Hello Steve, Once again, a great outing of photos by you. I enjoy very much your locations, and how you explain everything of what you are thinking of, your approach. Thanks.
Some very nice images indeed. I like rainy day shooting if the clouds have some variety not just plain grey, it suits urban landscapes. But have to be mentally and equipment prepared to enjoy being out on such a day. Montreal Old Port also has nice variety of old and new architecture, including a ferris wheel. I like the image with just a bit of its arc. You're probably familiar with Frederick Evans images of cathedrals, the way he finds the light is very inspiring. Cheers and thanks for another fun video!
Great video steve ,brought back lots of great memories when I saw where I worked back in the 80's 35 Bridgewater street , I had to pause the video ,couldn't believe it was were I worked for 7 years before moving away. My best buddy owned it and sadly passed away a number er of years ago so made the video even more poignant, many thanks
Thanks for sharing your mixed feelings on this photography walk. Probably something every photographer has experienced -- at least I know I have (bad weather, subjects you think you know all too well). So nice that I am not alone..
Hello Mr Steve! What’s so interesting to me is when you were walking around the dock area, 6:02 and mentioned that it’s been shot to death and that it would be impossible to get an original photo there. I’m from the US and seen SO many of your videos for years now, I’ve never seen that area before In any context. What’s fascinating to me is that you can be in a comfortable place that you assume the world has seen over and over, but in fact the photographs and videos you share are the first ever visuals of that location to so many people around the world. Although I did love your deviation away from the docks to another side of the area because you executed wonderful abstract visuals with the telephoto. You’ve given me a thought, what photographs would you take of that exact same area if you were going to shoot for someone who’s never seen anything like that area once? But then again I’m only inspired by what photos you did share (the insane layering in the church, and honest thoughts on the thrift shop you’ve been puzzled how to frame which is universally relatable) ((my thought on the thrift shop is a medium or large format vertical tilt shift of the shop compared to the other taller buildings from up the street!)) As always, your work and mental honesty cut through all the UA-cam noise, and it’s invaluable to a fellow photographer. Thanks Steve!
I think a lot of what I suffer from is over familiarity with the places I shoot. Having been brought up in Liverpool and lived relatively close by for the rest of my life it’s hard to see it as others would, I need a fresh pair of eyes. Anyone visiting for the first time would be happy with the sheer range of subjects and likely to come away with many shots I just don’t see.
Some photographic ideas: #1 long exposure of the ferris wheel, blurring the motion making it look like a Catherine wheel. #2 Very long exposure making the people disappear and the streets become deserted under a surreal sky. Night photography on a tripod of some of those places might also have some fine art or abstract qualities.
As a landscape only photographer myself I can really appreciate your skill & efforts here, Steve. The images at 2:00 - 3:55 - 7:15 were all excellent. Thanks for sharing the video.
As much as I enjoy your walks and images of the Wales countryside (I really want to visit), I must admit that there are also quite interesting images to be had in the urban landscape. These offerings stretch my view of worthwhile possibilities. Well done, and thank you. And as always, you inspire me to spend more time with BW, whether film or digital.
I always enjoy your urban photography Steve, as it’s my preferred milieu. It’s hard to see the same locations with a new eye, but that’s what makes photography fun!
What a great video, Steve! You capture not only the atmosphere but also a bit of that classic British attitude to the weather. I think you are a great urban photographer, and I love your abstracts. Sometimes, a bad weather day can make you work harder for your images. I love your honesty and practical approach.
Absolutely loved it, and those images. These are exactly what I strive to produce when I visit the ever rainy city centre Manchester. Brilliant imagery and compositions.
Lovely images and a great walkabout. That's one of my favorite things to do - just walk around a town or city and grab images of things that catch my eye. Makes me want to visit Liverpool someday.
I will concur on the grimness oop North Steve. Just back from a weekend in Liverpool and the weather was Dire, at best! One of my favourite prints, which is up on the wall, is of Ladies Chapel in the Anglican Cathedral. HP5 on an overcast day in 5x4, was a good combination on the day. Cracking wander around town Steve😁 Cheers Diz
Thanks Diz. I was struggling from the start on this trip and never got into my stride. I’m thinking that Delta 3200 would have suited the conditions well.
