World Heritage Night

Liverpool's waterfront is a world heritage site a status that is well deserved. Central to that are the Three Graces which are (from left to right) The Liver Building, The Cunard Building and The Port of Liverpool Building. I think they are really spectacular and look marvellous lit up at night. Liverpool is now a regular destination for major cruise lines and this would be the site that first greets visitors as they disembark for a tour of the city.

There is a debate about whether the heritage site status is a benefit to the city or not. On the one hand it is a recognition for the wonderful architecture and it helps to boost much needed tourism to the city. On the other hand it is argued that it creates a bar to innovation and development. I am sceptical about the second argument because if you draw back from the three graces you will see the development of hotels on one side and the new Liverpool Museum and Open Eye Gallery at Mann Island on the other all of which are great examples of stand out modern architecture. It may be that there is little room for further development along the waterfront but I think the new and the old combine really well.

Old Meets New

Liverpool is such a wonderful city with some stunning architecture and especially along the waterfront at the Pier Head. 

I love reflections and it was impossible to just walk past this view of the Port of Liverpool building reflected in the sheer black glass wall of the Open Eye Gallery which are probably my two favourite buildings in the city. If you ever get the chance you should head down to the Pier Head and enjoy the wonderful architecture and stroll through the Port of Liverpool  building looking up at the glorious dome over the atrium I promise you won't be disappointed.

I think looking at these images that the people walking in the shadow of the Open Eye are probably unaware of the perfect reflection of the building just across the road. The buildings are from different eras and in such different styles but somehow they work so well together.

I was faced with my usual dilemma between colour or B&W and I think on this occasion colour wins out, just but then again when I look at the pictures tomorrow I might just change my mind.

World Heritage Site

A little while ago I was asked if I had any pictures of the Liverpool waterfront and I realised that I didn't so this weekend I went down to the riverside to practice getting some shots of the skyline. The sky was really overcast, it was very windy and it was bitterly cold so far from ideal conditions but I think the clouds make a dramatic backdrop.

The skyline along Liverpool's waterfront have changed dramatically over the past 20 yearsor so with the development of high rise hotels and apartments, the museum of Liverpool and the Open Eye Gallery, modern architecture contrasting with the elegance of the famous "three graces".

I will be going back to take more pictures another day, but hopefully when conditions are a bit brighter.

Disney Magic

Here's a little bit of magic and sparkle for a Monday to get your week off to a bright start.

This is my first attempt at photographing fireworks and I know they're not the best shots possible but they could be a lot worse. My problem was that I hadn't set the focus quite right or perhaps I had the shutter open a fraction too long and that allowed too much camera shake. But hey I shouldn't put myself down, for  first attempt I'm fairly pleased.

The Liverpool waterfront is a spectacular sight and for one night only the Disney Magic Cruise Liner was moored at the Pierhead and just before it's departure the crowds on both sides of the Mersey who had turned out to see were treated to a short firework display. 

You can see just how big the ship is in comparison to the three graces  (The Liver Building, The Cunard Building and The Port Of Liverpool Building) just ahead of its' bow in the first picture. 

The number of kids (and big kids) drawn to see this, because it's Disney was quite something and I am sure that the next time it comes in there will be more people to welcome it.

As for me, well I will be looking out for more firework displays so that I can get some more practice. I am sure that I can get some cracking shots if I try a bit harder next time.