Tasty Treats

 I found this retro snack van irresistible, the idea of hot drinks and fresh donuts on a cold day, yum yum. However, tempting as that might sound the stall holder probably wished that s/he'd stayed home as there were no takers, at least while I was around.

It really is a striking colour too, certainly impossible to miss. I also think the scene looks good in high contrast black and white with the lights spelling out the word Donuts actually standing out as lights rather than painted on blobs of colour as they appear (to me at least) in the colour picture.

Museum

 

As promised in my previous post here are some shots of the exterior of the Museum of Liverpool which is situated on Liverpool's waterfront alongside the 3 Graces (Port of Liverpool Building, Cunard Building and Liver Building) near the Pier Head which as well as the terminal for the famous Mersey ferries is also a thriving cruise terminal.

I know that not everyone loves this style of architecture and it certainly is a stark contrast to the classical styles of the old waterfront icons. However it is in my opinion quite a stunning building and from every angle it provides some great views. 

I love the way the old Port of Liverpool Building is reflected in the windows in the first image which also shows some of the other fine modern architecture at Mann Island which houses the offices of RIBA and the Open Eye Gallery. I have cropped the final image to highlight the angles of the buildings to show the way they interact with each other, as you move around the building the angles and your line of sight changes so you are always presented with a dramatic view.

Although the exterior of the building is very angular, on the water side of the museum there is a gentle curve to the exterior wall and this is reflected to some extent on the interior where the central stairway is a beautiful spiral. (I will likely share some images of that in one of my next blogs).

Historic Docks

 

I know that by experimenting I will improve my photography so recently I have been practicing with long exposures and night time photography and I am enjoying the results, hopefully you are too. 

As well as extending the exposure times I have also tried using different settings for the white balance and if you compare the first image with one of the similar shots I posted yesterday you will be able to see the difference quite clearly.

In the second of today's pictures I am looking into the heart of the dock. At one time this would have been full of ships unloading and loading their cargoes and there would have been a real energy to the place. Now there is a maritime museum, the Tate Gallery, boutiques and bistros and the warehouses are now loft apartments and the only boats to moor here are pleasure craft.

If you look carefully in the second image you will see a couple of light traces on the water. These were caused by a group of kayakers who were exploring the docks after dark. I can imagine it is quite an experience to do that and although I was surprised to see them I wouldn't mind having a go at that myself.

Waterfront at Night

Having done some early evening long exposures at West Kirby marine lake the other day I thought it would be good to try some night time shots down at Liverpool's Albert Docks and the waterfront.

The third image is a 30 second exposure looking towards the Museum of Liverpool (the white building on the left) and Mann Island. The Liver Building is just visible in the centre.

Old And New Liverpool

While the city was bustling with shoppers seeking bargains in the post Christmas sales I headed down to the waterfront with my youngest son to take some photos of the fine buildings around the docks. 

In the first shot, viewed across Canning Dock you can see (from left to right) the Museum of Liverpool, the Open Eye Gallery and  No1 Mann Island. In the background you can make out the top of The Liver Building, The Cunard Building and part of The Port of Liverpool Building which together are known as Liverpool's Three Graces and have earned the City Waterfront World Heritage status. 

As you can see from the water in the dock it was very windy today and so it wasn't possible to get any clear reflections. I will go back another time when the conditions are calmer, maybe in the evening when the lights are on and see what shots I can get then.

I was going to save the second picture for another day but the words seemed appropriate given that it was a windy day. This was shot inside the Museum of Liverpool and the words which circle around the balustrade of the central staircase are lyrics from "Song For John" by Yoko Ono

World Heritage Night

My third view of Liverpool at night. I love this panorama of Liverpool's illuminated waterfront. I have kept quite a lot of the river in the foreground because I like the reflected glow. 

I first came to Liverpool in 1990 and in the past 27 years the city has changed so much. There has been lots of investment and growth in the city centre and gradually the development is  moving outwards. The skyline has changed and the famous three graces (The Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building) have become surrounded by some amazing new buildings. 

On one side there are hotels and offices and on the other there is the fantastic Open Eye Gallery at Mann Island and on the waterfront there is the Museum of Liverpool. I love the city and I am proud to be here. I love this view and hope you enjoy it too.