A Birmingham Photographers Dream Job: Aston Villa Vs Bayern Munich!
As a Birmingham Photographer, there is one client who I had always dreamed of working with but one that will completely divide the locals reading this. For my sins, I’m a football fan. I have been an Aston Villa fan from a very early age. I’m aware that this sentence alone may just have cost me half of my Photography and Videography clients in the second city but sometimes, it’s worth the risk. This is one of those occasions and this is my experience of working with my dream client.
As a Birmingham Photographer, there is one client who I had always dreamed of working with but one that will completely divide the locals reading this. For my sins, I’m a football fan. I have been an Aston Villa fan from a very early age. I’m aware that this sentence alone may just have cost me half of my Photography and Videography clients in the second city but sometimes, it’s worth the risk. This is one of those occasions and this is my experience of working with my dream client.
When I started my photography career, I never imagined that I could end up working with a club that I had supported for years. I just assumed that as I wasn’t a ‘sports’ photographer, I would never get the chance. However, life sometimes works in your favour and as luck would have it, a family member ended up working in the marketing team at Aston Villa. As much as I would love to believe that this played no part in it and of course they chose me based on my incredible ability, I’ll hazard a guess that my name was mentioned more out of familiarity than technical ability.
Either way, a few years ago I was asked to produce some marketing photos and videos showcasing the hospitality areas at Villa Park. It may not have been hanging out with the players and giving the manager tips on which team I would pick, but it still felt amazing to add ‘Aston Villa’ to my list of clients. The work was enjoyable enough and I was asked to do more, which gave me some encouragement that they liked my work - that or the previously mentioned family member was forcing them to use me, still no complaints from me.
Fast forward to 2024 and I’m not sure which comes as more of a shock, but Villa are now a Champions League club and I’m still doing work for them! Furthermore, I received an email asking if I could photograph the pre-match display before our first game against none other than Bayern Munich! It didn’t take me long to type ‘Yes’ and hit send! Of course I would. I had already planned to be at the game anyway, albeit in probably a slightly more drunken state but what did I care, photography and Aston Villa are two of my favourite things!
I still get nervous before jobs and I see this as a good thing as it shows that the work cares. However, I felt particularly nervous about this job as the timings were very tight. The majority of the critical shots were in the build up to kick off with the climax being a light display in the ground, flame throwers on the pitch, a firework display and rounded off with the ‘Champions League’ theme tune being played out. I went through my usual pre-visualizations of how I would get the shots, packed all my gear and made my way off to the ground.
There was an absolutely electric atmosphere at Villa Park. The crowd was even more excitable than usual and maybe it was a mix of nerves and apprehensions (plus beer!) but everybody seemed giddy with excitement. I had a fellow photographer, Paul, who was helping me with a second angle but that didn’t seem to calm my nerves any - I knew what shot I wanted to get and that was all I could focus on. Well, that and praying that somehow, this little team from Aston could overcome one of the giants of European football (again!).
The shot that I really wanted to capture was a long exposure of the fireworks going off above the ground as the tifo (larger banner) was raised in front of the Holte End. I already knew that this would be a challenge as I wasn’t exactly sure when the fireworks would go off and in truth, all of the elements would be happening at slightly different times and each one posed their own challenges. I was determined to get ‘the’ shot that as an Aston Villa fan, would mark Champions League football returning to our beloved club.
Around ten minutes before kick off and the atmosphere really starts to build. A mix of things are happening on the pitch and in the stands. I had found my spot in the upper tier of the North Stand and had set two cameras up, both on tripods with the aim of having a wide angle and something a bit more focused on the banner. I’d spoken to the fans around me, everyone knew what I was doing and I was set, now it was just time to focus on what was unfolding in front of me and make sure I was primed to capture all of the action!
Just a couple of minutes before kick-off in arguably one of our most important matches, certainly in my living history, my fingers are primed on the shutter buttons - a camera for each hand and I could feel the sweat building on my neck, despite the chilly autumnal conditions. The lights around the ground start to flash and just as Jeff Beck starts blaring out of the speakers - it’s go time! I started shooting and praying that all elements of the image could come together.
The flamethrowers at the side of the pitch start blasting out huge jets of fire and I know that at any minute, the two most challenging aspects of the image will need to be captured. Just as I start to see the banner being raised and I know the fireworks will soon make their brief appearance, I feel a push in the back! Not just a light tap, a fan had started pushing me, knocking my camera and absolutely ruining my chance of making the image that I had planned! The next few seconds felt like an eternity as I decided what to do - start crying, start punching - I think everything crossed my mind.
