Below is a summary of the walks I run.
Much more information can be found on the Photo School website.
Jewellery Quarter
A new walk, devised with the Jewellery Quarter Townscape Heritage project, that 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: Monthly-ish all year.
Starting point: Diamond Quarter shop on Warstone Lane by the Big Peg at 12pm.
Bournville
A new 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: Monthly-ish all year.
Starting point: Bournville Community Hub on the parade of shops by the Green 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: Monthly-ish all 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: Quarterly, for each season.
Starting point: Powerleague 5-a-side car park. 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.
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.
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 for outside events as we may go off-road.
- Routes are subject to change.
- In the event of bad weather 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 paying adult.
While walks are guided and there is safety in numbers I cannot take any responsibility for the safety and security of yourself or your equipment. Please be careful and act responsibly.
