Manchester's New Victoria Project: A Stunning Addition to the City's Skyline, as Seen by a Photographer
As a photographer, one of the most captivating aspects of the New Victoria project was the long exposure light trails of passing trams from the nearby Victoria Station. The movement of the trams against the towers created beautiful light trails, adding a dynamic element to my twilight shots. The trams are an integral part of Manchester’s transportation system, and the New Victoria project’s proximity to the station ensures that residents will have easy access to the city’s public transport. The light trails from the trams not only add to the beauty of the photos but also serve as a reminder of the project’s connection to the city’s urban infrastructure.
In conclusion, the New Victoria project is a testament to the city’s ambition and vision for a brighter future. As a photographer, I was captivated by its beauty and elegance, and I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to live in one of those apartments. The project promises to add more life, vibrancy, and sophistication to the heart of Manchester, and I can’t wait to see it when it’s completed in 2024.
Glassworks; A modern twist on history
Manchester is buzzing with new developments and I couldn’t wait to get my camera out and capture them. First up in 2023 on my list was the Glassworks building in the Northern Quarter. The location is perfect, right near a Metrolink station, allowing me to play around with light trails from passing trams in my compositions. I timed it just right and captured these shots during the magical “blue hour” when natural and artificial light come together to create a truly unique ambience. Although Glassworks has received some criticism for its modern style not fitting in with the classic architecture of the Northern Quarter, I believe that the highly reflective glass facade has been used to great effect. It allows the building to blend seamlessly into the colours of the sky.
I am excited to share a few photos I captured of Glassworks to showcase the unique blend of history and modernity that this development embodies.
Factory's First Breath: A New Beginning for Manchester Music
First Breath is a celebration of new life taking place in Greater Manchester from January 1-29, 2023. The installation, created by world-renowned visual artist Luke Jerram, features powerful beams of light that pulse to represent a baby’s first breath. The lights will be visible from the construction site of the new Factory International building and can be experienced up close by visitors. First Breath is open to anyone who wants to experience the light and welcome in the new year, with the installation serving as a message of hope for the future and a reminder of new possibilities.
So I couldn’t miss an opportunity to photograph the first test of the First Breath installation in Greater Manchester. Using a shift lens, I was able to capture the lights reaching up towards the sky. One of the shots, a shifted panorama, was especially noteworthy for its high resolution and wide scope, showing the full extent of the scene. As an added bonus, the moon and Jupiter were visible in the night sky, adding to the already beautiful composition.
I have lived in Manchester since 2006, and while I was initially disappointed with the city’s lack of impressive buildings, I am now thrilled to see the landscape developing and rising to meet my expectations. It is a pleasure to document this growth and to be a part of such a vibrant and dynamic city.
Circle Square: a modern, sustainable development in Manchester
Circle Square is a new development in the heart of Manchester, UK. The area features a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces, focusing on sustainability and community.
One of the standout features of Circle Square is its architecture. The buildings in the area have been designed to blend in with the surrounding cityscape, while incorporating modern, cutting-edge design elements. For example, the residential buildings feature striking facades with geometric shapes and patterns, adding visual interest and a sense of individuality to the area.
Another key aspect of the architecture of Circle Square is its focus on sustainability. Many of the buildings in the area are designed to be energy-efficient, with features such as solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems. This helps reduce the development’s carbon footprint and creates a more pleasant and comfortable environment for residents and visitors.
In addition to the residential buildings, Circle Square also features a range of public spaces. The central plaza is a hub of activity, with seating areas and greenery providing a relaxing space for people to gather and socialize. The area also features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a state-of-the-art gym and fitness centre.
Overall, Circle Square is a unique and vibrant addition to the Manchester cityscape, with its striking architecture and emphasis on sustainability. It is a great example of how urban development can be both modern and environmentally friendly.
Mayfield Park, a new addition to the Manchester landscape
When I found out that Manchester was getting a new city centre park, I couldn’t wait to see it. I was planning to visit the first day open, but the weather scared me off with heavy rain pouring down all day long. The next morning I was there right after the fog started dissipating and the sun shone brightly making it easy for me to capture the beauty of this place. My only regret this morning was not getting up for the sunrise.
Photographing Bridgewater Hall
Bridgewater Hall is a concert venue built in the mid-90s. This building has quite exciting architecture. It was designed by RHWL Architects and the structure sits on a bed of 280 springs intended to insulate it from external sound and shield it from vibrations caused by nearby passing trains and trams. It also makes it earthquake-proof. Unfortunately, at this moment, I only have exterior photos at the moment to share taken both during daytime and blue hour. I hope to get access to the inside sometime in the future, and I’ll update this gallery when I have them done.
Photographing Lincoln Square Manchester
I recently started a new personal project to photograph some of Manchester’s most exciting modern architecture. One of the places I decided to visit was freshly completed Lincoln Square, located near Albert Square just off Deansgate street. The building I mainly focused my camera on was Brazennose House. John Matthews Architects designed it, which forms the area’s centrepiece, accompanied by a statue of Abraham Lincoln. I took these images across two visits, and I’m also planning to return for the twilight photo.
This will be a live gallery where I’ll add new photos as I progress with my architecture photography project.
Great Manchester Interiors
Where would you go in Manchester to be impressed with stunning interiors? I created a quick list of my favourite places to visit with a small gallery.
1. Corn Exchange
2. Manchester cathedral
3. Central library
4. Barton Arcade
5. Hello at Circle Square
6. John Rylands library
7. Deansgate Square lobby
8. Arndale
9. Victoria Station
10. Trafford centre
Best of Manchester
I’ve been photographing Manchester for the last 10 years and this is a compilation gallery of all the best photos captured throughout this time. Organized by popular locations. I’ll frequently update it with new hot spots to keep it fresh as much as possible.
Places to see 2022 springtime
1. Edenfield
Last year a friend of mine told me about this place and I’ve been coming here ever since. You start the walk from the main road and climb your way up towards Darden Wood until you hear the waterfall. Simply follow the sound to find it. After that, you can continue to climb along the river or stick to the main path. If you don’t look for adventure and choose the latter it will be much easier as this footpath is well maintained. Either way, if you keep walking you’ll reach “High Scout Moor Reservoir” but the water area isn’t accessible to the public.
2. Clifton Country Park – Easiest way to access this location is via junction 16 of the M60 motorway. It’s a great walk around woodland, river, lakes with wooden sculptures trail with full-size Gruffalo. It is also a place of industrial heritage where we can find remains of old cold mine.
3. Healey Dell Nature Reserve – One of my favorite places to visit in Rochdale, especially during spring or autumn. For me, taking pictures of the waterfall is always the main focus when I get there.
4. Peel Tower – If you looking to get a good view of the Manchester skyline and you don’t mind bare looking Holocombie Hill this place is definitely worth checking out.
5. Derwent Reservoir – For those who are looking for a stroll around the reservoir and are willing to travel to the heart of Peak District I would highly recommend visiting Derwent Dam. Also, while you there you could also check out Lady Bower Reservoir as it’s very close and also a very beautiful area.
6. Philips Park, Prestwich – Located in North of Manchester in recently called one of the best places to live Prestwich area and for very good reason. This park is one of the largest, rich in wildlife with plenty of footpaths through the woodlands and grassland. The area also has many mountain bike routes if you’re into this sort of activities.
7. Dovestones – Eventhough this place gets very busy, especially weekends I still love to going back there. It’s very easy to access via Greenfield village and it offers plenty of hiking trails with stunning views aross Peak District.
8. Naden Vallery – I first visited this place two years ago. This area’s natural beauty and incredible vistas always make me come back at least a few times a year.
