Sometimes I get these really cool opportunities to explore places in Birmingham long after the public have absconded for the evening. This week I was afforded another of these amazing experiences, along with many other fine Birmingham photographers. I would like to say off the bat that I feel very privileged to be offered such opportunities, and I would like to thank the staff of the Bullring marketing team, and Selfridges who stayed late so we could explore.
The Bullring is probably one of the UK's most popular shopping centres, and you might ask what exactly is exciting about photographing such a place after dark? However, I think these sort of spaces offer up much more than they readily reveal. When the crowd have dissipated, the true nature of the architecture is on display, from the blunt, harsh angles of the escalators, the soft, rounded edges of balconies and shop shutters.
I first arrived in Birmingham as a fresh-faced 16 year old back in 1999 when the Bullring and Selfridges were still under construction. I've watched these mere collections of bricks and mortar become institutions, recognisable to Brummies and non-Brummies alike. Their history is interwoven with my own, as I bounced back and forth between Birmingham, Bristol and other parts of this pleasant land.
Below is a collection of imagery from the evening, often I find myself more interested in the details than the bigger picture. I'm fascinated with how the artificial light falls on the architecture, relishing in the eerie atmosphere of a place I'd only every experienced full of life. Of course, such places have a life after dark, from the security team, to the shop merchandisers and the unsung heroes of any building, the cleaners.
I hope you enjoy this selection; and as always I would love to hear your thoughts.