Deansgate

Manchester at dawn

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Summer mornings start very early, so I got up, grabbed my camera and had a wander around Manchester city centre. But this wasn’t a normal Saturday… CONTINUES BELOW

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This was a extra long weekend to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Both Thursday and Friday were designated public holidays, very unusual in the UK.

As I wandered around the centre of Manchester from 5am in the early summer light, I got the distinct impression that this was the morning after the night before.

The streets and squares were practically deserted as most Mancunians decided to sleep in after their celebrations.

It meant I had the place to myself and could go about photographing some familiar landmarks that can be difficult in a bustling city centre.

What gets you up early to go out and take photos? Let us know below!

An empty Deansgate in Manchester on an early summer morning

You can’t usually stand in the middle of Manchester’s busy Deansgate

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Christmas in Manchester

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Christmas may be a smaller celebration in 2020, but it hasn’t stopped Manchester putting on its finest illuminations, bringing bling and bokeh to the city. READ MORE BELOW

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I chose a dry, mild evening to walk a large circuit around Manchester city centre, stopping often to capture the lights.

There’s restaurant The Ivy’s declaration of love to the city, which has become an Instagram hit.

But my favourite is the cathedral tree which is a glittering frame with not a pine needle in sight.

The scourge of Covid is on the rise again and this Christmas is like no other. No matter how you’re spending it this year, have a safe and happy one.

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Castlefield nights

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Lockdown has made photography a very local affair here in Castlefield, Manchester. Continue reading below

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I’ve ventured out with my camera only a few times since coronavirus pandemic restrictions were eased, swapping indoor projects for exploring the neighbourhood’s canals, industrial architecture and tramways. 

Some warm summer weather prompted some walks to capture fiery sunsets (and even a bright, prominent moon).

And one late night I prowled around the viaducts armed only with a wide aperture, dialled-up ISO and the the street lights for company.

Travel still seems a remote prospect, but at least Castlefield is rich in texture and interesting spaces.

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I love Beetham Tower

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This is a Manchester landmark known by every Mancunian.

I’m especially fond of Beetham Tower, as it’s part of my neighbourhood of Castlefield and framed perfectly in my own living room window.

This slim, tall chisel of blue glass and steel changes colour with the weather and light.

I’ve photographed the building often since moving to Manchester in late 2016, and it continues to enthrall in spite of competition from new skyscrapers. Here are some of Beetham’s best bits.

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Northern winter sunset

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This is when your return from a lovely day out is so well-timed that you catch a beautiful sunset.

Winter is closing in here in Manchester, and the walkway near Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop is an excellent place to watch the sun slide away. The sky is pierced with urban silhouettes, adding detail to sundown frames. Down by the canal, there’s a purple haze to the water and a few lit windows beckon you into cosy interiors.

The northern chill seems to bring more dramatic colour schemes to the darkening sky. It may no longer be warm and the nights are lengthy and dark, but isn’t that a small price to pay?…

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