Paul Hadley
The first bang of the firework snapped my attention back and I desperately grabbed my camera, adjusted the tripod and started blasting out photos. For those who are unaware, any kind of additional motion in a long exposure basically ruins the image - and there was a lot of additional motion! The ‘fan’ started putting his hand in front of my camera and despite my protestations, he seemed to find it amusing that I was clearly distraught at ruining my attempts to take what I had hoped would be a great image.
Paul Hadley
The next two minutes were a complete blur. I desperately tried to capture images and just prayed that something had worked. As I packed my gear up and left the ‘fan’ shouted back to me ‘It was only a joke mate’ - neither of those things were true. I was neither amused nor feeling particularly friendly towards the guy. I had to hand my memory cards over to the marketing team before returning to my seat so I didn’t even have time to check to see what I had captured. I even missed the Champions League music in my feverish state and spent most of the first half of the game in a state of stress, panicking that I missed my shot.
During the second half, after calming down somewhat and finally returning my attention to the on pitch action - Villa did the unbelievable, and scored. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a noise quite like it, the ground erupted. At least some of my anxieties had been vanquished and by the time the final whistle went and we had won, I think I was a bit of an emotional wreck - I had been through just about every emotion I could handle for one day.
My final image…
The next day, I loaded up my images onto the computer and decided to see what I could make of what I was sure was a complete wreck of a shoot. To my surprise, I’d actually managed to salvage some shots and after a bit of ‘Photoshopping’ I managed to piece together something that resembled what I had envisaged in my head. Furthermore, Paul had grabbed loads of great shots as well and later that day an email pinged up saying how happy the club were with the images.
I got invited back for the Bologna match, but that’s a story for another day…
Looking back, I think I probably learned two things. Firstly, for all the planning you can never account for every single eventuality. There was no real need for the fans' actions but I guess I should have been more aware of the potential of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Secondly, it just goes to show that even when the dream jobs come along and you’re so wrapped up in the excitement, you just have to keep a cool head and get the job done. This is not something that comes to me naturally but it certainly paid to persevere and get the shot! As for working with Aston Villa? I hope I get the chance again and more importantly, at plenty more Champions League matches.
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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.
Tales From the Towpath: A Sunny Sunday Cycle
I’m not a spiritual person, but sometimes you wake up, see the sun and just ‘know’ that you need to get out with the camera. This is a quick blog post about the power of doing just that! It's a little bit about cameras, a little bit about cycling and even a little bit about life - but nothing too deep, just some thoughts. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon read.
I’m not a spiritual person, but sometimes you wake up, see the sun and just ‘know’ that you need to get out with the camera. This is a quick blog post about the power of doing just that! It's a little bit about cameras, a little bit about cycling and even a little bit about life - but nothing too deep, just some thoughts. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon read.
I’ve been working pretty much constantly for a few months and knew that I was feeling a little bit burnt out. As a photographer and videographer, my work tends to get busier in the build up to Christmas with conferences, events and business burning through their marketing budgets. So when I had the opportunity to have a rare Sunday to myself, with no editing to do and no jobs booked in, I knew that I was going to get out with the camera and just take some pictures for myself!
It was a beautiful autumnal day in Birmingham with a slight chill in the air - the kind of day that I absolutely love and perfect for taking the bike out. I had no intention of going particularly far, or particularly fast or even trying to take particularly good photos - it was more just the act of taking photos. I decided to cycle down one of Birmingham’s many canal routes in the hope that the autumnal colours would be in full bloom.
Deciding which camera to take is always a challenge. I’m privileged to have a number of cameras to pick from but there is one in particular that doesn’t seem to get enough use, the Fuji GFX 50 S II - a beautiful Medium Format camera that produces incredible images and small enough to through in a backpack and cycle with, the perfect camera for my needs. It’s not a particular fast camera to use but then again, this little trip out was never meant to be rushed.
With the camera safely packed up, I hit the road, well, the towpath more accurately as I made my way out towards Birmingham’s Spaghetti Junction. This might not sound like the most picturesque of destinations but I do have a soft spot for the more industrial feeling areas. The light was beautiful and the warm autumnal tones made a nice contrast with the grey concrete and old factory buildings. The GFX has great dynamic range and it would come in very useful to balance the bright sunshine and the deep shadows.
