TND

25/05/2026

Let's See History - Old Billingham

‼️Full video live on YouTube‼️

It's been a while, quite a while, but I'm finally back with another episode of Let's See History, this time looking at old Billingham. It's easy to presume that Billingham is a relatively young town, with much of it being built interwar, or even later when the petrochemical industry took off, but Station Road and the Green holds plenty of history, much of it hidden in plain sight.

In this video we look at the main stretch of shops and eateries in Station Road, once the town high Street.

23/05/2026

Let's See History - Old Billingham

‼️Full video live on YouTube‼️

It's been a while, quite a while, but I'm finally back with another episode of Let's See History, this time looking at old Billingham. It's easy to presume that Billingham is a relatively young town, with much of it being built interwar, or even later when the petrochemical industry took off, but Station Road and the Green holds plenty of history, much of it hidden in plain sight.

In this video we look at an old photo from almost a century ago, of Billingham's level crossing, with the Station Hotel in the back. Much has changed, and yet much has remained the same...namely the traffic 😬

22/05/2026

Let's See History - Old Billingham

‼️Full video live on YouTube‼️

It's been a while, quite a while, but I'm finally back with another episode of Let's See History, this time looking at old Billingham. It's easy to presume that Billingham is a relatively young town, with much of it being built interwar, or even later when the petrochemical industry took off, but Station Road and the Green holds plenty of history, much of it hidden in plain sight.

In this video we look at the Station Hotel, and its previous life built around the railway. Where will we stop off next? (Can always watch the full documentary over on YouTube if you'd rather not wait to find out!).

02/05/2025

02/05/2025

22/02/2025

The view from Pilot Pier of Fish Sands, the medieval wall, and over Hartlepool Headland, 1900 and 2025.

It has been more than a century between these two photos, and much has changed - many buildings gone or unrecognisable, but many landmarks still standing strong.

I posted a video over on YouTube (The Northern Documentarian) exploring the Headland and its History, reshooting a handful of old photos, and telling a few of its many stories. You can watch it here:

https://youtu.be/yP496jzk3j8

17/02/2025

To try and combat photography burnout this winter, I decided I would go out and capture the season for what it is - the empty scenes, the dead trees, the dull pallets, etc...

Sometimes, it's wise to keep it simple; instead of trying to impose a meaning in your photos, just let the scenes speak for themselves.

I shot these on a chilly late afternoon walk, just catching the sun setting.

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14/02/2025

Burnout is something every artist faces, and in photography that's no different.

Winter, visually, gets old quick. Now we're in the back end of the season, it's too easy to become uninspired by the dull palette, grey skies, dormant trees, and lack of activity, and so I set myself a challenge.

To go out and capture the season for what it is. To capture the somewhat melancholic quietness of Winter, of natures and society's hibernation.

In these photos I aimed to do that through quiet photography, largely inspired by the hallmarks of the style. Photographing empty scenes, often centering the subject, and finding that "lack of" that winter so often holds.

31/12/2024

Just a few of my favourite shots from 2024 to close the year.

I already have a few projects underway, and a few more jotted down for 2025, much to come! 📷 🎥

02/09/2024

Exciting News from Firby Photography! 📸

I’m thrilled to announce that Firby Photography will soon be offering Personal Preservation Documentary services. Whether it’s capturing your family’s unique story through photography, creating a touching documentary film, speaking directly to future generations, or restoring cherished memories, there’s something for everyone.

Each service is thoroughly detailed on my website, where you can explore what might resonate with you or your loved ones.

Here’s where I need your help:

I’ve put together a quick form to better understand what interests you most. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and will help shape the future of Firby Photography.

If you could take a moment to fill it out, that would be a massive help!

Follow the link below to check it out and share your thoughts!

Thank you for being part of this journey with me—I can’t wait to hear what you think!

— Isaac

Firby Photography creates Personal Preservation Documentaries, in a range of forms, to document people, preserve memories and stories, to build family legacies, and to allow you and your loved ones to speak generations into the future.