Familiar location + poor weather = big photo challenge. You still managed to find some interesting perspectives and nice images Steve, so kudos for that. The most enjoyable part of the outing might have been the cooked breakfast in the cafe?
I've only been there once and it was a wedding anniversary treat for my wife, not a photography trip. Like you, I enjoyed the modern buildings, some fabulous geometric reflections to be had.
I think you came away with some really nice images, Steve. I am looking more these days at the architectural abstract possibilities. Got some church pews not long ago, but they also had some racks of stacked chairs about for an up coming event, and I did not think to explore them. Not a wonderful day out weather wise for you, but not a wasted day either, in my opinion. Cheers.
Thanks James. I do enjoy most wanders around the city but struggled from the off on this occasion. I should have tried exploring somewhere new with a different film and camera combination to get me inspired.
The images from the cathedral were very interesting because a large fraction of them looked art-deco, which is fascinating for a setting that is ancient.
The Anglican Cathedral is in Gothic Revival style built entirely in the Twentieth Century (completed in the 1970s), so bits of it are indeed Art Deco adjacent.
Aw come on Steve you know how you love cloudy overcast days!! You forgot the XP2 which would have easily swallowed the most difficult images! I love your work and take ideas from you regularly. David
I haven't set foot inside that building since the church choir I sang in did holiday cover for the regular cathedral lads in the late sixties. Doesnt seem to have changed much! Just wondering - have you ever considered a trip to Chester Cathedral and environs?
I did take a few shots in Chester cathedral about 10 years ago with a micro 4/3 camera. I should revisit considering I live just outside the city and walk past the cathedral at least once a week 😊
By comparison with other You Tube photographers who talk their work up Steve, you mostly talk your work down and I think that's unmerited. And yes it's wet in this country, but rain brings clouds and sometimes rainbows which I very fortuitously benefitted from yesterday. And if you are not there, you aren't getting the shot at all.
I had thought from your previous video that these well travelled paths would be ideal for the Xpan rather than a woodland setting ? (If you haven't sold it on yet). Fantastic abstracts here though. Bloody lovely Sir !
Interesting how one person’s perspective of what’s good or not is different for various observers. For example, your drain pipe shot I quite liked. Probably it depends in part on how many similar images one has composed?
In spite of the uncooperative weather and your general lack of enthusiasm, I believe you came away with some very nice images. Good job of making the most of it.
Thanks as ever Steve. You're probably aware that Newton & Ellis are closing down at the end of the year apparently. Just sent my Compur 1 shutter to be serviced by them....😉
I’m not surprised to be honest. I was talking to one of the guys last year when trying to get my Bronica repaired and he said they wanted to retire but had work coming out of their ears. A sad loss.
I liked the ones with the chairs. Digital has some pretty convincingly grain-looking noise in the image, like the one with the single candle. I don't really have a digital camera so I was surprised.
You had me fooled :) I have my old Nikon D40 somewhere, and I don't think I ever tried how the noise looks like if you set the camera to 1600 or 3200 and monochrome the image. It's so old it barely counts as having a digital camera.
I've done my forays into urban and street photography... It's hard on days like that, almost as though the tarmac and paving slabs suck any joy out. My favoured solution was often to drag a model along and produce some really 'dark' images. So to produce the shots you have must have taken some discipline and fortitude!
It can get you down as you say, something very melancholy about the place in that weather. I prefer it in winter, I think my head is in a better place then.
Yup, my last visit to the largest local church resulted in very similar semi abstract shots. I’d gone with an idea for a shot I fancied in the crypt chapel but, as is now often the problem, too much extraneous modern detritus 🙄🤷♂️😫👍📸
On the basis that a good photographer can get an average of two or three good images worth the bother from a roll 36 (and digital) you did great on a rainy day, and one in particular. But on a rainy day I’d rather go into the woods and contemplate my navel and urban photography can go to hell.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Impressive abstracts there. A walk with Steve O’Nions is always worth the time.
Thanks Nigel.
Hello Steve, Once again, a great outing of photos by you. I enjoy very much your locations, and how you explain everything of what you are thinking of, your approach. Thanks.
