World Record Shortlist: Birmingham Markets
Liz Combellack, 26, took the photo on a recent trip to Birmingham’s famous markets. Liz, who lives in Erdington has just finished a course at Sutton Coldfield College in ‘Digital Photography and Photo Manipulation’ and works as a welfare support office for the University of Birmingham, in Edgbaston.
Liz says:
“My partner and I visit the markets at least once a week to buy all our fruit and vegetables, and like to have a good root around the clothes and material stalls. ‘My life in Birmingham – Born and Bred’ was the topic for my final portfolio at college, it covered a wide range of shots which were representative of areas in my life. I feel Birmingham is a city full of culture and history and this shot is a representation of the diversity we see today. The Bullring and markets are my favourite images of Birmingham; it is at the forefront of all the positive things people know and love about Birmingham and is a landmark of social history.”
Big Picture Project Manager, Kerry Endsor, says:
“The aim of The Big Picture was to encourage as many different people from all ages and interests to get involved, to help create a detailed piece of social history that offers an insight into the lives and loves of local residents, creating a true picture of the region that will be there to enjoy for generations to come. Liz’s photograph is a great picture of the iconic Birmingham markets, which hold a special place in the lives of so many people in the Midlands.”
What do you say? What does the photo make you think or feel, is it your favourite? Leave your comments here:
July 26th, 2008 at 3:06 am
This picture does not do the lady serving justice, as to appreciate her nature one would have to listen to her mouth.
July 28th, 2008 at 1:10 am
My favorite picture
August 1st, 2008 at 15:26 pm
Thanks for your comments both - I appreciate you need to hear this other than see it, but it hard to capture something so wonderful in such a small frame space - to me this is Birmingham, this is what the Mildands for me is all about. Multiculture and diversity all in one big space. Thanks again, Liz
August 1st, 2008 at 16:24 pm
Of all the pictures on the Big Picture shortlist, I definitely think that this captures the essence of Birmingham - nice and colourful too! Good job Liz
August 1st, 2008 at 16:34 pm
We at Leftlung have been following the Big Picture since its inception. My partner was the winner of the World In One Region competition last year and we were both sorry we could not make the launch of The Big Picture.
Liz has taken a photo that sums up the diversity of Birmingham and the combining factors of society that mean that the city is owned by its people and are not merely a product of it.
The movement in the image helps to emphasise the vibrancy of the location. I feel that Liz has captured this essence of her subject very well.
Surely the winning image in my opinion.
August 1st, 2008 at 16:52 pm
This is a superb picture! When I think of Birmingham, one of the first things that comes to mind is the Bullring and markets…it’s a massive part of Birminghmas history and this picture just sums it all up! Love it….easily the winner for me!
August 1st, 2008 at 21:33 pm
I like this photograph by Liz. The fruit & veg give a natural opportunity to display a vivid colour capture (which Liz has done very well.) It is also good to see independent/non-corporate business thriving in a city centre. The makets of Birmingham provide a welcome rest from the blandness of modern city centre high streets. I think this photograph makes this point very well.
August 1st, 2008 at 21:53 pm
Just seen this, I love how colourful it is, how it portrays so many different aspects of Birmingham, age, culture, life, movement etc. It sums up the busy busy market life, next to a calm and serene day to day business of the shopper. It’s a great pic. Well done to the photographer!
August 2nd, 2008 at 16:57 pm
Good old bustling Brum, captured nicely by Liz. I like the positioning of the bananas.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:21 am
This photo sums up Birmingham for me - full of colour and variety. A simple picture which captures so many things. Well done Liz!
August 6th, 2008 at 0:49 am
Nice shot that sums Birmingham up. A refreshing change from the Selfridges building!
Great capture, I like the hand written price signs. Do they learn this sort of handwritting or is it passed on through generations? Again only adds to the “as is” feel of the image. The tin of Cola tucked away is brilliant and subtle.
Nice one.
August 7th, 2008 at 17:59 pm
Great picture-Reminds me of my home town(I now live abroad)
August 8th, 2008 at 1:16 am
Love the colour and nicely framed.
August 8th, 2008 at 11:58 am
For me this is what cities and specifically Birmingham are about. Amongst the regeneration of the city the local residents remain constant. It repressents why people come together, to trade, and the diverse range of relationships that result; age and diversity, colour and communication.
August 12th, 2008 at 11:37 am
This picture sums up the hustle and bustle of the markets. I think the fruit looks very tast as well!
August 16th, 2008 at 21:42 pm
Good luck Liz….I agree with everyone. Birmingham city centre to me is the hustle and bustle of the markets….well done for capturing it well and also for being shortlisted, for me you are the winner!!!
August 18th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Thanks for all your comments guys. Jennie, I clicked on your website and your story is inspirational, you have a wonderful eye for photography and there are some truly breathtaking images on there - thanks again
August 25th, 2008 at 18:11 pm
This photographer is very talented! She has certainly captured the culture and essence of Birmingham in such a colourful and bright way. I was grew up and was born in Birmingham, now I live away and this picture just reminds me of my home city so much. It inspires thought and insight into the lives of Birmingham’s residents & what Birmingham means for so many.