Street Photography in Leeds

Kirkgate Market was the largest indoor market in Europe when it opened in 1857, according to the council's history. Marks and Spencer began here as a penny stall, and still has one. The 1904 hall survived a fire in 1975, and its iron and glass roof gives soft top light. Work Butchers Row and the fish stalls, where traders call out to regulars. The council lists hours of 8am to 5:30pm. Ask before close portraits of traders.

Briggate is the main pedestrian shopping street, and the Victoria Quarter's arcades run off it. McFade photographed candid moments of passers-by and storefronts along it. It is busy all day, and busiest on Saturdays. Use the arcade entrances as frames and wait for a shopper to step into the light. The arcades are private property, and McFade notes that some shopping centres in Leeds restrict photography, especially with a tripod. Keep it handheld and discreet.

The Corn Exchange is a round building from 1864 by Cuthbert Brodrick, with a spectacular domed roof that floods the interior with daylight. Today it holds independent shops and eateries. Stand on the upper gallery and shoot down onto the circular floor, where people walking across become small figures in a big shape. The light is even and soft even on grey days. It is private, so ask staff if you want to stay long.

Park Square is a Georgian square a few minutes west of the centre. McFade calls it surprisingly tranquil, with lawns bordered by elegant buildings, including the Moorish-style St Paul's House. At lunchtime, office workers take their breaks on the grass, which adds people to the architecture. Spring is best, when flowers bloom and sunlight filters through the trees. Shoot from the edges rather than walking among people who are resting.

Granary Wharf is where the Leeds and Liverpool Canal meets the River Aire, right by the train station. McFade notes the canal west of the centre offers reflective water shots, especially at golden hour. The Dark Arches, the brick vaults carrying the station over the river, are loud and moody, with water rushing beneath. Use the arches to frame walkers and cyclists heading to the towpath. The towpath is narrow; watch for bikes.

Brewery Wharf sits on the south bank of the Aire, a short walk from the centre, with bars and flats along the water. McFade singles out its footbridge for dynamic images. For street work, stand at one end of the bridge and wait for a figure to cross against the river and the buildings behind. After work, the bars fill and people gather along the water. Evening light from the west lights faces on the bridge.

To the east, near the Royal Armouries, McFade notes the scenery turns industrial, with a contrast between modern buildings and the old riverside. Leeds Dock is quieter than the centre, which suits slow compositions: a lone walker on the dockside, a cyclist against a brick wall. Weekends bring families to the museum. Pair it with Brewery Wharf in one riverside walk. The water here is calmer than in the centre, so on a still evening the dock gives you clean reflections of the buildings and anyone walking along the edge.

Chapeltown is the home of the Leeds West Indian Carnival, which began in 1967. The BBC calls it the largest Caribbean carnival outside London, with around 100,000 visitors. The parade starts at 2pm on Bank Holiday Monday in Potternewton Park and loops along Chapeltown Road and Roundhay Road, which the BBC suggests as a good viewing spot. The J'Ouvert procession starts at 6am the same morning. Ask before portraits, and keep your gear close in the crowd.