The riding was fairly light going and the towpaths were pretty quiet, apart from the occasional person fishing or fellow cyclist. It was nice just to clear my head and concentrate on just looking for images. It almost feels like some form of meditation when you are simply focused on looking for little scenes to create images from, freeing you from all of the other stresses of work, money and life in general. Even better, I had no intent on even making ‘good’ images, I just let my mind wander and if something caught my eye, I’d stop, take out the camera and grab a picture.
I had no real destination in mind, I was simply just following the towpath. I’d occasionally nod and say hello to passers-by but I was mostly just looking ahead and seeing what potential images I could see. The further out of the city I got, the more the scenes changed from industrial, to residential and eventually to countryside, or at least what a city-dweller like me would class as countryside. It was so nice to just keep going, mile after mile until the towpaths went from grey concrete to soft wet mud - a challenging cycle but great fun and the smell of the wet mud and grass made me realise how much I enjoy being out of the city!
The bike was holding up well too, for now at least. For those interested, I was riding a Canondale Topstone 4 - a very capable Gravel Bike that has been ideal for getting around Birmingham on and was proving to be more than adept at a bit more ‘off road’ action. As I bounced over tree routes and narrowly avoided wildlife, I was deeply concentrating on what I was doing and it felt good to be immersed in the act of just being out on the bike, exploring a little bit of nature and only stopping if something caught my eye.
As mile after mile went by, I was so wrapped up in what I was doing that as I started to get into a bit more of an urban area again, I wasn’t entirely sure where I was. A quick look on google maps revealed I was in Tamworth! I’d managed some 15 miles on the Birmingham & Fazeley canal through varying terrain. I now had a choice, get the train home or cycle back? It wasn’t even close, I was enjoying myself so much that I immediately turned around, got straight back on the towpath and made my way homewards.
I stopped off to grab a coffee on my way back at a little canalside pub. The locals barely lifted an eye at my mud covered legs and sweaty face. I scrolled through the images on the GFX, not particularly impressed by any of them but also completely unbothered, this was more just the joy of taking images with no pressure at all whether they’re any good or not. It was so relieving to not have to consider clients' opinions or whether they would ‘do well on social media’ - these images were just for me.
As I made my way back into Birmingham, with the best of the light starting to fade behind clouds, I felt my front wheel become a bit ‘unresponsive’ and a quick inspection confirmed my worst fears, a puncture. Even though my tyres are ‘tubeless’ I’d not got a pump on me so with about four miles to go, I ended up walking and half-carrying my bike so as not to damage the front tyre. This should have ruined my day but I was so full of joy from just being out with the camera, that I barely noticed the inconvenience.
As I slowly made my way home, I couldn’t help but feel this was exactly what I had needed, a bit of downtime. It’s strange but I get so much joy from photography but it really helps when you are doing it for yourself and not with a client's expectations looming over you. It was great to use the GFX and I loved editing the images and pulling so much from them. I will definitely be making use of the big medium format camera again.
When I got home and got cleaned up, I started to think about how life is a little bit like that towpath (bear with me!). We’re all on our own journey, sometimes it’s easy going, other times it gets a bit muddy. Sometimes you’re so focused on not going in the water that you end up in the brambles. You never know who you will meet on the journey or what you’ll see. Ultimately, it’s about finding those little bits of enjoyment and even if it gets a bit more challenging and you suffer a puncture, it’s about making sure you take time for yourself and enjoying the little moments while you can. At the end of the journey when your legs are hurting, you’re out of breath and you’ve struggling through the mud, you might even end up in Tamworth…
Feeling slightly deflated…
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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.
Octagon takes the Crown for the Best Views in Birmingham
If you are looking for the best views in Birmingham, it’s very difficult to look beyond the latest addition to the Birmingham skyline, The Octagon. I was fortunate enough to join a group of fellow photographers to mark the topping out event for the new building and even though this is ‘not my first Rodeo’ in terms of taking pictures from tall buildings, things didn’t all go smoothly!
If you are looking for the best views in Birmingham, it’s very difficult to look beyond the latest addition to the Birmingham skyline, The Octagon. I was fortunate enough to join a group of fellow Birmingham Photographers to mark the topping out event for the new building and even though this is ‘not my first Rodeo’ in terms of taking pictures from tall buildings, things didn’t all go smoothly!
The Octagon looms large on the Birmingham Skyline, at 155 metres tall, it’s difficult to miss it but it’s not just the size of the building that makes it unique. As the name suggests, the building's octagonal design is a world's first for a purely residential building. However you cut it, any ‘world’s first’ in Birmingham is a great thing. The shape certainly cuts a distinctive figure and makes it as instantly recognisable as Birmingham’s very own Rotunda!
