To coincide with Liverpool's first International Photography Festival, Look11, and as a personal response to the festival's central theme, I am pleased to announce my on-line exhibition 'Look11 Liverpool' from May 2011. Visit http://look11paulspainexhibition.blogspot.com/
Update: Thank you to all who visited this on-line exhibition, which has now closed. Images from the exhibition can be viewed via my Picasa album. Please note that all of my work is covered by copyright laws - this includes the downloading or copying of my photographs without prior permission.

I have some of my photographs available for sale in my on-line store. Just visit www.etsy.com (Search under 'sellers' for PauloSabian.) Thank you all for your positive feedback and interest in my work. Don't forget to check my 'back catalogue' here and on Picasa (via clicking on the slideshow on this blog.) Most of my photographs are for sale, please contact me for more details. A book of 'images and words' is to follow soon.

September 1st 2010 - Sunset Over The Mersey

Most of Merseyside children went back to school today and true to form it was one of the best days of summer. This evenings sunset over the Mersey was spectacular .... I can feel the days tumbling down to a precious few....here comes the Autumn.

August 31st 2010 - Perfect Lighting

Lighting for taking photographs does not get much better than this. The one thing I have learnt in this project is it is so important to get the lighting right, whether it is being patient and observant outdoors waiting to capture a shot or when working in the studio; if the lighting is not sparkling wait until it is, or adjust the studio lights until it is. And don't even think of Photoshop!

I am sure Mr Picasso would agree.

August 30th 2010 - Jim Morrison Lives

I had the good fortune of seeing Jim Morrison 'live' outside The Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts in Derby Square today. It was part of the Matthew Street Music Festival. My daughter, however, was not the least bit impressed. She said it was 'just a load of noisey noise.'

August 29th 2010 - Matthew Street Festival

Today was the first day of the Matthew Street Music Festival which saw over 300,000 vistors coming to the city centre to enjoy the bank holiday revelry. John Lennon looks on ..... I can only wonder what JL would have `Imagined' of it all.

August 7th 2010 - Mount Pleasent Car Park

I like the symetry of the concrete muti storey car park and the beauty of the evening sky. Beauty and the beast coming together to make a pleasing photograph.

August 6th 2010 - End Of An Era

I read recently of the relocation of Royal Mail's Copperas Hill Sorting Office. I must admit my heart did sink. I don't particularly like the building but for as long as I can remember it is a building that has been central to Liverpool life. It also marks the end of the Liverpool Post Mark on letters... unbelieveable! Who, in their infinite wisdom, has decided to end the 2nd oldest postmark outside London? It seems they believe the historic Liverpool postmark must be replaced by the mighty......Warrington post mark!

5th August 2010 - Cooper's Emporioum

I am always fascinated when a building is demolished.. I love the cut away view that is revealed and, at the time, it saddens me to think a building with so much history; people working and living within this concrete block for so many years and that these memories, tears and laughter will soon be gone. And many laughs were had at Cooper's Emporium by all accounts. A true atmospheric ale house.

4th August 2010 - The Bridge Of Sighs

This is the bridge that links L1 shopping centre with the NCP car park, and many sighs can be heared from both children and men about to embark on another shopping trip with mum/partner. For me, however, it was an opportunity to play with light and angle.

August 3rd 2010 - Albert Dock

A different view of the Albert Dock taken in the evening sunshine. The new bus station is in the foreground. I like the way the lines of the window divide the photograph up, I could spend a long time photographing the different combinations of symmetry made by the glass

August 2nd 2010 - River Mersey Steps

High tide on the River Mersey this evening, and these old steps caught my eye. I like the feeling of age and strength in this photograph the strength of stone losing the battle of liquid erosion from the ancient Mersey.

1st August 2010 - The State Ballroom - Through The Keyhole

A sad picture of The State, a great alternative club of the 1980's. You were always guaranteed a good night at The State, especially on a Thursday when it cost 1p to enter. Situated in Dale Street, it was first used for Tea Dances in the 1930's. It is of an Art Nouveau design and is a Grade Two listed building. The Littlewood's Pools Group used it for their social club and later as storage space. The State closed on 11th November 1989 and as the photograph shows, it is need of much love and restoration.

July 31st 2010 - Falkner Square

Falkner Square was completed in 1830 and is truly a gem in Liverpool's crown. It was one of the first public open spaces in the city and is of great historic importance, surrounded by Georgian terraces. The Square is named after Edward Falkner, born in 1760. Falkner was a well-liked individual who became Sheriff of Lancashire following a very successful military career. The area around the Square was purchased by Falkner and his family and Falkner Square was completed in the mid 1800's. Although the houses were grand, they stood empty for a number of years as they were considered too far from the City Centre to travel by horse and carriage. During that period the area was known as 'Falkner's Folly' but later became more popular and all properties were inhabited. Most are now apartments, with one building converted into a well known Youth Hostel, favoured by young travellers from around the globe for it's friendly Liverpool welcome. I took this shot of Falkner Square for the early evening light through the trees.

July 29th 2010 - St Andrews Church - Summer Fruits
The Church of St. Andrews in Rodney Street was built by the Scottish Presbyterian Church in 1823. It is in great need of restoration - hopefully it will be fully restored for its 200 year anniversary. The summer fruits in the foreground shroud the pyramid tomb of James MacKenzie - I shall tell his story in Halloween week; it is worth waiting for!

July 28th 2010 - 18 Sefton Park Road

An unusual door leading to a Georgian mansion behind. Another wet day in Liverpool; it has not stopped raining since the announcement of the hosepipe ban at least 3 weeks ago. This property is up for sale if you fancy a slice of bohemian living in Liverpool. I shall have to sell a few Paulo Sabian 2011 calenders to put my deposit on it! Due to numerous requests since starting this blog, I am now taking orders for calenders for 2011, so please email if you are interested in purchasing one, I shall post details soon.

July 27th 2010 - Peter Kavanagh's

One of Liverpool's most famous pubs is situated on the corner of Egerton Street. Peter Kavanagh was born in 1873 and was a successful landlord and a respected figure within the Catholic Church. The pub dates from the 1870s when it was named 'The Liver Inn', it was renamed in the 1970s after the man himself. The Hogarth Room in the pub is home to some beautiful murals which were painted by Eric Robinson in 1929. The murals depict scenes from Charles Dickens' 'The Pickwick Papers'. It is a real community pub with locals, students, professors and photographers amongst the clientele.

July 26th 2010 - Queen Victoria

Cunard's Queen Victoria sailed into Liverpool today. She is the second largest Cunard ship ever built after the Queen Mary. Camilla , Duchess of Cornwall, had a second tour of the ship in dock. Her first visit saw her fail to succesfully smash the champagne bottle on the side at the naming cermony.

July 25th 2010 - The Atlantic Avenue Diesel Engine

This diesel engine was restored as part of the regeneration of the Atlantic Avenue by Merseyside Development Corporation. It symbolises the use of trains in the area which were often seen but I haven't seen a dock train in years, they played an important part in the import and export trade of Liverpool Docks.

July 24th 2010 - Bankfield Street

A scene looking down to the docks and beyond to Wirral. A feel of two different eras coming together.