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4 September 1992, Minolta 7000, Minolta 28mm f/2.8, 1/250sec @ f/5.6, Cokin Grey Graduated filter 120, Fujichrome ISO 100.

This is the first slide photograph I ever took, which cemented for me a passion in photography that has remained with me to the present day; and what a spectacular subject to start with! Without me realising at the time, this photograph is actually a historical document, as it was taken when the bridge was in full working order; note the gondola near the middle of the bridge, which was moving across at the time. When I took this photo, I will have taken it as it is a nice subject to have a photo of; today, a photo showing the gondola like this is no longer possible as the bridge is currently closed. So the photo becomes something more significant as it is a glance into the past. In saying that, here’s hoping the bridge can be restored as it is a major piece of industrial heritage. Having been across the bridge on numerous occasions, it is a unique experience, and it would be fantastic if it were possible to do this again.

Another comment to make is that as many years have passed since this photograph was taken, I’d like to think that I have gained sufficient photography experience today that if I were to take a similar picture today, I will at least attempt to ensure the shadow of my head is not showing on the bottom of the frame!

Tees Transporter Bridge

The Tees Transporter Bridge, or more locally known simply as the ‘Transporter’, is arguably the most famous landmark along the River Tees, along with being the icon that most identifies the industrial heritage of Middlesbrough. The bridge was opened in 1911, and was, up until 2019, in full working order. It is the longest bridge of its type in the world.

I have always lived relatively close to it, so it is something I have frequently taken photographs of; it makes for a stunning and imposing subject in this regard.

Little known fact - the bridge was originally red. In 1961, it was painted blue. I am not sure how many fans of Middlesbrough Football Club approved of this colour change!

4 September 1992, Minolta 7000, Minolta 100-200mm f/4.5, 1/250sec @ f/5.6, Fujichrome ISO 100.

We now go back to 1992, with my second slide photo; this one shows the gondola parked at the Port Clarence side.

4 September 1992, Minolta 7000, Minolta 50mm f/1.7, 1/100sec @ f/2.8, Fujichrome ISO 100.

A piece of artwork at the area near the bridge; not sure if this is still there!

4 September 1992, Minolta 7000, Minolta 28mm f/2.8, 1/125sec @ f/4.5, Cokin Grey Graduated filter 120, Fujichrome ISO 100.

Photograph details unknown - around December 1993, film Fujichrome(unknown ISO).

The bridge looks absolutely stunning when lit up. I don’t know exactly when this photograph was taken, however it must have been around Christmas time, going by the crane to the right of the bridge!

Photograph details unknown - around December 1993, film Fujichrome(unknown ISO).

A closer view of one side of the bridge.

Photography geek mode on - of note here are the blue circular flares in the middle of the photograph, coming off the main two spotlights on the base of the bridge supports. These are optical defects that lens manufacturers today will try to remove from their lens designs, however I think it adds a certain character to this image. I don’t have the exact photo details for this one, but I am fairly certain the lens I used was the Minolta 50mm f/1.7, what we would consider to be a vintage lens today. This type of lens is quite sought after by photographers looking for the ‘vintage look’ as modern lenses don’t flare like this.

16 March 2025, Leica SL(601), Apo-Telyt-R 400mm f/2.8, 1/800sec @ f/2.8, exposure compensation +0.6 stop, ISO 80.

Moving into more recent images of the bridge. This one was taken from Saltholme RSPB nature reserve, with the bridge around one mile away.

16 March 2025, Leica SL(601), Apo-Telyt-R 400mm f/2.8 + 2x Apo-Extender-R (effective focal length 800mm), 1/250sec @ f/5.6, exposure compensation +0.6 stop, ISO 80.

Getting in really close now, to show the metalwork on the top of the bridge. Funnily enough, this photograph and the one above were never intended for publication, I took them as part of a test of the lens I was using. However they came out well so I thought I’d put them on here.

15 February 2025 2025, Leica SL(601), Apo-Telyt-R 400mm f/2.8, 1/250sec @ f/2.8, exposure compensation +0.6 stop, ISO 64.

