Architecture Photography

Award-Winning Architectural Photography Specialist

Professional architectural documentation for RIBA submissions,

design portfolios, and award-winning projects across the UK

Architectural Photography for Completed Projects

When your building or project is complete, the photography needs to do more than record how it looks. It should help you present the design clearly, support award submissions, strengthen portfolios and provide commercially useful evidence of the finished work. I plan each commission around the key features, materials, details and wider setting that matter to your project

The Catalyst Newcastle award-winning architecture photographed by James Thompson - BREEAM Outstanding certified building showcasing professional architectural photography for RIBA submissions
One Angel Square Manchester, RIBA shortlisted office building with BREEAM Outstanding certification, architectural photography

Architectural Photography for Commercial Developments

This photography is planned for commercial developments where the finished building must be presented clearly to clients, investors, occupiers and project partners. I photograph the overall form, key elevations, materials, public spaces and design details to create a consistent set of images for marketing, portfolios, award submissions and project records.

Photography That Supports Award Submissions

When your project has a strong design, specialist materials or technically demanding construction, the photography needs to communicate that clearly.

For Lindner Prater, I photographed the completed façade work at Norton Folgate, documenting the building’s overall form, elevations, materials and installation details. The images provide useful evidence of the finished work for project marketing, portfolios, award submissions and future bids.

I plan the photography around the features that matter to the project team, helping architects, contractors and specialist subcontractors demonstrate their contribution to the completed development.

Norton Folgate commercial development, London, facade photography for Lindner Prater
Oriam Sports Performance Centre exterior architecture by James Thompson - Scottish Design Awards Architecture Grand Prix winner showcasing curved roof design and innovative sports facility architecture

Architectural Photography for Sports and Education Projects

Sports and education projects often combine large internal spaces, specialist materials, complex structures and carefully planned circulation. The photography needs to show how those elements work together, not simply record the exterior.

For the Oriam Sports Performance Centre, I photographed the building’s distinctive form, translucent cladding, curved roof structure and relationship with the surrounding site. The resulting images provide clear project evidence for architectural portfolios, marketing, award submissions and professional presentations.

Architectural Photography for Healthcare Environments

Healthcare buildings often combine large public spaces, complex circulation, specialist finishes and carefully controlled environments. The photography needs to show both the overall architecture and the details that shape how the building is experienced.

At Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, I photographed the main atrium and its distinctive cantilevered pods, documenting the scale, materials, colour and relationship between the architectural and structural elements. The resulting images provide clear project evidence for portfolios, marketing, award submissions and professional presentations.

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow interior atrium by James Thompson - MIPIM Award Best Healthcare Development winner showcasing cantilevered pods and architectural photography
The Word National Centre Written Word South Shields architectural photography by James Thompson - RIBA Building of the Year 2017 winner and RICS Project of the Year showcasing cultural architecture excellence

Architectural Photography for Cultural and Civic Buildings

Cultural and civic buildings need photography that communicates both the architectural design and the way the building contributes to its wider setting.

For The Word, I photographed the building at dusk to show its curved form, vertical fins, illuminated interior and relationship with the surrounding townscape. The images provide clear project evidence for architectural portfolios, marketing, award submissions and professional presentations.

I plan the photography around the building’s strongest design features, key viewpoints and changing light conditions so the completed project is presented clearly and consistently.

Architectural Photography for Education and Research Buildings

Education and research buildings often combine complex façades, specialist interiors, public circulation and demanding environmental standards. The photography needs to present those elements clearly and consistently.

For the Daphne Steele Building at the University of Huddersfield, I photographed the completed exterior, key elevations, glazing, materials and relationship with the surrounding streetscape. The images provide useful project evidence for portfolios, marketing, award submissions and professional presentations.

I plan the photography around the features that matter most to the architect, contractor and wider project team.

Daphne Steele Building University of Huddersfield architectural photography by James Thompson - UK first WELL Platinum university building with BREEAM Excellent certification
Clydebank Leisure Centre architectural photography by James Thompson - RIAS Award 2018 winner and shortlisted for Scotland's best building showcasing innovative leisure architecture

Architectural Photography for Leisure and Community Buildings

Leisure and community buildings often combine complex forms, specialist materials and demanding site constraints. The photography needs to show how the design responds to those challenges and how the completed building works within its setting.

For Clydebank Leisure Centre, I photographed the distinctive stacked form, cladding, projecting upper level and relationship with the surrounding public space. The images provide useful project evidence for portfolios, marketing, award submissions and professional presentations.

I plan the photography around the strongest architectural features, key viewpoints and the way people approach and use the building.

Architectural Photography for Transport and Gateway Buildings

Transport and gateway buildings need photography that shows both their architectural identity and their relationship with complex surrounding infrastructure.

For Dundee Railway Station, I photographed the completed building at dusk to show its curved form, illuminated entrance, materials and connection with the wider waterfront setting. The images provide useful project evidence for portfolios, marketing, publications and award submissions.

I plan the photography around the key elevations, public approaches, architectural details and changing light conditions that best explain the completed project.

Dundee Railway Station architectural photography by James Thompson - Dundee Civic Trust Award 2019 winner showcasing gateway transport architecture and waterfront regeneration
Edith Walk Bude Cornwall residential architecture by James Thompson - Best Small New Housing Development winner and Facade Awards UK 2023 shortlisted for Porcelanosa

Architectural Photography for Residential Developments

Residential projects need photography that shows both the overall design and the quality of the materials, detailing and construction.

For Edith Walk in Bude, I photographed the completed property to show its form, stonework, cladding, glazing and relationship with the surrounding landscape. The images provide useful project evidence for portfolios, marketing, award submissions and professional presentations.

I plan the photography around the strongest elevations, key details and the way the building sits within its setting.

James Thompson receiving Master Photographers Association Commercial Photographer of the Year award, demonstrating industry recognition for excellence in London construction photography services

Experience You Can Rely On

With more than 30 years’ experience, I understand the practical and commercial requirements behind architectural photography commissions.

I work with architects, developers, contractors and specialist subcontractors to plan photography around access, lighting, key design features and intended use. The result is a consistent set of images for portfolios, award submissions, marketing, publications and project records.

My construction background, CSCS certification and experience on live and completed sites help reduce the workload for your team and keep the commission straightforward from planning through to delivery.

From Infrastructure Projects to Engineering Works

Manufacturing, Processing and Production Facilities

Development and Property Documentation

Completed Building & Design Features