It's Been A While: A Year of Architectural Photography Adventures and Looking Ahead to 2026
Have you ever reached the end of a year and realised you've been so absorbed in the doing that you forgot to share the journey? That's precisely where I find myself now, at the tail end of 2025, with a camera full of memories and a head full of plans. So, let me offer you a little end-of-year reflection whilst showing you how you might add some credits to your karma account along the way.
A Year of Two Halves: Planning, Shooting, and Building
2025 has distinctly divided itself into two chapters. The first half was devoted to meticulous image planning and capture, those early mornings and patient waits for the perfect light that every architectural photographer knows so well. The second half shifted focus entirely, as I spent my time getting my name out there and nurturing new and potential client relationships within the architectural and engineering communities.
Winter: Photographing Architecture in Britain's Least Favourable Conditions
Delapre Abbey, Northamptonshire in winter
Winter found me experimenting with architectural photography in what must surely be some of the least favourable conditions my country has to offer. Don't misunderstand me, the UK occasionally gifts us with incredible blue skies, stunning sunrises, and those golden-hour sunsets that make your heart sing. However, there's a catch. In winter, sunrise is what would normally be halfway through a working morning, and sunset is mid afternoon. Boooo.
If we're fortunate, winter brings us 'interesting' weather for our photography: early morning fog that wraps buildings in ethereal mystery, or frosts that transform the ordinary into something crystalline and magical. But if you live in the UK, you'll already know the reality. The vast majority of our winter weather presents itself as grey and damp, with muddy landscapes that challenge even the most optimistic photographer's spirit. Tricky? Absolutely. Impossible? Never.
Spring: The Season of New Energy and Northern Adventures
Spring arrived with its promise of renewal, and I relished every early start. There's something profoundly fresh and clean about a spring sunrise, isn't there? That quality of light seems to breathe new life into architecture, revealing details that winter's flat illumination keeps hidden.
The Govan to Partick Bridge
I travelled north and ventured into Scotland to capture some truly inspiring buildings and structures. The Govan to Partick Bridge in Glasgow became one of my subjects, that elegant cable-stayed opening swing bridge providing both pedestrian access and photographic opportunity. A new energy had definitely taken hold of me during those journeys, and I couldn't wait to capture more architecture and engineering marvels.
Summer: A European Odyssey to Berlin and Beyond
Summer brought perhaps the most significant chapter of my year—a European road trip to Berlin. If you've been following my blog, you'll know I fell utterly in love with Mies van der Rohe's German Pavilion in Barcelona last year. With both time and opportunity aligning, I drove to Berlin to photograph the Neue Nationalgalerie, another masterpiece by the same architectural genius.
Standing alone at 5am, photographing architecture steeped in history, proved intensely life-affirming. It's in moments like these when you know with absolute certainty that you've found what you're supposed to be doing in life. There's something almost spiritual about being present with great architecture in that liminal space between night and day, when the world is quiet and the building speaks to you without distraction.
The Neue Nationalgalerie by Mies Van Der Rohe
Rotterdam: The Fenix Museum and Calatrava's Harp Bridges
Before reaching Berlin, I stopped in Rotterdam to photograph a brand new museum, The Fenix Museum. The space itself, and how it's been ingeniously used to tell an incredible migration story, left me awe-inspired. Three million journeys converge in that former warehouse, transformed into something that honours both memory and design. If you don't know about it yet, please visit my blog, read about it, and then, as soon as you get the opportunity, pay a visit yourself.
On my return journey from Berlin, I stopped again in Rotterdam to photograph one of Santiago Calatrava's Harp Bridges. You'll already know from reading my other posts that I harbour a deep appreciation for a well-designed bridge, and this series of three spanning the arrow-straight Hoofdvaart Canal ranks among the most aesthetically creative I've encountered. Their distinctive white cables stretch like musical instrument strings across the water, creating poetry in steel and tension.
The Personal Journey: Returning to My Beginning
What I haven't yet shared in my blog posts is the deeply personal reason behind this particular drive to Berlin.
In October 1971, a rather portly baby Neil entered the world in a small town in Northern Germany called Rinteln. My father served in the British Army, based in Paderborn, and Rinteln hosted the nearest British Forces Hospital—so that's where my story began. Yet in all my years since, I'd never visited Rinteln as a conscious adult, never walked the streets where my life started.
After considerable research online, I located where the hospital once stood (now transformed into a care home) and took time to explore the grounds. Such a peaceful place, with some of the old military-purpose buildings still clearly identifiable. After a contemplative look around, I headed into the town of Rinteln itself.
What a revelation. Such a pretty place, adorned with traditional timber-framed buildings and an impressive town hall presiding over the central square. I savoured a coffee and apple strudel in a local café before time dictated I continue towards Berlin. There's something quietly profound about standing in the place where you began, seeing it through adult eyes, understanding your own story's opening chapter.
Berlin: A City That Never Tires
I've visited Berlin a couple of times before, and it always brings me joy. Such a progressive city, brimming with distractions and discoveries at every turn. Like Chicago, I believe Berlin is one of those rare cities I'll never tire of exploring.
One place that genuinely surprised me was a small brewery near my hotel. BRLO Brewhouse became an unexpected highlight—I found myself enjoying bratwurst and beer, sitting in the glorious Berlin summer sunshine, marvelling at the brilliant simplicity of its concept.
Yes, it's a brewery. But it's simultaneously a tourist attraction offering tours and tastings. It's also a gathering place where families, friends, and colleagues converge after work to decompress in their outdoor bar and food area. But here's the brilliant part: the food area offers two distinct experiences. First, a pre-booked covered seating area where food is served to you with proper table service. The other, considerably larger area, comprises communal bench seating with food trailers positioned around the perimeter serving simple, honest food—bratwurst in a bun, fries with toppings, mac and cheese, even an ice cream hut.
It was full every day it opened. The genius lies in its accessibility, its democratic approach to good food and good company. There's a small brewery in town near my place in North Wales, and now I'm wondering: who do I speak to about bringing this concept to life closer to home?
The Second Half: Building Relationships in the Architectural Industry
The latter half of 2025 has been entirely devoted to reaching out within the architectural, building, and engineering industries, ensuring my name and work find the right eyes. It's a deliberately slow process—all the best relationships are built thoughtfully over time, not rushed into being.
However, it did rather frighten me recently when I calculated how long it had been since I'd taken the camera out professionally. Which brings me rather nicely to my closing thoughts and a request.
How You Can Help Me (And Earn Yourself Some Karma Credits)
In 2026, alongside cultivating my current wonderful business relationships, I'd like to establish two new working relationships per quarter. I'm not asking you directly for work, that's not my style. Rather, I'd like you to consider: who might benefit from my skills and services within your own network?
Perhaps you know architects, designers, engineers, or manufacturers within the construction and design industry who could use a photographer who genuinely understands their work, who sees the story in their structures, who can translate their vision into compelling imagery?
If someone comes to mind, would you consider forwarding my details or LinkedIn profile to them with a simple 'I think you two would work well together' introduction? Everyone who knows me understands that until it's my turn, I'll be your biggest cheerleader. I'll always think of you when an opportunity arises that seems perfectly suited to your talents. Now I'm asking for the same courtesy from my connections.
Relationships—it's how the world works best, isn't it? Let's make 2026 one of the best years we've ever known, together.
Connect With Neil Shelby Long
Looking for an architectural and engineering photographer who understands both the technical demands and the storytelling potential of the built environment? Visit my portfolio to see my work, or reach out via LinkedIn or email to discuss how we might collaborate on your next project.
