The city of Liverpool in the Northwest of England is obviously very well known for being the home of the Beatles, it is however not only a fabulous destination for music lovers, but also for photographers.
With stunning examples of classical and modern architecture, a vibrant city centre, a culturally diverse population, two Cathedrals! and a world famous seafront it has something for every shooter.
A bonus for all not just photographers is that most of the key attractions are within walking distance of each other.
The notable exceptions being the football stadia and Sefton Park which are both a 10-15 minute taxi ride.
So lets make a start with my favourites, the Anglican and Metropolitan Cathedrals.
First up the Anglican Cathedral.
Pack the widest lens you have, I can't stress that enough.
This place is huge! On my Canon 5D my 17-40mm is barely wide enough, a 14mm would be better.
If your on a smaller sensor you need something like a Sigma 10-22mm.
The best time to shoot the exterior is unsurprisingly the early morning and around sunset.
At sunrise the sun lights up the easterly side of the building but it does take a good hour or so to clear the surrounding buildings.
At sunset you can get a stunning view of the cathedral from the river, my favorite vantage point being close to the marina where you can get a cool reflection shot (don't forget your tripod for long exposures).
Alternatively get closer for a ominous towering perspective shot, Gotham City style.
For the interior, a wide lens is good, but what you really need is fast! Unless your blessed with bright sunny conditions this place can be dark, use a tripod if you can? The fact that it's made of red sandstone doesn't help matters, I use my canon 35mm 1.
4 but something wider would be preferable.
For a few pounds you can also take the lift to the top of the tower for stunning vistas of the city.
Don't forget to visit the sunken St James Cemetery, via a short gravestone lined tunnel through the rock.
Another staple of any Liverpool photographer is the very modern Metropolitan Cathedral.
This is a very striking building clad with white Portland stone.
It has a somewhat tent like appearance, and is known locally as "Paddy's Wigwam".
I find the exterior a difficult building to photograph, particularly in bright sunlight where judging exposure can be tough.
A great shot can be had from the plateau at the rear of the building where you can take in the exterior altar and crucifix.
I'd recommend a tripod to get your horizon straight and photograph at dusk.
Another favourite viewpoint is tucked right into the corners at the front of the building for a great shot featuring the symmetry of the building.
Also try some shots from Hope St looking up the steps that lead to the front of the building.
Again, dig out that wide angle or ultra wide if you have one.
As you know tilt shift lenses are great for architectural photography, but with this building I like to make use of the perspective distortion you get when you tilt a lens upwards.
The rounded aspect of the building really lending itself to this type of image.
For me personally this building is about the interior.
The sun shining through the many stained glass windows change the quality of light throughout the day.
Great photos can be had from the two viewing galleries located either side of building, these can be difficult to find so ask a member of staff.
Here you will have the advantage of a rail to rest your camera on, useful in the low light conditions.
Wide is again order of the day, with a 17-40mm or 10-20mm being the most useful.
If you use use the rail (or a tripod) maybe try some HDR to bring out detail in the deep shadows.