Graffiti mural with a yellow cartoon character holding a red heart on a speech bubble. Blue tropical background with black vertical bars and colorful accents. Birmingham Photographer, West Midlands
Renowned Birmingham-based photographer Simon Donnelly brought his lens and love for urban exploration to Wynwood, Miami—one of the world’s most iconic street art districts. Swapping the familiar streets of the UK for sun-soaked Miami, Simon kicked off his day with an early morning bike ride through the palm tree lined roads and alleys checking out the murals of Wynwood and its surrounding neighborhood.
A cyclist in checkered clothes rides. Innovative freelance photography in Birminghampast a textured wall with dramatic palm tree shadows, creating a mysterious and vintage atmosphere in sepia tones.
A person sits smiling on a bench, gesturing peace, in front of vibrant blue and yellow graffiti featuring a car and a large, animated face.
"There's nothing quite like the light in Miami—it hits differently," Simon notes. "The textures, the graffiti, the culture—it all speaks through the lens in a completely new way."
Classic white convertible car parked in front of a geometric mural with black and white 3D cubes. Palm tree silhouette under vibrant sunrise sky.
Biking and Shooting at Sunrise
Armed with his camera and a rented cruiser bike, Simon explored Wynwood just after sunrise, capturing the golden light as it danced across massive murals by globally recognized street artists. The quiet streets offered a perfect canvas for candid shots, vivid textures, and dynamic compositions.
A person on a skateboard looks at a wall mural featuring black silhouettes of two people holding guns and one holding a rifle, under the text "Lock & Load Miami".
Street mural of two abstract tigers with geometric patterns and vibrant blues. Dark clouds above, modern shopfront on the right, urban atmosphere.
Street scene with a vibrant geometric mural in shades of blue on a building, next to a road with cars. The sky is dramatic with clouds.
Street art mural with vibrant neon colors depicting "High Dive Motel" text, tropical motifs, and geometric shapes on a dark background. Energetic tone.
Whether photographing the layered walls of spray-painted stories or catching a café owner setting up shop, every moment was an opportunity to blend fine art photography with documentary-style urban storytelling.
Black and white mural showing six muscular figures with axes, under a scale symbol with “Power” and “Glory” on it. Dramatic and bold style.
Street art mural shows a man holding a gun to another man's head, who appears frightened. The words "Meanwhile in Libya" are painted beside them.
Graffiti artist spray painting vibrant orange abstract shapes on a wall covered in various tags. A warm, urban, and creative atmosphere.
A U.S. flag waves in front of a modern white building with a dramatic black mural resembling a shark. The scene is set under a bright blue sky.
Colorful building façade with bright pink, yellow, green, and blue polka dots. Features a window and bamboo plant, creating a playful, lively feel.
Bridging Two Cultures Through Art
As a UK-based creative, Simon brings a unique perspective to American streets and street art. “There’s a rawness here that feels familiar to some parts of Birmingham, but it's turned up louder in Wynwood,” he shares.
Two-story building with vibrant rainbow graffiti, featuring large splashes of color and circles. Balconies and windows add contrast against a bright blue sky.
Colorful street art mural featuring a large, detailed Dali eye amidst a vibrant patchwork of geometric shapes and vivid colors, conveying a sense of intensity.
Vibrant scene of three shiny, gold sports cars with blue accents driving on a city street, surrounded by lush green trees and modern buildings.
A vibrant mural of abstract patterns and a tree design covers a dark building wall, with a person sitting below, evoking a sense of urban creativity.
His photo journey not only showcases the district’s bold aesthetic but also reflects Simon’s commitment to cultural storytelling and immersive visual experiences.
A vibrant mural featuring a basketball player dunking with dynamic movement. The player has purple skin tones, set against a colorful background.
A man in a hat and sunglasses sits on a car hood, animatedly talking to two friends, one on a bike, in a lively urban setting. Energetic atmosphere. Simon Donnelly, Birmingham Photographer
Street art mural of vibrant pink and white birds with bold lines against a blue leafy background. Three people walk by, adding movement. Urban, colorful, dynamic.
Street art mural of vibrant pink and white birds with bold lines against a blue leafy background. Three people walk by, adding movement. Urban, colorful, dynamic.
Two people skateboarding on a vibrant city street with colorful murals. The bright sky and artistic atmosphere convey a lively, urban vibe.
A large, painted block resembling a parcel sits on grassy ground in an urban setting. It features black dots, orange paint drips, and signs reading "FRAGILE" and "LIVE ANIMAL."
Black and white image of a person with dreadlocks, sunglasses, and layered necklaces playing a ukulele. They sit cross-legged, exuding a relaxed vibe.
Next Stop in the Journey
Simon’s Miami adventure is part of a broader travel series documenting art, architecture, and human connection through photography. Stay tuned for upcoming galleries and behind-the-scenes content from across the U.S.
Street art mural of a hand holding a spray paint can against a vivid blue background. The hand is detailed with blue paint splatters, conveying creativity.
Join Simon Donnelly for part two: Birmingham-based photographer captures Miami’s Wynwood Art District afternoon session—blending UK perspective with vibrant American street culture.
got a street art event you need shooting? CALL OR TEXT: +44 (0)7836 337293 
Email: sidonnelly@aol.com

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