A few weeks ago, my colleague/friend Marisa from work and I decided to embark on a street photography journey. With cameras in hand and curiosity leading the way, we set our sights on Liège—a city brimming with character, history, and vibrant urban life.
Starting at Place Saint-Lambert & Searching for Street Art
Our adventure began at Place Saint-Lambert, a central square steeped in history and buzzing with activity. Once the site of the grand Saint-Lambert Cathedral, it now stands as an open plaza where the past and present converge. The blend of historic landmarks and modern urban energy made it an excellent starting point for capturing Liège’s essence.
Hoping to capture the city’s vibrant artistic side, we set out to explore some of its well-known street art locations. However, to our disappointment, many of these areas were completely dilapidated, with faded murals and neglected spaces lacking the impact we had anticipated. Instead of dynamic, thriving artwork, we found remnants of creativity overshadowed by decay. It was a stark reminder that street art—so dependent on community engagement and upkeep—can quickly lose its magic when left uncared for. While we had hoped for bursts of color and bold expressions, what we encountered instead was a different kind of visual narrative—one of urban wear and transition.
Iconic Spots: Montagne de Bueren & Liège-Guillemins Station
One of our must-visit locations was Montagne de Bueren, the city's famous staircase. Initially, we planned to climb it, hoping to capture its dramatic leading lines and stunning views. However, the day was too warm, and we decided to admire its presence from below instead. Even without making the climb, the stairway’s steep incline, historic surroundings, and the movement of people ascending and descending provided interesting photographic opportunities.
Next, we made our way to Liège-Guillemins Railway Station, a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava. The flowing curves and sleek aesthetics of the station provided the perfect contrast to the older buildings we had photographed earlier. Light interacted beautifully with the glass and steel structure, giving us endless opportunities to experiment with reflections, symmetry, and motion.
The Art of Observing and Capturing
Street photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and the rhythm of the city. As we wandered through the streets, we focused on observing how light shaped the environment, how people moved, and how seemingly ordinary elements could tell extraordinary stories.
For this shoot, I relied on my trusted Nikon Z8 paired with the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 V lens. This setup allowed me to adapt effortlessly to different scenes—from wide-angle urban landscapes to detailed close-ups. The versatility of the lens let me switch perspectives quickly, ensuring I never missed an interesting subject or fleeting moment.
In post-processing, I chose to present most of my images in black and white, adding an extra dimension to the storytelling. Stripping away color allowed me to focus on composition, contrast, and the raw emotion within each frame. The interplay of light and shadow became even more pronounced, highlighting textures, movement, and the energy of Liège’s streets in a more timeless way. The absence of color emphasized the contrasts between old and new, worn and polished, capturing the city in a way that felt more immersive and expressive.
Reflections on the Experience
Our day in Liège was not just about photography; it was about immersing ourselves in the city's atmosphere, sharing creative energy, and seeing the world through a different lens—literally and metaphorically. Collaborating with Marisa added a fresh perspective, as we exchanged ideas, challenged each other’s angles, and discovered shots we might not have found on our own.
This street photography trip reinforced our love for visual storytelling. Despite the unexpected letdown with the street art, Liège still proved to be an inspiring destination, full of contrasts and character. It remains a city we’d recommend to any photographer seeking new perspectives.
I also have to thank Marisa for the really nice day, we should definitely do it again, next time let's do an urban shoot. I can definitely find some nice locations?
Have a look in my Street album, the first 20 or so pictures are from Liege.
Equipment used for this shoot:
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