A couple of Sundays ago I was invited to spend a day at a photography workshop, walking around Birmingham looking at the modern archictecture on offer. Now, as my blog has developed so has my photography. Initially I started off on my phone, then graduated to a bridge camera, but then treated myself to a Sony AX5000 Compact camera earlier this year. I have to confess, I still haven’t figured out half of the features, but this Goodman’s photography workshop was a great opportunity to get to grips with them.
The first thing Simon, our tutor for they day taught us, was how to switch the camera off automatic and straight onto manual. It took me a while to get grips with that, so here’s one of the first set I took of the Town Hall, still on manual. I like the contrast between the intricate building and the colourful plants.
Then it was time to get to grips with settings and play around, trying out different values. It was hit and miss, but with expert guidance I started to achieve some different looks to my shots. This next building is the Birmingham Library, and I love that this uber modern design is flanked by more traditional. I’m not sure this is technically a good picture but I like it anyway. Aren’t the colours stunning?
Of course a bloggers’ day out wouldn’t be complete without a scrummy lunch at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, which gave us another chance to play around with more shots. Here, I was trying to achieve that blurry background look that so many people like, me included.
And so then it was on to my favourite building of the day, the iconic Selfridges. It really is stunning. I was lucky too, as the sky turned cloud free, and I managed to get this shot from underneath a walkway. Check out how the blues work together! I’m so pleased with this one.
We spent quite a while looking at the form, and capturning this beautiful building from different angles. I like this one, which showcases the sweep of the discs and the wonderful organic form of the design.
Finally, we made our way to a quite busy section of Birmingham outside the Bull Ring to seek out some more shots against the sky. I like how the angle of this picture gives this otherwise dull building a new lease of life. Contrasted against the modern gantry it looks space age.
I’ve played around with the camera since the workshop and really tried to put into practice all that I learned. It will take some time to sink in, but for now I’m thrilled with my new found knowledge.
Thanks to Goodman for arranging the day, and to Simon, our photograpy expert for sharing his skills so well.
Do you like these shots? Look out for more well thought out photography on the blog soon!
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Jen Stanbrook is an interiors writer, blogger and presenter, with an insatiable love of all things home. 
I’m slowly venturing out of manual but it’s not easy and I end up with more blurry pics than good ones 😉
Great shots jen
Such beautiful photos, I am loving all the photos from the different bloggers involved as you have all gone for different shots and different angles,
I would love to go on this workshop. One of my favourite things to photograph is buildings, I think as I work in the property industry. But particularly derelict buildings and I would love to learn how to get the best angle or shot of something up close.
THanks for sharing! Fabulous post and loving your pics.
I love the picture of selfridges, the blues look awesome.
I have a photography course in a few weeks I cant wait
Amazing photos, Jen. I definitely have to make a trip to Birmingham, the architecture is so unique. The library is stunning.
Great photos and post thanks for sharing
Beautiful photos, I do not think it was the luck of the blue sky day. You have given me a new appreciation for Birmingham.
Bob Matheson
Oh wow!! Your pictures are absolutely amazing! I mean the colours, the composition, the details. Really interesting post then 🙂
If you want to have a look at my blog, I talk about architecture and travel 🙂
https://arkitalker.wordpress.com/
When you love what you are doing, you will be successful to it. Your whole experience sounded so good that it makes me want to have more and more tutorials.
Birmingham wow that was stunning… Great pictures… Thanks for posting
im trying to use my own images for my web designs, i use alot of shutterstock images or generic images from the net but having original images is a great rank booster for any website.i dont own a camera but i have an iphone6 that has a great camera on it ,do you have any tips to help get the best from this sort of camera and am i pushing it thinking i can get anywhere near this sort of quality from a phone ? any help would be great
Wow.. its so amazing…. Thanks for sharing this type of images and basically i am photographer and it helps me lot to improve my photography
Some amazing architectural designs! Never been to Birmingham but after seeing those photos, it looks amazing!