As impressive as the building is, we were there for the views, with promises of unmatched 360 degree views, the stakes were almost as high as the building itself. The event, organised by the wonderful folk at Core Marketing in conjunction with Paradise - gave dozens of Birmingham photographers the opportunity to access the roof at sunset and then again at sunrise the following day, a mouthwatering proposition.
The only issue for me, I was travelling back from Switzerland the same day as the sunset shoot! As you can imagine, my excitement was curtailed as I sat in an airport in Zurich watching my flight get delayed further and further. After an anxious flight, a mad dash from Luton into London and making a train with seconds to spare (as well as being alleviated of £75 just to change my ticket!) I made it back into Birmingham just as everyone was being hoisted up to the roof, phew!
However, my disappointment was only mildly alleviated as I opened my backpack and remembered I only had my little Fuji X100V with me - not the camera of choice to capture stunning landscape images with. With no time to get home and swap cameras before the sunset, I would have to make do! My frustrations were further elevated as I watched an incredible sunset develop - it was a case of right place, right conditions, wrong camera! Sometimes though, you just have to enjoy the moment for what it is, and to put it simply, it was stunning.
The views from the 155 metre rooftop were simply breathtaking. If you have read my little photography blog before, on more than one occasion I have said ‘Insert building Name’ has “the best views of Birmingham” - and I stand by the fact that many of those still have incredible view - but standing on the top of the tallest building in Birmingham with 360 degree views is a difficult act to beat. As we watched the sun slowly set, the sky caught all of the beautiful pinks and oranges - a full Harvest Moon rose and added to the majesty of what we were witnessing.
Using the little Fuji X100V left me a little frustrated. The camera's 28mm equivalent fixed lens doesn’t offer the kind of versatility you need for shooting in situations like this. The very-necessary safety barriers meant that I was shooting from a little way back from the edge of the roof, making wide shots looking straight down very difficult. However, it was nice just to take in the views and not worry too much about the photography - afterall, there were literally dozens of other Birmingham photographers grabbing stunning shots of the landscape.
The next day, we had the opportunity to go back to the roof for sunrise. After my previous travels, I wasn’t looking forward to the 5am start but the promise of those views was enough to get me out of bed! The forecast was for mist and even though this might hinder the views a little, the moody atmospheric look would be a great contrast to the previous night's images. It was chilly to say the least and at 155 m in the air, it was also surprisingly windy but the views were completely worth it!
I had even managed to take a proper camera (or two) this time, plumping for the Fuji GFX 50S II for the wide shots and the Canon 6D Mkii with 70-200mm lens for some tighter, cropped shots. The misty morning certainly gave the view a different feel. There were obviously less lights on in the buildings (apart from the unfortunate souls who start work prior to sunrise!) so the city felt a bit more quiet and desolate. Perfect vibes for some moody ‘cinematic’ images.
I took this opportunity to edit with my new preset pack (yes, I’ve finally done it!) and darker moody tones suited the conditions perfectly! After grabbing a few ‘wide’ shots, I started to look for some more details. I found that the gaps between the roof and the huge steel work of the ‘crown’ of the building made for perfect little frames - just to pick out little snippets of the city and some of its famous landmarks. These were probably some of my favourite images which is quite a surprise given the views on offer.
As the ambient light finally reached normal daytime levels a little of the drama seemed to fall away and it felt a bit more like a typical grey day in September. However, the views were still incredible, even without the glamour of the stunning sunset from the night before. As we made our final way down in the hoist, it suddenly dawned on me that as the big steel framework gets filled in, those views will be blocked off and only reserved for those fortunate enough to take up residence in the building. Lucky people, I thought but I was also incredibly grateful to have even had the opportunity in the first place.
I obviously would like to give a huge thank you to Octagon, Paradise and Core Marketing for the invite and I would highly recommend checking out the relevant instagram pages for more great images captured by the wealth of Birmingham photographers who did a far better job than I did of capturing these stunning views! The Octagon certainly deserves it’s new ‘crown’ and will take some beating as the best views in Birmingham!
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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.
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’ :)
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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.
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.
BIRMINGHAMS BLOSSOM IS BLOOMIN' BEAUTIFUL, BAB!
If you are a photographer in Birmingham then there is quite a high chance that you have photographed the Cherry Blossom at Oozells Square at some point. Guess what, it’s back! The beautiful sight is one of the highlights of Spring in the city and after having missed it in recent years, I couldn’t resist the urge to go and get my photographic fill of the flowery magic.