Glad you like them!
I love your photos! The abstract black and white are excellent and pleasing to look at.
I love the 2nd photo of the stacked up chairs in the cathedral (at 1:20), wonderfully graphic, it seems like a detail of the NY Chrysler building !
I live the Chrysler building, so much more stylish than the Empire State 🙂
Some very nice images indeed. I like rainy day shooting if the clouds have some variety not just plain grey, it suits urban landscapes. But have to be mentally and equipment prepared to enjoy being out on such a day. Montreal Old Port also has nice variety of old and new architecture, including a ferris wheel. I like the image with just a bit of its arc. You're probably familiar with Frederick Evans images of cathedrals, the way he finds the light is very inspiring. Cheers and thanks for another fun video!
I’m glad you liked it. The old port sounds interesting, never been to Montreal but my brother was born there 🙂
Again lot of excellent photos - thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
Superb shots! Even the drain pipes! Full of soul, being film, and oozing tiredness. Love it.
Glad you enjoyed it Ian 👍
Great video steve ,brought back lots of great memories when I saw where I worked back in the 80's 35 Bridgewater street , I had to pause the video ,couldn't believe it was were I worked for 7 years before moving away. My best buddy owned it and sadly passed away a number er of years ago so made the video even more poignant, many thanks
Glad it brought back some good memories Peter. I started my working life in Liverpool in 1980 and these trips bring back all sorts of memories.
Don't be too disheartened, some really great images there. Love the chairs.
Thank you.
The Liverpool trips are always fascinating!
Glad you like them 😊
Thanks for sharing your mixed feelings on this photography walk. Probably something every photographer has experienced -- at least I know I have (bad weather, subjects you think you know all too well). So nice that I am not alone..
It’s a struggle at times, if the trip doesn’t get off to a good start it’s hard to rally yourself, pretty much like a work day really.
Love the abstract pictures in the church, but my favorite is the modern buildings abstract at 6:22. Great work Steve!
Thank you 🙂
Hello Mr Steve! What’s so interesting to me is when you were walking around the dock area, 6:02 and mentioned that it’s been shot to death and that it would be impossible to get an original photo there. I’m from the US and seen SO many of your videos for years now, I’ve never seen that area before In any context. What’s fascinating to me is that you can be in a comfortable place that you assume the world has seen over and over, but in fact the photographs and videos you share are the first ever visuals of that location to so many people around the world. Although I did love your deviation away from the docks to another side of the area because you executed wonderful abstract visuals with the telephoto. You’ve given me a thought, what photographs would you take of that exact same area if you were going to shoot for someone who’s never seen anything like that area once? But then again I’m only inspired by what photos you did share (the insane layering in the church, and honest thoughts on the thrift shop you’ve been puzzled how to frame which is universally relatable) ((my thought on the thrift shop is a medium or large format vertical tilt shift of the shop compared to the other taller buildings from up the street!))
As always, your work and mental honesty cut through all the UA-cam noise, and it’s invaluable to a fellow photographer. Thanks Steve!
I think a lot of what I suffer from is over familiarity with the places I shoot. Having been brought up in Liverpool and lived relatively close by for the rest of my life it’s hard to see it as others would, I need a fresh pair of eyes. Anyone visiting for the first time would be happy with the sheer range of subjects and likely to come away with many shots I just don’t see.
Some photographic ideas: #1 long exposure of the ferris wheel, blurring the motion making it look like a Catherine wheel. #2 Very long exposure making the people disappear and the streets become deserted under a surreal sky. Night photography on a tripod of some of those places might also have some fine art or abstract qualities.
I don’t do long exposure photography I’m afraid, just not my style 🙂
As a landscape only photographer myself I can really appreciate your skill & efforts here, Steve. The images at 2:00 - 3:55 - 7:15 were all excellent. Thanks for sharing the video.
Thanks for that!
As much as I enjoy your walks and images of the Wales countryside (I really want to visit), I must admit that there are also quite interesting images to be had in the urban landscape. These offerings stretch my view of worthwhile possibilities. Well done, and thank you. And as always, you inspire me to spend more time with BW, whether film or digital.
