Exploring the city’s most photogenic locations

Sheffield is a city full of contrasts – a place where striking Brutalist architecture sits alongside rolling green hills, and where industrial heritage meets vibrant modern culture. For photographers, it’s an endless source of inspiration, whether you’re capturing the vibe of the streets, the tranquillity of its parks, or the atmospheric urban textures that make the city so unique.

But where are the best places to take photos in Sheffield? And how do you get started if you’re new to photography? To find out, we spoke to four talented local photographers, each with their own perspective on what makes Sheffield such a special place to shoot. They’ve shared their favourite spots, as well as tips for anyone looking to hone their skills and capture the essence of the Steel City.

We asked them to choose two of their favourite photo locations and answer these three questions:

Tell us a bit about yourself – how did you get into photography?

What do you love most about photographing Sheffield?

Do you have any tips for people wanting to take great photos in Sheffield?

Here’s what they had to say…

Rob Nicholson – @robnicholson (Instagram) – Photos L/R Park Hill Flats ft Toddlat, Derwent Reservoir:

“I’ve always been in to photography really. Always admired it anyway. My uncle used to work for the Sheffield Star as a photographer so there’s lots of memories of him having cameras. My great uncle was a keen photographer as well. I bought my first proper camera just as the first lockdown came in so just went out on my own in to the countryside when we were allowed and just shot landscapes which has carried on being the main focus on my Instagram. Then that progressed to shooting other things like still life, experimenting with flash and building up my kit. It wasn’t until we started shooting at the bars that it really started to grow and become what Pedalo is now. And it’s just grown from there. Bigger work, got a studio, started working with people in there and doing portraits. “

“Sheffield is such a great canvas to shoot on. Not many cites have incredible Brutalist architecture then 10 minutes in any direction is stunning countryside.”

“I guess my advice would be go and explore. Be open to different styles and places you might not think are a great shot can often turn out to be a really good backdrop for something. Take a little point and shoot camera or even just your phone and get some shots. There’s so many great textures and scenes in Sheffield.”

Anita Kucma – @anitakucma (Instagram) – Photos L/R Sheffield Station, The Crucible:

“I am a small town polish woman who is very passionate about my photography work – every image is special in some way to me and sometimes I will go to extremes to get the images which match with my ideas! I have always liked photography. When I was a teenager I would often grab my old Panasonic Lumix Camera and go for a walk with friends catching moments etc. I didn’t know a lot about photography at that time. I was mostly shooting on auto settings, then people around me would start saying ‘I’ve got an eye for it’. It was a time when there was no social media, unlike now, so everything just landed on some discs and were forgotten about.“

“Around a couple of years ago I was looking for something that could keep me busy outside of work. Something creative, something just for me. I thought a lot about buying a professional camera, but my knowledge was minimal. I decided to give myself a chance. I started my photography journey with an old DSLR camera to learn about the different settings. I walked around Sheffield city centre where I now reside with my camera, gradually capturing all the beautiful landscapes and buildings which Sheffield has to offer. This led me to depict my own view of the city through all the changing seasons.”

“The genre of the city of Sheffield and the urban photography is so broad that it is tough to narrow it all down into a single reason. The reason I love photographing Sheffield, is because of the grand architecture and cityscapes this beautiful city has to offer. I would also say the people, the weird quirky moments, or the quiet scenes are some of the other reasons this city is so special to me. Seasons change, the weather changes which makes every location and image unique in its own way. You can find a particular location in Sheffield and be amazed at all the opportunity the location has to offer, bringing your own creations into life. Something I enjoy is walking and exploring which broadens my knowledge on all of the different possibilities and opportunities Sheffield has to offer for me. For example The Crucible, which is one of my favourite places. It looks so different during a busy day compared to a quiet night when the streets are lonely, when Tudor Square looks like a ghost town. I love all of the colourful lights and reflection during the rain which makes this magical place even more full of magic.”

“My advice for anyone who wants to start taking photos would just be to grab your camera and go. Practice, practice and practice! Experience is the best teacher, take as many photos as you can!. Even if you fail at first, just remember FAIL means “First Attempt In Learning”. I’m completely self taught and that’s really down to keeping my camera with me at all times and taking photos constantly. Photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson said, “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” So don’t be afraid to make mistakes, try new things, and have fun with your camera.”

Santiago Arias – @ariassphotos (Instagram) – Photos L/R Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Heart of the City development Cambridge Street Collective:

“I’ve always been drawn to visuals and composition, probably because of my background in architecture. Photography started as a side hobby (just capturing places I visited) but over time, it became something I wanted to share with others.”

“Sheffield has this unique mix of old industrial grit and green spaces. It also feels like it’s always changing. New developments contrast with historic buildings, creating an ever-changing cityscape that’s great to photograph.”

“Explore a spot more than once. Never assume you’ve seen all it has to offer! Misty mornings, wet pavements, and cloudy days bring out incredible textures and moods that can completely transform a scene.”

Emma Bothamley – @emmabphoto (Instagram) – Photos L/R Sheffield Peace Gardens, Meersbrook Park:

“My grandads and great-grandad were all into photography, so I grew up around cameras. Being an only child, taking endless amounts of photos kept me preoccupied. Then photography turned into a serious hobby when I was 14, and I went on to do a photography course at Norton College.

After college, I got into photographing motorsports and was lucky enough to photograph the British Touring Car Championship a few times along with a Formula E test day. After the passing of my maternal Grandad in 2015, the grieving process made me lose a lot of motivation, which in turn impacted my love of photography.

There were some sparks in between, but I didn’t properly get back into taking photos until early 2023, when I pushed myself to photograph consistently and share the results on social media.”

“I would say the varied architecture mixed with all the greenery we have here. I think a lot of people take it for granted, me included sometimes. I love the heritage of this city, and in recent years, it’s been fascinating capturing the changing cityscape, with the likes of Heart of the City II finishing. Also, I simply love showing off my home city!”

“My first tip would be to explore Sheffield’s mix of urban and natural landscapes. If you want the best lighting, take photos during golden hour. Also, don’t forget about the city’s parks and green spaces like Peace Gardens and Meersbrook Park—they offer natural backdrops and great views. Keep an eye out for hidden gems, like the amazing street art around the city. Just take your time, experiment with different angles, and enjoy taking photos!”