Familiar places, and I really need to see more clearly!

[James G]

I've lived in Birmingham for a long time now and rarely tried photography around the city centre. It's a bit silly really, because it is a city with a breathtaking mix of cultures, vibrance, and wide range of architectures.
So, not a New Year's resolution, I don't believe in them, but I'm going to have a look around and concentrate a little bit more on my 'urban' environment .
Also, over the last six months or so, I've been going back to a more B&W past, which I had rather neglected over the last few years. (Spurred on by Mike Buckley, Donald, Sharon Reid, and Antonio Correira, who's technique and results I am in awe of! )
The images below are the outcome from a quick walk, about an hour or so, around the Bullring complex in the City centre. The new Sainsbury's store has become something of a modern icon and like all such icons generates extreme opinions. I rather like it and am fascinated by the juxtaposition with one of the oldest churches in the city, (St Martin's).
I hope to extend the theme and post a few more shoots over the next few months.
C&C welcome




A bit whimsical, but some people would see this as the entrance to the underworld! (Sainsbury underground carpark)






Reminds me of that song... "everyone's doing it"



'Ancient and Modern'



The light in the sky was amazing...

[Donald]

...but I'm going to have a look around and concentrate a little bit more on my 'urban' environment

Well, if this is what happens on the basis of a first look and a quick walk around, I can't wait to see what we get when you start getting really serious!

Interestingly, that's the only bit of Birminham I know, having walked past that way on my way from New Street station to a meeting in the Volunteer Centre offices.

I think these images reflect what, for me, is urban landscape photography - bold images with very definite lines and shapes. Good stuff.

[Kaye Leggett]

They're good shots of what is I agree with you an iconic building (though isn't it Selfridges??) - you've managed that ever so elusive 'different' view and take on a much photographed subject - well done

[Mike Buckley]

I'm looking forward to more of your wanderings this year. This particular outing resulted in wonderful images, especially the first and fourth photos. Well done!

[IzzieK]

Spectacular shots. I love all of them but I like the colour version of the old and new best.

[deetheturk]

Great captures!

[John 2]

Some really good conversions and some fresh viewpoints. Good examples as well, of where mono wins out over colour. Good work.

[dabhand]

Some really good conversions and some fresh viewpoints. Good examples as well, of where mono wins out over colour. Good work.

Especially true for me in the last but one - the mono version seems to let all the differing architectural / environmental elements sit more comfortably together.

[James G]

First of all ...... Duh!!!
Kaye is absolutely right. SELFRIDGES! not Sainsbury's ..... my wife is absolutely hysterical with glee over such a blooper... (She is a Brummie and I'm a Scouser so in the war between the Midlands and the North West a major battle has been lost!)

Personally I put it down to disintererest in "Retail Therapy" establishments unless they purvey lenses and shutters!

Donald, Mike, Steve, Isabel, thanks for the kind comments. I am finding my way back into B&W really interesting and I'd forgotten the impact the media can have. I'm pleased because I specifically went out to shoot B&W this time.

Kaye, you made my day regarding the 'elusive' view. Firstly because I definitely did not want to reproduce any of the stock shots that are out there. The other reason though relates to the colour version I posted. My sister-in-law has very strong views on the Selfridge's building and has always expressed real dislike for it. She saw the print versions last night when we were out for a meal and has asked for a framed copy (of the coloured version), for her living room.

[ShaneS]

Great series James! I too look forward to seeing more...the fourth is my favorite of the group as I find the juxtaposition between old and new to be more dramatic in monochrome.

[Kaye Leggett]

''She saw the print versions last night when we were out for a meal and has asked for a framed copy (of the coloured version), for her living room''.

Result.