Birmingham Evening Photo Walk
Birmingham offered bright sunshine, striking architecture and enough photographic distractions to keep us wandering long after we should have headed home...
Photography by Catherine Knee
Last week I joined fellow photographers from the Jaguar Camera Club for our second summer photo walk, this time in Birmingham.
Five of us turned up, despite it being the evening of England's first World Cup match. Three people braved the trains, two of us drove, and everyone arrived successfully at our meeting point beneath Ozzy the Bull in Grand Central Station.
Ozzy is an impressive installation, although nobody warned me that he comes to life every fifteen minutes. One moment I was happily admiring the giant mechanical bull, and the next it was rolling its colour-changing eyes, swinging its head around and bellowing which made me jump out of my skin. Naturally, my Beloved Sweetheart found this highly amusing.
Fortunately for the success of the photo walk, the Kitty Café was closed. The moment I spotted it I was already considering a tactical diversion. Fate intervened and forced me to remain focused on photography instead of losing myself in a world of kitty cuddles!
Photograhy by Catherine Knee
Although photography from the station balconies isn't permitted using a DSLR, which supposedly makes us professional photographers instead of club shooters (hmm), we took a few quick phone photos from the station floor before heading out towards Victoria Square.
The weather forecast threatened a small chance of rain, but Birmingham remained dry throughout the evening. In fact, the biggest challenge was the sunlight. Even though it was later in the day, the bright reflections bouncing off the paving and surrounding buildings were intense enough to leave us squinting as we approached Victoria Square.
Victoria Square looked far more attractive than it did when they replaced the water with plants some time ago. The fountain was once again full of water and it looked really pretty. There was also a brief moment of excitement when a football sailed into the fountain. My Andy’s camera was immediately readied in anticipation of a dramatic rescue attempt. I think he is used to me getting into pickles and was really quick to prepare for an opportunity to photograph mayhem. They say practice makes perfect. Ahem! Sadly, the ball was recovered without anybody having to climb into the water, depriving us of what could have been an excellent action photograph.
Photography by Catherine Knee
After passing a talented street musician, we continued towards Chamberlain Square. The pool beneath the clock tower was empty, but the surrounding glass buildings more than compensated. Reflections twisted and distorted the architecture into abstract patterns that kept drawing our attention.
At one point we discovered a winners' podium and, naturally, I decided that photography greatness should be recognised immediately. Unfortunately, reaching the number one position required rather more climbing than anticipated. With Martyn reluctantly assisting and me attempting to haul my old bones upwards with not a single shred of dignity intact, I eventually reached the top step and proudly waved my camera in the air like a victorious champion. Evidence exists. Whether it should ever be published is another matter entirely. (Martyn, you have been warned!)
From there we wandered through the Paradise development towards the Library of Birmingham. The area is full of architectural opportunities, from mirrored glass and repeating patterns to dramatic lines and geometric shapes. Everywhere you looked there seemed to be another reflection, another abstract composition or another interesting detail waiting to be photographed.
Photography by Catherine Knee
Meanwhile, Martyn was demonstrating how proper street photographers operate, kneeling right inside the skating area in Centenary Square, chatting with rollerbladers and capturing some excellent portraits and candid images.
I decided it was time to resuscitate my very scantily populated 100 strangers project and took three portraits. I now have to get my project photos up to date and edited… Gulp!
Photography by Catherine Knee
After a little over an hour we decided to call it a day. Well, most of us did. Andy had entered what can only be described as photographer mode and clearly felt there were still dozens of images waiting to be discovered. While the rest of us were contemplating heading home, he was still spotting compositions and opportunities. I eventually found myself rolling my eyes and attempting to drag him away from Birmingham's reflective surfaces before I lost my marbles trying to herd him back to the car!
Even so, I can see his point. The area offers far more photographic potential than we could explore in a single evening. Birmingham rewarded curiosity, and I suspect we’ll be returning at some point, particularly to see what the architecture looks like under different light.
Many thanks to Martyn and Robert for organising another enjoyable walk. It was a lovely evening, good company, and a reminder that sometimes all you need is a camera, a city and a willingness to wander.
Photography by Catherine Knee
Want to see some fantasy photos?
👉 Check out my Fantasy portfolio
Interested in the darker side of my photography?
👉 Explore my Dark Photography portfolio
Fancy a break from photography altogether?
👉 Read my latest Short Story blog
All content © Catherine Knee 2026. All rights reserved.
Summary
A summer photo walk through Birmingham provided endless opportunities for architectural photography, urban reflections, street scenes and creative abstract compositions.