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…
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.
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