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Amanda J

@mistybleu17

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I live to 🛬🌍 🗺 118/195
I ❤️ 📸 Check out my photographic journey.
©️All pictures are my own.

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I'm continuing my exploration of London's Brutalist architecture.

A walk through the Alexandra Street Estate brought an unexpected sense of familiarity. As I wandered through its walkways, I realised I'd seen these striking spaces in countless films and TV programmes.

At first, Brutalism wasn't an architectural style I appreciated. It reminded me too much of my childhood, surrounded by concrete, with afternoons spent playing on housing estates and around the underground garages. To me, it felt hard, cold, and unforgiving.

Over time, though, I've found myself seeing it differently. I've started to appreciate the ambition, character, and honesty of these buildings. Perhaps I've simply arrived late to the Brutalism appreciation party, but I'm glad I made it.

#BrutalistArchitecture #leadinglines #AlexandraRoadEstate #brutalism #ConcreteArchitecture by @mistybleu17

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15

25 days ago

Whenever I'm in this area, I'm always drawn to look up. Usually it's because I spot someone staring skyward, phone pointed up, smiling in disbelief.

I suppose the first time I saw the Sky Pool, I was just as amazed. It's still hard to believe there's a swimming pool suspended between two buildings.

#SkyPool #LondonViews #ArchitectureLovers #CityScapes #LondonLife by @mistybleu17

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25

a month ago

Sometimes it's not the biggest exhibit that leaves the biggest impression.

Today at the Victoria and Albert Museum, I noticed a classic shots, the symmetry, the light, and the reflection made the whole space feel almost surreal.

This is a beautiful composition. The reflection creates an almost perfect oval that draws your eye straight to the historic centerpiece, while the repeating arches and skylights give it a calm, almost cathedral-like feel. It has a quiet symmetry that makes you stop and look.
I think the reflection is what elevates this image. It almost looks as though the building is floating between two worlds, making it much more than a straightforward museum photograph.

#MinimalistCurvesInColour #LondonPhotography #BrickArt #MinimalistPhotography #curves by @mistybleu17

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13 days ago

Another perspective of the iconic Brutalist architecture at the Brunswick Centre.

The residential section of the estate is generally reserved for residents, but every now and then you're able to wander through and appreciate its unique design.

I was drawn to the strong geometric lines, repeating patterns and the stark grey concrete. I'm always fascinated by the elevated walkways, landings and entrances leading to the flats; they give the estate a character that's unlike anywhere else.

Architecturally, I find it captivating, although I'm not sure it would be my ideal place to live.

#BrunswickCentre #Brutalism #BrutalistArchitecture #LondonArchitecture #ArchitecturePhotography UrbanPhotography by @mistybleu17

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6 hours ago

The Brunswick Centre was built between 1967 and 1972 and is one of London's most distinctive examples of Brutalist architecture.

What makes it especially interesting is the combination of a residential estate with a shopping centre beneath it, a forward-thinking design that was well ahead of its time and also has a stepped design, providing residential wonderful sunlight.

Following extensive renovations over the years, it's now a vibrant and popular destination in Russell Square.

As I continue exploring London, I keep discovering more examples of Brutalist architecture from this era. While these buildings often divide opinion, their bold geometric forms, lack of ornamentation, and extensive use of exposed raw concrete (béton brut) make them instantly recognisable.

So far, I've visited:
✅ Alexandra Road Estate – A striking stepped design.
✅ The Barbican Estate – Fascinating architecture and urban planning, combining residential living with one of London's most important cultural centres.
✅ The Southbank Centre – Home to the Hayward Gallery and Queen Elizabeth Hall, with its iconic raw concrete forms and the famous Southbank Skatepark beneath.
✅ The Brunswick Centre – A vast residential and shopping complex with a bold, symmetrical exposed concrete design. Curving alongside the railway, it gives many residents plenty of natural light and impressive views.

#Brutalism #BrunswickCentre #LondonArchitecture #BrutalistArchitecture #ExploreLondon by @mistybleu17

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a day ago

I came across an image by Jonathan Knowles where he was playing with paint and letting it drip over a face. It really inspired me to have a go myself.

To be honest, I wasn't brave enough to pour paint over my face, but I still wanted to experiment with the idea, so I used my hand instead.

