Birmingham Photo Walks 2020

Photo Walks are about slowing down and really looking at the details of Birmingham while learning from being in a group. More a meander than an exercising walk, we usually cover a mile or so mixing in a bit of local history, myths, legends and tall stories.

They've been run since 2012 by myself, Pete Ashton , an artist and photography teacher. While not formal workshops, I'm always on hand to offer advice and help you get the most out of the experience.

All cameras and levels of experience are welcome. DSLR or smartphone, compact or hefty, your camera is absolutely fine for my walks. I've even had people come without a camera for the experience of looking at the Birmingham in new ways. (The exception is City at Night which requires a DSLR or equiv.)

At least 15 walks will run in 2020. Dates will be announced as the year progresses.

Details of each walk are further down the page. More info about Photo School is on the website

Tickets

Additional Information

Below is a summary of the walks I run.
Much more information can be found on the Photo School website.

One Year Pass

If you're going to attend at least four of my walks, this is for you. For £45 you'll be issued with a 100% Discount Code valid for one year, starting at a date of your choosing.

Needless to say, this makes a perfect gift!

More information about, and terms for, the One Year Pass on this page.

Jewellery Quarter

Devised with the Jewellery Quarter Townscape Heritage project, this walk looks at how the history of this fascinating area is being preserved for the future, but at what cost?

Suitable for: All levels of photography and all cameras.
Accessibility: Mostly pavements. Pretty good accessibility.
Frequency: Three times a year.
Starting point: Outside The Big Peg on Warstone Lane at 12pm.

Bournville

A walk around the picturesque garden suburb built from scratch by the Cadbury family to house their workers when they moved their factory from the Birmingham slums a century ago. The streets of Bournville is where I first learned photography, exploring this fascinating place with my camera. A return has been long overdue.

Suitable for: All levels of photography and all cameras.
Accessibility: Mostly pavements and parks. Pretty good accessibility.
Frequency: Three times a year.
Starting point: Bournville Rest House on The Green by the parade of shops at 12pm.

Digbeth

The classic two hour Digbeth walk weaving through the back streets, canals and hinterlands of this mysterious district minutes from the city centre. We take in (subject to the route) monolithic railway architecture, graffitied buildings, light industry, canals, artist studios, victorian urinals, repurposed factories, forgotten cathedrals, spectacular city views, neo-pagan stone circles and the mysterious terminating viaduct.

Suitable for: All levels of photography and all cameras from phones to DSLRs.
Accessibility: Mostly pavements and canal towpaths. Pretty good accessibility.
Frequency: Three times a year.
Starting point: Custard Factory by the Green Man statue at 12pm.

Spaghetti Junction

Spaghetti Junction comprises two railway lines, two rivers, three canals and 13.5 miles of motorway. Underneath the monolithic flyovers is a unique landscape which the thousands of drivers who use it every day never see, from the calm of Salford Reservoir to the hidden forests under the concrete brutalism and noise of the flyover itself. The walk lasts 3 hours – bring a packed lunch and a flask.

Suitable for: All levels of photography and all cameras from phones to DSLRs.
Accessibility: Off-road. Not very accessible.
Frequency: Three times a year.
Starting point: Powerleague 5-a-side car park at 12pm. You can park there, get a 65/66/67 bus from Birmingham city centre or train to Aston station.

City at Night with Tripods

This 3 hour Night Walk takes in the buildings, canals and roadways of central Birmingham with an emphasis on tripods and long exposures. Warming up in the Jewellery Quarter head over the Queensway to shoot the cars, then on to the canals of Brindley Place before ending at the new Centenary Square. If you’re a complete novice I'll be on hand to show you how to shoot in Manual and use your tripod effectively. If you’re an expert you can benefit from safety in numbers. Most people are somewhere inbetween.

Tripods can be hired for £5. This walk only runs in the Winter.

Suitable for: Beginner and Intermediate photographers with cameras that can do long exposures.
Accessibility: Mostly pavements and canal towpaths, some steps. Fairly good accessibility.
Frequency: Monthly on a weekday evening from Nov to Feb.
Starting Point: Outside St Paul's Church, Jewellery Quarter at 7pm.

Important Information

  • Walks have limited places. You can try turning up on the day but I recommend booking in advance to be sure.
  • Sturdy shoes are recommended as while most walks are on pavements we may go "off-road".
  • Routes are always changing - the city evolves and I get curious.
  • In the event of bad weather the walk may be cancelled or rescheduled, in which case a refund or credit will be offered.
  • If you need to cancel, please give 48 hours notice and I will happily reschedule you or issue a credit note. If you do not attend and do not give 48 hours notice I am unable to give credit.
  • Children under the age of 16 are welcome if accompanied by a responsible paying adult.

While walks are guided and there is safety in a group, I cannot take any responsibility for the safety and security of yourself or your equipment. Please be careful and act responsibly.