If you are a photographer in Birmingham then there is quite a high chance that you have photographed the Cherry Blossom at Oozells Square at some point. Guess what, it’s back! The beautiful sight is one of the highlights of Spring in the city and after having missed it in recent years, I couldn’t resist the urge to go and get my photographic fill of the flowery magic.
Though it might not be everyone’s favourite photographic subject, there is no denying that the blossom brings a little bit of beauty to Birmingham's city centre. Judging by the amount of people stopping to take pictures, it is certainly popular with both amateur and professional shooters - and copious amounts of passers by grabbing shots for their social feeds!
The blossom normally makes its appearance around early April. However, this year it has sprung a little early. Not that you would miss it, you only have to follow a handful of social media accounts in Birmingham and the iconic scene will soon be filling your feed! The bright pink spectacle is like a call-to-arms for local photographers and more than a few tourists, all attempting to capture the beauty of the blossom.
I was determined to capture it this year and as soon as weather conditions looked right (just enough sun to brighten the scene a little) and diary permitting (occasionally, clients cancelling jobs has its benefits!) - and I was off, multiple cameras around my neck and looking every bit a photography cliche! That didn’t bother me, I knew what my mission was and some cherry blossoms were about to be photographed!
“Small groups of locals and tourists were dotted around, carefully examining the view and precisely picking their angles”
As I arrived at Oozells Square, it was already apparent that many others had beaten me to it. Small groups of locals and tourists were dotted around, carefully examining the view and precisely picking their angles. I didn’t particularly want people in my shots, preferring to let the blossom do the talking. However, there was a more pressing issue, notably a huge bank of cloud and rain scheduled - I was going to need to work quickly.
I went straight to the obvious shot. Running diagonally through the square is a thin channel of water - as pretty as it is, it also supplies a fantastic reflection of another icon - well, the actual Ikon Gallery! It’s been done a million times before but like photographing the Bullring Bull, the reflections at Gas Street Basin or pretty much any shot of The Rotunda - the classics are classics for a reason.
I was working with a pretty new (old) camera - a Pentax 645Z. It’s a big behemoth of a camera and in all honesty, I’m still getting used to the button layout. Hulking this huge camera around and fiddling with every button and setting whilst shooting the most obvious scene I could find - I was very conscious that I looked like a complete photography ‘newbie’. As soon as I got my settings dialled in and I started to see the images on the back of the camera, I didn’t care! The scene looked good and the camera was doing its job!
I mooched around for a while looking for different angles, being sure to do little ‘bro nods’ to fellow photographers as people came and went. I even managed to get stopped by security, this is nothing unusual when carrying a camera the size of a large cat (I’ve measured it against my own cat!). What was more unusual was that security just wanted to inform me that there is currently a photography competition running for the blossom - Security, encouraging me to take photographs, yes please! After having a very friendly chat, we went our separate ways and right on time, the rain started to land on my lens and the fun was over.
In truth, I know that the blossom might not be everyone's ‘cup-of-tea’. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the little break to capture the blossom before it inevitably makes way. In terms of a photographic calendar in Birmingham, it is definitely a highlight and the little pop of colour after the inevitably grey winter is always a welcome change!
A few tips if you are planning a visit
If you are planning a visit to Oozells Square to capture the blossom, I would recommend taking a zoom lens or a macro lens if you have one - something I failed to do! There are so many little details to capture, like the reflections in puddles and getting some blossom shots with plenty of bokeh goodness! Also be sure to put some time aside to have a look around the wonderful Ikon Gallery and grab a coffee while you’re there.
One other piece of advice I would give is to plan your visit around the weather but also the direction of the sun! There are a lot of tall buildings around the square which can leave the blossom in shade for much of the day. I found that around 9.00am is a good time to visit (and the time the shots you see in this post were taken). This allows a little bit of sunlight to fall on the Ikon which really brightens the scene - as long as it’s sunny that is!
Looking ahead, I think next year I’ll try to capture some video to accompany the shots and possibly even dust off the large format film camera to capture the scene. For now though, I’m just glad I got there before the blossom hit the floor!
A Little Update
After writing this, the next day the weather looked good in the morning so I decided to run out with the film camera (Bronica GS-1 and Kodak Portra 400 for those who are interested) and grab some shots before the blossom was gone.
The shots didn’t turn out quite as well as I’d hoped. I underexposed most of the shots and I think my chemicals may be going off as there was a bit of a weird colour cast to the shots - all that aside, I do think they have a bit of character to them, but I’m certainly glad I got the digital shots the day before. I would love to know which shot is your favourite so leave a comment below :)
Thanks for reading :)
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.
