20 Cracking Candid Bristol Pictures

Colin Moody’s Amazing Bristol Pictures

Colin Moody is a bit of a Bristol legend. Presenter of The Source on Made In Bristol TV, host for events companies and charities. iPad guru to Bristol’s elders, on BCfm 93.2fm and a phenomenal Bristol photo blogger. Armed with just his iPad, Colin takes glorious photos of Bristol, completely capturing Bristol’s essence. We take a look at 20 of his best Bristol photos.

1. Duck – St Philips

I just had to wait for someone to make this shot work. This is my favourite composition of all. Thank you the wind, graffiti artist and mountain of bricks.

2. Bird Storm – Cumberland Basin

During a scouring of the harbour hundreds of fish got stranded which attracted the birds. I love the way they space themselves in light and shadow and the leader has turned.

3. Balloon seller – St Werburghs City Farm Summer Fair

It’s great to catch people holding objects interacting with the graffiti in our city. This is one of my favourites.

4. Bristol water fight – two domes – Millennium Square

I wrapped the iPad up good and proper and waded in. By getting behind the light water forms domes to match the planetarium. Bristol at its most fun loving, free and solid at the same time.

5. Gull tree – Durdham Downs

I nodded off then saw one gull. Turned around as they all took off. Click. I use this image a lot in my charity work with Aliveactivities.org to stimulate our elders into talking about the Downs.

6. Banksy dog – Harbour

I don’t know who owns the dog, but together they work. This is one of my less square pictures.

7. Style and  protest – Centre

Loving their style as they take time out from protesting to stare at me, text and still look cool.

8. Underfall yard – Harbour

The light was right and the boat selection just so. This area is a constantly changing landscape of awesome boats, bits and bobs.

9. Weed on the line – Harbour

Come the weekend the steam train would have rolled this weed flat, so a short life but a great chance for me to capture this early summer optimism.

10. Protest – Centre

Taken during the migrant boat crisis protest this I like for the levels above and below the banner.

11. Get up! – University Library

Humour shot, with the statue about to kick…

12. Bus queue – Broadmead

A bird for every weary waiting traveller. Spirits above them.

13. “Is it a banksy…?” – B.R.I.

Noticed these two art lovers. When one leaned in I just had to click. The crown and the umbrella tie in well. Thanks to my Insta mate Jess for correcting me on the artist! It’s Incwel.

14. Ferry passing – Harbour

When the ferry passes under Peros bridge you can get a great drone type shot without the hassle. I’m a big fan of thinking where the camera needs to be to make a shot work in a new way.

15. Crossing the tracks – New Cut

Never take photos on railways but this one one operates at the weekend. It’s being replaced with a bus route soon so I wanted a poignant picture to remember it by.

16. Eclipse hunters – Clifton Observatory

Don’t try this at home, but these students made an eclipse cinema you wear to see the celestial event. It worked very well! One wears it, the other guides you to target. For me this is pure performance art. Love it.

17. Nepal Fundraiser – Stokes Croft

I occasionally if the mood is right, and where we are has an interesting backing, ask people if I can take their portrait. This one for me really sums up the Bristol spirit with a tropical spirit that we have gained from such a diverse mix of cultures in Stokes Croft.

18. Cycle city – Temple Meads

This photo appeared in the Observer on Sunday representing what is great about our city. I just waited ages for the right cyclist to come by. Click.

19. Wings – Peros Bridge, Harbour

Pairs of wings, one natural and fleeting, one architectural and permanent. Again a kind of Bristol shot.

20. Bridge pairs – Clifton Suspension Bridge

Sam Gillies

Founder and editor of Best of Bristol. Creator of numerous Bristol lists, guides & videos. Most likely found attempting to find interesting street art across Bristol and other cities.