everything look amazingly cinematic! I won’t bore you with the details of how and why - but it can make some truly spectacular images!
However, one of my little journeys out wouldn’t be complete without me screwing something up - and this trip was no different! To cut a long story short, when I switched from 400 speed film to 800 speed - I forgot to change my metering to account for this! I’m an idiot, I know… So I think the images were a touch over-exposed.
That said, I also don’t think this scene was ever going to get the best from Cinestill so it wasn’t a great choice by me anyway. Some of the shots came OK, but overall, I am far happier with the Portra 400 shots.
Final Thoughts…
I’m the first to admit that I am very fortunate to get access to some of these places and subsequently, some of the best views in Birmingham. However, I always do what I can to make the most of these opportunities and create the best images I can so everyone can enjoy them! Overall, I’m pretty happy with these images and in particular, how the film images came out! Hopefully, there will be even more roof top excursions in the future!
The Best View in Brum? Possibly...
It’s not everyday that you get asked if you would like to take photos from a building with some of the best views in Birmingham! So when the awesome people at Staying Cool at the Rotunda reached out to me, I jumped at the chance! In truth, I’ve shot from here a few times in the past but the opportunity was too good to turn down.
It’s not everyday that you get asked if you would like to take photos from a building with some of the best views in Birmingham! So when the awesome people at Staying Cool at the Rotunda reached out to me, I jumped at the chance! In truth, I’ve shot from here a few times in the past but the opportunity was too good to turn down.
However, as I am pretty much my own worst enemy I decided to make my life even harder by shooting film and not just any film, but Large Format! If this means nothing to you, don’t worry! I’ll save the boring stuff until later but let’s just say it’s a bit tricky at the best of times!
More concerning was that on the day, the weather wasn’t exactly inspiring and having been on a video shoot all day, I didn’t have much time to prep! So after a flying visit home to switch from ‘video mode’ into ‘pretending to know about film photography mode’ - I grabbed a few different cameras and literally ran across town to the Rotunda.
After a very brief ‘hello’ I grabbed the keys to the Penthouse (excuse the flex) and made my way to the 20th floor! Walking into main room, you can’t help but be drawn to the floor to ceiling windows as the view slowly reveals itself. Quite simply, it’s one of the best views in the city, well in my opinion at least… However, there was no time to get all slushy, the light was fading fast and I need to set up the big camera!
Over the course of the next hour or two, I didn’t stop switching between cameras, loading film and basically panicking that I screwed something up and predictably, I did!… If camera stuff interests you, I’ll put some more details below. However, if you’re just here for the pictures, have a little look-see below… Huge thank you to Staying Cool and if you ever get the chance to experience these views in person, it really is a must! Check out their website below…
Digital Images
Shot on Canon Eos-R with 24-105mm lens
I certainly didn’t feel confident ‘just’ taking film cameras and I’m glad that I took the digital camera as a backup! The early evening shots were a bit uninspiring. However, after sunset, the city lights up and I was really happy with the night shots. It was easy to just concentrate on the ‘big’ view and I certainly ‘filled-my-boots’ with landscape images. However, it was also interesting to pick out little scenes and pockets of light. I wish I’d taken a longer lens as well but this shoot was more about the film photos anyway.
Overall, the digital images are pleasing and apart from the grey weather during the day, I’m happy with how the rest of the images came out.
Medium Format
Shot on Mamiya 645 with Kodak Portra 400 and 55-110mm lens // Developed and Scanned at home
This is where the evening started to get interesting. I’m usually pretty confident with metering for film but judging exposures at night can be a bit of a nightmare. All of these images were taken on the Mamiya, a fantastically easy camera to use for Medium Format but even so, there was still plenty of opportunity for me to makes mistakes. I set the camera up on a tripod and set about getting some exposures.
I was a little concerned that the exposure times (with added reciprocity to account for film failure) were only coming out at around 8 seconds. I was convinced that they would be nearly double this and something inside me was screaming out to ‘go longer’. However, I’m glad that I didn’t. I think these images are exposed pretty well and even though they could have done with a bit more light, I kind of like the slightly moodier look in comparison to the digital images!
For those interested in film photography and all that goes with it - I did develop the rolls of film/4x5 sheets at home using a C41 process and then scanned the negatives myself. I’m pretty sure a lab could have got better results but there is something incredibly rewarding about be in control of the entire process!
Large Format
Shot on Intrepid 4x5 Mk iv Black Edition with Kodak Portra 400 and Nikon 90mm lens // Developed and Scanned at home
If the Medium Format shots were where things got interesting, then the Large Format shots were where everything went badly wrong! I have a bit of experience under my belt with the Intrepid 4x5. However, it is also one of the most complex methods of capturing an image that I have ever come across. In good weather, on a flat surface and no wind - it can be a relatively straight-forward process.
However, on the 20th floor of a building in strong wind and dim light… Yeah, it becomes a challenge. I know what you’re thinking, ‘Excuses, excuses…’ But even seeing through the ground glass on the back became a challenge as the light started to dip. With the wind whipping the dark cloth and battering the front of the camera - I was more concerned with trying to keep exposure times short than I was with checking every last detail before taking the shot!
Ultimately, this was my downfall, rushing to get the shot! I had made one major error that I simply hadn’t spotted whilst the camera was set up in front of me. I hadn’t double checked that the front/back standard were angled correctly. This would completely mess up the focus and what I had mistaken for ‘depth of field’ (whilst the lens was wide open to compose the image) was actually just ‘out of focus’.
This was a bit of a schoolboy error and as I developed the images and checked the negatives, my heart instantly sank as I knew they were ruined. Not to worry though, this was just another lesson learnt and something I’ll be more conscious of in future - Happy to share my mistakes though, I’m sure they won’t be the last!
Final Thoughts…
Overall, I’m happy with most of these images and certainly have learnt a few valuable lessons. More importantly, it was just a fantastic experience to take in the views and enjoy watching the city transform from day to night. I can’t imagine there are many better views of our wonderful city than this! To experience it for yourself, follow the link below to check out Staying Cool’s website.