Nestled in the heart of Belfast, the M3 bridge stretches over the River Lagan like a colossal spine of concrete and steel. While often seen as a mere conduit for traffic, this structure offers a captivating subject for monochrome photography, especially for those drawn to the interplay of shapes, light, and shadow.
Beneath the bridge, a world of geometric wonder unfolds. Repeating patterns that draws the eye into the distance. In black and white, these forms gain new power—freed from the distraction of colour, the photographer can focus purely on line, contrast, and form. Angles sharpen, curves soften and the scene becomes a study in architectural rhythm.
Light filters through gaps in the bridge, cutting through the darkness in crisp, narrow beams of light. On a clear day, sunlight splashes across the water and concrete alike, throwing strong shadows that stretch and shift with the time of day. The bridge’s underside becomes a canvas for chiaroscuro—the dramatic contrast between light and shadow that defines great monochrome imagery.
The reflections on the Lagan’s surface add another layer of complexity. In monochrome, the river becomes a dark, shifting mirror, catching glimmers of light or silhouettes of the overhead structure. Photographers can use long exposures to smooth the water, enhancing the stillness and emphasising the strong verticals and horizontals above, although today I used moderate shutter speeds to produce still dark waters.
Shooting under the M3 bridge invites a meditative approach. It's about seeing the urban environment differently—finding beauty in hard lines and quiet light. For those with a camera and a keen eye, this overlooked location is a hidden gallery of form and contrast, waiting to be captured in black and white.
Today when I took the bus to Belfast I did not know what I would photograph; taking a walk along Titanic Quarter produces many opportunities and it summarises the joy of street photography.
A sequence of images taken on this theme:
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