WELCOMING THE SPRING WITH THE BEST VIEW IN BIRMINGHAM!
I’m pretty sure I’m not alone when I say that I can’t wait for Spring! It feels like it’s been Winter for an eternity so when the amazing people at Orelle, Birmingham’s hottest spot for fine dining (and even better views!) got in touch and asked if I’d like to welcome the Spring in style, it was a resounding yes!!
I’m pretty sure I’m not alone when I say that I can’t wait for Spring! It feels like it’s been Winter for an eternity so when the amazing people at Orelle, Birmingham’s hottest spot for fine dining (and even better views!) got in touch and asked if I’d like to welcome the Spring in style, it was a resounding yes!!
If you have any connection with the Birmingham food scene then Orelle will have been on your radar for quite a while. The awesome guys from D&D London had been planning something special for their first restaurant in Birmingham and they certainly found a great spot for it! The 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row offers 360 degree views of Birmingham. But as an additional treat, they also have a fantastic cocktail bar on the ground floor.
And it was a cocktail that was the main attraction and the perfect accompaniment for welcoming in the Spring! You see, I’m going to let you in on a little secret, Orelle are launching their own Speakeasy! A secret cocktail launched each month that can only be accessed by those with a special password! I obviously can’t tell you what it is but what I can say is that I happened to be at the bar and uttered the words ‘Golden Key’ and before I knew it, a kindly gentleman behind the bar nodded at me and said ‘Certainly, Sir’ and the magic commenced…
Please note: I received a cocktail for free for attending this event but no other payment or controls were in place, in exchange for publishing this content
The first cocktail to be launched is the ‘Equinox Sour’, a celebration of the changing season it’s a Pisco-base mixed with fresh Spring flavours including, Elderflower, Fresh Lemon and Butterfly Pea Flower.The highlight being the addition of lemon which turns the cocktail slightly pink from its deep purple colour, referencing the changing of the seasons and lighter days and evenings.
However, as much of a treat as the Equinox Sour was, there was something else that had piqued my interest, and that was the views! Even though the promise of a beautiful sunset to mark the changing of the season would have been the perfect way to say goodbye to the Winter - This is England, so of course it was raining! Nonetheless, the views are breathtaking no matter the time of day or night and regardless of the weather conditions!
“I can safely say, those views never lose their appeal and you certainly have to experience them in person to appreciate them.”
In truth, I’m no stranger to the building. In fact, my relationship with the site started many years ago when I joined a group of other photographers to photograph from the roof of the Natwest Tower, which stood on the site before being demolished and replaced by the new 103 Colmore Row.
I was very fortunate to photograph the building throughout its construction and was present at many of the key milestones. I even got to interview the guys from D&D when they first saw the new restaurant space before it was transformed into the beautiful environment you now see. So I have been fortunate to see the panoramic views on many, many occasions. I can safely say, those views never lose their appeal and you certainly have to experience them in person to appreciate them.
However, back to the fun stuff and after watching the Equinox Sour slowly transition from a deep violet to a beautifully layered mix of pinks and purples, it was time to taste it! Wow, is all I’ll say. I’m no cocktail connoisseur, but what I can say is it certainly got my attention! I can see why it’s creator, Tiago Bastos, Orelle’s bar manager thought that this would be the perfect accompaniment to bring in the fresh, bright new season! If only the weather had been a bit more fitting, but I’m not complaining…
After pretty much glugging the cocktail down, I couldn’t help but grab some shots of the views - regardless of how many times I see them, there is always something new to appreciate. In truth, these are far from my best images I’ve taken from this vantage point but I actually really liked the moody ‘Blade Runner’-esque vibes - I could even live with the warm reflections from inside the restaurant which almost felt like light leaks on an old roll of film - something I would know all about!
And while I’m at it, how amazing does the restaurant look?! I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of trying the food yet but one thing is for sure, anything would taste better in these surroundings, possibly even my cooking! The warm, welcoming interior screams class with just enough of a hint of fun, and when combined with the ground floor cocktail bar, you can certainly tell that the guys at Orelle are offering something truly special for visitors from Birmingham and beyond.
Thank you again to the guys at Orelle and ReWired PR for the very special invite and complementary cocktail. If you get the chance to experience the bar and restaurant for yourself, don’t forget to utter the magic words (Golden Key!) to one of the bar staff for a very special treat - Oh, and grab some photos of that view!!
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.