It was actually a lot of fun! My biggest worry was getting paint all over the carpet, so I only managed to take a couple of shots.

I was told the results were interesting, so I hope you enjoy them too. It was definitely a fun theme to explore, and I'd love to experiment with it again.

#CreativePhotography #PaintPhotography #PhotographyArt #ConceptualPhotography #inspiredbyart by @mistybleu17

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2 days ago

While exploring the work of Jonathan Knowles, it inspired me to experiment with a few test shots.

Looking back, I think they ended up a little too close to his style or previous work (I think), but they were a valuable part of the creative process.

This was such a fun image to create. I had just been gifted a roll of vibrant blue poster paper, and paired with my trusty orange board, the combination worked beautifully.

Sometimes the simplest materials make the boldest images.

#JonathanKnowles #CreativeProcess #PhotographyInspiration #ColourTheory #orangeandblue by @mistybleu17

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3 days ago

Theme - In the style of Jonathan Knowles

Jonathan Knowles is a world-renowned, award-winning British advertising photographer and filmmaker, celebrated for his bold, graphic style and incredible high-speed liquid photography.

As someone who loves experimenting with water in my photography, this brief was right up my street. I've spent countless hours playing with bursting water balloons, frozen water drips, oil and water, ink in water... the possibilities are endless.

My first thought was to explore bubbles. I didn't want to recreate either image, but I was inspired by Jonathan's iconic O2 campaign and also his Thatchers advert where a single drip forms an apple. Instead, I wanted to build on those ideas and see where they could take me.

By experimenting with blowing gently, forcefully, in bursts, and with a constant flow, I discovered all sorts of fascinating shapes.

Eventually, one stood out above the rest.
I've called her "Water Dancer," and I'm thrilled she was awarded second place in the weekly challenge. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the voters connected with the image as much as I did while creating it.

#JonathanKnowles #WaterPhotography #CreativePhotography #LiquidArt #stilllifephotography by @mistybleu17

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4 days ago

I saw this lady walking with a parasol and she looked so classical it just made me think.

Pretty beautiful

#parasol #KingsCross #classical #inspirationalwords #wordsofwisdom by @mistybleu17

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7 days ago

A few more practice shots that I'm really happy with, continuing to explore the beauty of curves and minimalism.

There's something captivating about the way a simple curve can create movement, balance, and emotion without unnecessary detail. Stripping a scene back to its essential shapes and lines lets the form speak for itself, revealing beauty that's often overlooked.

I do, however, think it's time to step away from buildings for a while and see where the next creative direction takes me.

#Minimalism #MinimalPhotography #FineArtPhotography #Curves #AbstractPhotography by @mistybleu17

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9 days ago

Theme - Minimalist curves in colour

As I've been focusing on architecture lately, when this week's challenge was announced, my mind went there straight away.

As I explored different buildings, I realised my interpretation of the theme was a little different from how I normally approach minimalism.

To me, curved minimalism in architecture combines clean lines, sleek and uncluttered surfaces with organic forms, soft simple geometric shapes, and flowing lines. Replacing sharp edges and rigid angles with curves creates a gentler aesthetic, enhancing the way natural light moves through a space, and brings a sense of calm and flow.

I was drawn to this curved wall of the Serpentine Pavilion because it had character while still embracing the simplicity of minimalist design.

No podium finish for me this week, as I came in 5th, but I'm really pleased with how this image turned out and enjoyed exploring a different perspective on minimalism.

#ArchitecturePhotography #Minimalism #MinimalArchitecture #CurvedArchitecture #UrbanPhotography by @mistybleu17

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10 days ago

This is my final look at the Barbican Estate; what an incredibly unique place. Every corner has its own character, making it a fascinating place to explore and photograph. There's always something new to notice, from the striking Brutalist architecture to the hidden walkways and tranquil gardens.

Did you know the Barbican Estate was built on an area heavily damaged during the Second World War and is now one of Europe's largest examples of Brutalist architecture? It also contains over 2,000 flats, alongside theatres, galleries, a cinema, and one of London's largest conservatories.

I'd love to come back on a quiet Sunday afternoon to visit the Conservatory and spend more time wandering this remarkable part of London.

#BarbicanEstate #BrutalistArchitecture #LondonArchitecture #ExploreLondon #UrbanPhotography HiddenLondon by @mistybleu17

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11 days ago