Street Photography – The Sights & Sounds of Manchester

Manchester is a city built on movement – people, industry, music, light and sound – and it’s one of the most rewarding places in the UK for street photography. In 2026, I’m introducing a brand-new photography walk that explores the sights and sounds of Manchester, offered as two separate 5 km sessions: one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The morning session runs from Manchester Piccadilly Station to Castlefield, while the afternoon session follows the same route in reverse. You’re welcome to join either session – or both – depending on how much walking and shooting you’d like to do.

Along the way, we’ll focus on street photography techniques: observing moments, anticipating movement, working confidently in public spaces, and responding to fast-changing light. The route takes in some of Manchester’s most visually rich areas, including the canals of Ancoats, the energy of the Northern Quarter, the open civic space of St Peter’s Square, the scale and flow of Deansgate, and the historic waterways of Castlefield.

This walk is designed to feel like a guided photographic exploration, not a rushed lesson. We’ll stop often, talk through compositions, and adapt to what the city gives us on the day.

As always, the walk is free to attend (gratuity-based), relaxed, and suitable for all experience levels, including camera phone users.

Morning Session
Route: Piccadilly → Castlefield
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Light: Softer morning contrast, reflections, commuters, quieter streets

Afternoon Session
Route: Castlefield → Piccadilly
Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Light: Stronger contrast, busier streets, late-day atmosphere

Each session covers around 5 km at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops.