The Birmingham Theater District is one of our city’s most interesting and colorful areas and my choice for this location spotlight. As a photographer who loves bold colors, this is one of my favorite parts of Birmingham. It’s home to the Alabama Theater and Lyric Theater and several vibrant murals.
As you can see, there is a large mural on the side of the building home to Wheelhouse Salon and across the street from the Alabama Theater. The wall stays in pretty bright sunlight until the afternoon, so plan your session depending on the look you’re after.
Within walking distance of the Alabama Theater, you’ll find several alleys lined in brick. I like to photograph in alleys because of the lack of traffic. And if you time it just right, you’ll end up with some nice dramatic light to play with.
The settings are pretty endless in the Theater District. All of these photos were created within a four block section. I love the variety of manmade materials-glass, metal, brick, etc. I also enjoy the reflections you get on windows in the late afternoon.
If you want soft light, photograph during the last two hours of the day in the Theater District, unless you’re a morning person. I think you’d have to get started just after sunrise to match the wonderful light of the golden hour afternoon there.
I’ve been a photographer for three decades. I feel I have a good sense of light and location. I hope you’re enjoying these location spotlights. Please check out the others I’ve written so far: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Rotary Trail, Altadena Valley Park, and 5th Avenue North. Please contact me to schedule your portrait session. I photograph individuals, families, and couples, including weddings and events.