Another unplanned photograph! This one was taken in Saltholme RSPB nature reserve again, this time from one of the bird hides. I remember it was a very dull day and this photograph was probably my favourite of the day as the bridge strikes a very imposing look through the gloom of the day. Perhaps next time I plan to go and visit a bridge I’ll come back with a handful of bird photos instead?

1 September 2012, Leica R6.2, Summicron-R 50mm f/2, 1/125sec @ f/6.7, Cokin Grey Graduated filter 120, Fujichrome Velvia ISO 50.

A photograph of the bridge from a location that also gives interesting views of the bridge, RSPB Saltholme.

27 May 2013, Leica R6.2, Vario-Elmar-R 105-280mm f/4.2 @ 135mm, 1/125sec @ f/8, Fujichrome Velvia ISO 50.

I like this image as the bridge is nicely out of focus but still easily recognisable. It is also one of those photos where not editing my photographs shows through as who would dare publish a photograph with an obvious mark showing? I think the thing on the right was probably an insect very close to the lens.

21 June 1998, Minolta 9000, Minolta 28mm f/2.8, 1/60sec @ f/4.5, Cokin Circular Polarizer filter 164, Fujichrome Velvia ISO 50.

This was a photograph taken in Nature’s World in Acklam, Middlesbrough, sadly no longer open. Here we have models of significant Middlesbrough landmarks, from left - Newport Bridge, Tees Transporter Bridge, the Town Hall and the Riverside Stadium, home of Middlesbrough Football Club.

21 June 1998, Minolta 9000, Minolta 50mm f/1.7, 1/60sec @ f/5.6, Cokin Circular Polarizer filter 164, Fujichrome Velvia ISO 50.

Closer view of the bridge model.

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4 January 2026, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/125sec @ f/6.8, ISO 100.

And here we are, exactly to the day one third of a century later, on a much colder day! I was hoping to replicate the photograph above, but since 1992 a number of additional items have been installed, so I couldn’t stand in the same place without a lamppost being right in the middle of the frame. Having the Sun to the right of the bridge meant I didn’t have to ensure my shadow wouldn’t be showing in the photo, so at least I didn’t repeat this rather embarrassing aspect of the photo taken in 1992!

4 January 2026, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/50sec @ f/22, ISO 400.

What better way to celebrate the anniversary of my first ever slide photo by having a photo of the bridge, with a photo of the bridge in the foreground; the actual slide taken in 1992!

4 September 1992, Minolta 7000, Minolta 28mm f/2.8, 1/100sec @ f/4, Cokin Grey Graduated filter 120, Fujichrome ISO 100.

Back to 1992; note the plaque on the left, which doesn’t have the Erimus lamps on top, so presumably these must have been added some time later.

The yellow gondola is now at the Middlesbrough side; the cars on it give away the era nicely! I think we see here a Land Rover, Ford Fiesta, Ford Sierra and Volvo 340.

4 January 2026, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/200sec @ f/4.8, ISO 100.

Back to the present day, and we see the more modern gondola, which was used up to the point when the bridge closed. Looking up reveals the quite impressive and imposing bridge design.

4 January 2026, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/100sec @ f/4, ISO 100.

4 January 2026, Leica SL(601), Summicron-R 50mm f/2, 1/125sec @ f/3.4, ISO 100.

Looking past the bridge at the Middlesbrough side towards the other end of the bridge in Port Clarence.

4 January 2026, Leica SL(601), Summicron-R 50mm f/2, 1/100sec @ f/5.6, ISO 100.

A plaque and lamp near the bridge entrance. The bridge has two plaques, this is the one on the left side.

4 January 2026, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/80sec @ f/6.8, ISO 100.

The bridge appearing to stand over Vulcan Street Wall, another significant piece of local industrial heritage.

4 January 2026, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/100sec @ f/6.8, ISO 100.

A bit further on the wall, this part giving really nice opportunities to get a striking photograph of the bridge through the portholes.

4 January 2026, Leica SL(601), Summicron-R 50mm f/2, 1/80sec @ f/8, ISO 100.

Another view of the bridge, about half a mile away along the River.

1 September 2012, Leica R6.2, Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/250sec @ f/5.6, Cokin Grey Graduated filter 120, Fujichrome Velvia ISO 50.

This time, on the other side of the river, showing the landscape of the River Tees with the bridge, as always, instantly recognisable.