I’m glad you enjoy the occasional diversion into urban shooting, I find it keeps my mind open to new possibilities.
I like the B/W footage very much and very nice images too. Thanks for another enjoyable episode Steve.
Glad you enjoyed it
I always enjoy your urban photography Steve, as it’s my preferred milieu. It’s hard to see the same locations with a new eye, but that’s what makes photography fun!
Absolutely, with urban shooting there’s rarely two images the same.
What a great video, Steve! You capture not only the atmosphere but also a bit of that classic British attitude to the weather. I think you are a great urban photographer, and I love your abstracts.
Sometimes, a bad weather day can make you work harder for your images. I love your honesty and practical approach.
Glad you enjoyed it David. A mix of urban and landscape suits me just fine, keeps the eye, and the brain on their toes!
good video and photos there steve really like the stacked chairs and old buildings.
Thanks 👍
The pictures you made of the chairs remind me of German photographer Peter Keetman’s work in the Volkswagen factory from the fifties.
Absolutely loved it, and those images. These are exactly what I strive to produce when I visit the ever rainy city centre Manchester. Brilliant imagery and compositions.
Oh yes, Manchester is always like this, always!
Lovely images and a great walkabout. That's one of my favorite things to do - just walk around a town or city and grab images of things that catch my eye. Makes me want to visit Liverpool someday.
It’s a very interesting city Bob, a mix of old and new.
thank you for the inspiration. The image at 1:23 is outstanding in my estimation.
Thanks Bryce 👍
Reading the title for this video, I instantly out on "KLF - Its Grim Up North".
I will concur on the grimness oop North Steve. Just back from a weekend in Liverpool and the weather was Dire, at best! One of my favourite prints, which is up on the wall, is of Ladies Chapel in the Anglican Cathedral. HP5 on an overcast day in 5x4, was a good combination on the day. Cracking wander around town Steve😁
Cheers
Diz
Thanks Diz. I was struggling from the start on this trip and never got into my stride. I’m thinking that Delta 3200 would have suited the conditions well.
Great pictures! And lovely vibe as usual. Thanks!
Glad you like them!
Très beau reportage ! Ambiance extra ! Et votre approche de la street photo est exactement celle que j'aime ! magnifiques photos !
Merci beaucoup!
Familiar location + poor weather = big photo challenge. You still managed to find some interesting perspectives and nice images Steve, so kudos for that. The most enjoyable part of the outing might have been the cooked breakfast in the cafe?
The cafe always wins on days like this 😀
Awesome! Was out in Liverpool a couple of Sundays ago. It was raining then too :)
Glad it wasn’t just me then, I prefer winter days there, I expect little and get a lot.
Very impressive Steve. I love the old church and color would ruin it. The stain glass maybe color but the black and white were great.
Thanks Michael, I think a consistent mono look worked best given the lighting.
I've only been there once and it was a wedding anniversary treat for my wife, not a photography trip. Like you, I enjoyed the modern buildings, some fabulous geometric reflections to be had.
There’s such a mix of subjects to be had as you say. Ultra modern and old sat side by side, never boring.
I think you came away with some really nice images, Steve. I am looking more these days at the architectural abstract possibilities. Got some church pews not long ago, but they also had some racks of stacked chairs about for an up coming event, and I did not think to explore them. Not a wonderful day out weather wise for you, but not a wasted day either, in my opinion. Cheers.
Thanks James. I do enjoy most wanders around the city but struggled from the off on this occasion. I should have tried exploring somewhere new with a different film and camera combination to get me inspired.
The images from the cathedral were very interesting because a large fraction of them looked art-deco, which is fascinating for a setting that is ancient.
The Anglican Cathedral is in Gothic Revival style built entirely in the Twentieth Century (completed in the 1970s), so bits of it are indeed Art Deco adjacent.
Aw come on Steve you know how you love cloudy overcast days!! You forgot the XP2 which would have easily swallowed the most difficult images! I love your work and take ideas from you regularly. David
I do like XP2 David but it isn’t a ‘miserable’ film and that was what I felt like on the day ☔️
I haven't set foot inside that building since the church choir I sang in did holiday cover for the regular cathedral lads in the late sixties. Doesnt seem to have changed much! Just wondering - have you ever considered a trip to Chester Cathedral and environs?
