Hi there Ricky,
Morris Avenue is fairly photogenic in terms of a great warehouse/generic post industrial area. (No signs or business interference.)
I would consider 1st Avenue South for some Graffiti and general railroad/dockyard/warehouse stuff.
Avondale and areas coming through Gate City have plenty of graffiti.
1st Avenue North and 32nd (or perhaps 35th Street) have quite a bit of graffiti.
If you are looking for a more upbeat warehouse look (not as run-down) I would have a gander at 2nd Ave South near the Dr. Pepper warehouse.
I recommend most of the avenues between 1st Avenue South and of course 8th Avenue South (University Boulevard).
You'll find a historic dock/storage house/warehouse off of 6th Avenue South (known now as 'The Fish Market') and a block over near UAB's first hospital (the Hillman Building) is a great opportunity for more vintage photography (away from the Hillman deck heading towards where 7th Avenue South ends near the Brassfield and Gorrie Headquarters).
Hell, there is an older fellow on here that works in or around Absco Fireplace and Patio that has an interesting checkered Jeep on here that would probably let you take some photographs near their showroom and near their warehouse(s). I believe his name might be Galbreath...heehee. Howdy Mr. Galbreath!
3rd Avenue South is a great one (I believe Russell's Speed Shop is off of third, but could be 5th) and I have already checked with Russell's Speed Shop and they said that taking photographs in front of there building at night or anyother time should be no problem (I have done mutiple motocycle shots there). I recommend calling them and discussing times and dates though before you go, but they have probably the cleanest graffiti in Birmingham because it is part of there business. I also have checked with Birmingham Police and they said they same as well: just let them know when and where you expect to do a shoot so they won't be suspicious of you (if late times are a concern) and also so they know that you are there.
The BPD will even assist you in some areas if you need it.
Those are just a few off the top of my head, but I made a book of these places in Birmingham although, they are still in Birmingham and I do not have access to them now.
You may also find that some of UAB's newer parking decks are totally utilizable and look great. I would have a gander at UAB's deck off of 6th Avenue South and 20th Street and also their newer and newest decks between 8th Avenue South (University Boulevard) and 10th Avenue South on 13th Street and then on 10th Avenue South and 15th Street, respectively.
Very nouveau decks there for a clean look.
Don't forget about the warehouses near Sherwin-Williams (near UAB) and UAB warehouses. They have new brick and interesting wrought-iron/cast iron appearances.
I know you are familiar with the old historic Irondale train district and the area around the Whistle Stop Cafe. They have a few warehouses that are of photographic significance as well as some older structures as well.
I may not be around for a little while because I am going to Heidelberg for little get-away, but I will try to get on here more often to answer an questions that you may have, but those places should give you atleast a little adventure.
Have a good one Ricky and I wish you much luck!
Be sure to email me at
[email protected] if you have any immediate questions as I check it more often....
Peter Kupfer
