Welcome to Castlefield

December 11, 2016December 10, 2016 / mikeosbornphoto / 15 Comments

My neighbourhood is a short stride away from Manchester city centre, but has been called a village in the middle of an urban sprawl. Castlefield has Roman origins, but came into its own during the Industrial Revolution. Set on a confluence of canals, it’s a knot of railway viaducts, bridges and cobbles. The area wears its heritage on its sleeve, but is now a vibrant residential area studded with bars and restaurants.

A short walk in any direction from my building brings you to water, narrowboats gently puffing wood smoke and the canal towpaths. This is just a glimpse of the area, and it’s no wonder tourists always find their way here…

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My night view

November 27, 2016 / mikeosbornphoto / 7 Comments

This is my new perspective on the world. Welcome to the neighbourhood of Castlefield, a short hop away from Manchester city centre. My balcony after dark takes in the arched pedestrian bridge which links both sides of the Bridgewater canal. The lights of bars and buildings opposite glow brightly. And above, a tram breezes along the viaduct. The skyscape is dominated by the city’s tallest building, the Beetham Tower, peppered with the lights of both the Hilton Hotel and loftily perched residential dwellings above.

It was a freezing, frosty night. Even a trip out onto the balcony was a chilly stretch…

Meccano bridge

October 27, 2016 / mikeosbornphoto / 4 Comments

Salford postcards

October 9, 2016October 8, 2016 / mikeosbornphoto / 18 Comments

The new city, new life theme continues. Salford Quays – my home for now – is bristling with photographic riches. There is high-rise architecture that has sprung up in the last decade or so, waterways that have been here a lot longer, and the blazing yellow of the Metrolink trams that connect this area with the rest of Manchester. And just recently, a series of blistering sunsets. Enjoy these postcards…

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Night on the quays

October 2, 2016October 1, 2016 / mikeosbornphoto / 13 Comments

Welcome to Manchester. Here are the first photographs from my new home city. I’m living (at least for now) on Salford Quays, an old industrial area reclaimed for the 21st century and now bristling with media outlets including the BBC, high-rise residences and amenities.

The area’s waterways and gracefully illuminated bridges make this an excellent place to take both camera and tripod out for a spin after dark. It’s quiet enough to go about your photography unimpeded, while the evenings are mild – at least for now.