I did take a few shots in Chester cathedral about 10 years ago with a micro 4/3 camera. I should revisit considering I live just outside the city and walk past the cathedral at least once a week 😊
You have very creative eye to get great shots Mr. Steve O´Nions.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Steve, thanks for the video. I have not heard anyone mention Escher's art in a long time. Cheers!
Glad you liked it David. I think there’s a lot to be learned from artists in other mediums.
Great pix - great photo walk!!!
Thanks Stanley.
By comparison with other You Tube photographers who talk their work up Steve, you mostly talk your work down and I think that's unmerited. And yes it's wet in this country, but rain brings clouds and sometimes rainbows which I very fortuitously benefitted from yesterday. And if you are not there, you aren't getting the shot at all.
Very true, it may be dull and cold but it’s never boring.
Really enjoyed these images Steve.
Glad you enjoyed them Peter.
I had thought from your previous video that these well travelled paths would be ideal for the Xpan rather than a woodland setting ? (If you haven't sold it on yet). Fantastic abstracts here though. Bloody lovely Sir !
Thanks Andy, I’ve seen a lot of good panoramic stuff shot in cities recently, I must give it a try.
Interesting how one person’s perspective of what’s good or not is different for various observers. For example, your drain pipe shot I quite liked. Probably it depends in part on how many similar images one has composed?
Very true, I dislike creating the same shots time and time again, even if they improve each time.
Wonderful images.
Thank you.
Great images!
Glad you like them!
In spite of the uncooperative weather and your general lack of enthusiasm, I believe you came away with some very nice images. Good job of making the most of it.
Thank you, I always feel better once I’ve put the video and images together.
I'm glad that you have the opportunity to reflect and appreciate the outing after the fact when you are not so encumbered by the weather.
Thanks as ever Steve. You're probably aware that Newton & Ellis are closing down at the end of the year apparently. Just sent my Compur 1 shutter to be serviced by them....😉
I’m not surprised to be honest. I was talking to one of the guys last year when trying to get my Bronica repaired and he said they wanted to retire but had work coming out of their ears.
A sad loss.
Nice stuff there!
Thanks!
I liked the ones with the chairs.
Digital has some pretty convincingly grain-looking noise in the image, like the one with the single candle. I don't really have a digital camera so I was surprised.
I like to add a lot of grain to digital images and never sharpen them ( they are already too sharp out of camera to my eye).
Just add a ton of grain, it’s very convincing 😊
You had me fooled :) I have my old Nikon D40 somewhere, and I don't think I ever tried how the noise looks like if you set the camera to 1600 or 3200 and monochrome the image. It's so old it barely counts as having a digital camera.
I never thought, that Steve is a fan of The KLF! 😃
😊
Was that a fisheye that you used in the cathedral? Or just a very wide angle?
Just a wideangle. The digital lens had a 24mm end but there was also the GoPro at around 13mm.
I've done my forays into urban and street photography... It's hard on days like that, almost as though the tarmac and paving slabs suck any joy out. My favoured solution was often to drag a model along and produce some really 'dark' images. So to produce the shots you have must have taken some discipline and fortitude!
It can get you down as you say, something very melancholy about the place in that weather. I prefer it in winter, I think my head is in a better place then.
Yup, my last visit to the largest local church resulted in very similar semi abstract shots. I’d gone with an idea for a shot I fancied in the crypt chapel but, as is now often the problem, too much extraneous modern detritus 🙄🤷♂️😫👍📸
It is hard to isolate some subjects and there are so many distractions that ruin most shots, cropping in is often the best option.
On the basis that a good photographer can get an average of two or three good images worth the bother from a roll 36 (and digital) you did great on a rainy day, and one in particular. But on a rainy day I’d rather go into the woods and contemplate my navel and urban photography can go to hell.
😀 it was a struggle I’ll admit!
Liverpool is not North.It's west midlands!!!
Look North? 🙂
Some very nice images there. You’re too hard on yourself.
Thank you 🙂