Something completely different to wedding photography on my blog this week, but still photography based at least.  I have recently started to use Instagram as a way of sharing more of my personal photography and interacting with the much wider photography community.  Like most social media forms, they can become very addictive! And so, it was whilst nosing around on Instagram that I learnt of the planned Birmingham instameet which took place on Saturday 24th January, 11am - 12.30pm.  The event was organised by Visit Birmingham and was to be the city’s first official instameet with Tim Cornbill, the very talented Birmingham based Photographer taking the lead.

The event was kicked off at the all new and very impressive Library of Birmingham where the details and the all-important theme for the meet were outlined, that being “reflection”.  I find events such as these can be a bit awkward or daunting when you go it alone, especially when you first arrive but I was immediately set at ease by the lovely organisers and soon got chatting to fellow instagrammers.  PHEW. 

Once the formalities were over we hit the city, passing through the controversial and soon to be demolished Birmingham Central Library sparking lots of conversation on the famous Brutalist building.  Tim then guided us under Paradise Circus where we were shown a long forgotten bus station; a feature of the building which I believe was abandoned before completion due to spending cuts.  The walk then continued through Paradise Forum into Chamberlain Square where we then walked around Birmingham’s Museum and art gallery before heading back to Library of Birmingham for a team photo.

It was a really great experience, getting out there doing what I enjoy but in a new area of photography to me, the theme being one I intend to use within my usual wedding work this season.  I met some interesting and lovely people along the way so can’t wait to do it all again soon. 

You can see all images taken at the Instameet by using the hashtag #BrumMeetJan24 via Instagram.  To help support my photography work, please take the time to leave a comment below and hit the like button above.   You can also follow all my work;  follow me on twitter here , like my facebook page here and follow me on Instagram here. 

Follows are a selection of images taken during the day ……………

Looking out of Library of BirminghamLooking out of Library of Birmingham Birmingham Instameet briefingBirmingham Instameet briefing Library of Birmingham Reception area and entranceLibrary of Birmingham Reception area and entrance Library of Birmingham structureLibrary of Birmingham structure Birmingham Central Library WalkwayBirmingham Central Library Walkway Birmingham Central Library Building edgesBirmingham Central Library Building edges Paradise Forum CeilingParadise Forum Ceiling Birmingham Central Library puddle ReflectionBirmingham Central Library puddle Reflection centenary square walkwaycentenary square walkway Chamberlain Square, birminghamChamberlain Square, birmingham Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery from Chamberlain SquareBirmingham Museum and Art Gallery from Chamberlain Square Refection of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery from Chamberlain SquareRefection of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery from Chamberlain Square Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery reflecting onto paradise circusBirmingham Museum and Art Gallery reflecting onto paradise circus Reflection of Birmingham Council HouseReflection of Birmingham Council House