Architectural Photographer Wales


Architecture is more than structure. It is design, purpose and experience brought together. My role as an architectural photographer is to show how those elements live in the real world, through light, perspective, detail and a building’s relationship with its place.

Based in Cardiff, I work on projects throughout Wales and the wider UK. From modern office buildings in London to historic chapels in rural West Wales, the challenge is always the same. How do you show the design as it was imagined, but also as it is lived in and used? Photography becomes the bridge between the drawing board and the real world.

My Approach

Good architectural photography is about patience. It is about being in the right place at the right time. Light matters most. The way sunlight moves across a façade at 9am is different to how it sits at 5pm. The same building can look calm, dramatic, or completely alive depending on the conditions.

I start every project by walking the space. I want to see how light enters, how it travels, how it reveals shapes and textures. Then I look for perspective. Wide shots tell the whole story. Close details show the craftsmanship. The two work together.

Every photograph has a purpose. Sometimes it is about scale. Sometimes it is about intimacy. My aim is always the same. To create images that respect the architect’s vision and give the viewer a sense of place.

Working With Architects and Designers

I often work with architects, interior designers and developers who need images that do more than document. They need photographs that sell the vision.

Architects use my work in planning submissions, awards entries, websites and printed brochures. Developers use the images to market their spaces, attract buyers or pitch new projects. Interior designers use them to capture the detail that sets their work apart.

Each audience is different, but the core need is the same. Strong visuals that communicate design with clarity and impact. See more in my Architecure & interiors portfolio.

Case Studies

Tŷ Solar, Pembrokeshire

One of the most rewarding projects I photographed was Tŷ Solar in rural Pembrokeshire. This is a community of affordable, solar-powered homes built with local timber and designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability.

The brief was to show both the innovation and the lived experience of the project. Wide exterior shots placed the homes in their rural landscape, while interior photographs revealed the natural materials, light-filled rooms and clean architectural lines.

The images were commissioned by Gareth Dauncey at Before Architecture and were used to tell the story of Tŷ Solar on his website. They helped communicate not just the architecture, but the ethos behind it, design rooted in place, built for people, and made for the future.

Pen Y Fal Chapel, Abergavenny

I was commissioned to photograph Pen Y Fal Chapel in Abergavenny by Rush Residential, a striking conversion of a former chapel into contemporary homes. The aim was to show how original features, tall arched windows, vaulted ceilings and stonework had been carefully preserved while new modern elements were introduced.

My approach was to balance wide exterior shots that captured the building’s heritage with interior images that revealed the clean lines, open spaces and natural light. The photographs highlighted the meeting of history and modern living, showing how the chapel had been transformed into a unique home while retaining its character.

Alcedonia Church, Penarth

I photographed Alcedonia Church in Penarth, a striking conversion that transformed a place of worship into a modern home. The brief was to capture how the building’s historic presence and Gothic details had been preserved, while also showing the clean lines and contemporary finishes that now define the space.

The exterior images highlighted the scale and form of the original church. Inside, I focused on the play of light through tall windows, the restored arches and stonework, and the open-plan living areas. The photographs told a story of contrast and continuity, where heritage meets modern life.

This project was a reminder of how architecture evolves. A building with history can take on new meaning, and good photography helps to reveal that transition.

Hiut Denim Factory, Cardigan

I was commissioned to photograph the Hiut Denim factory in Cardigan, West Wales. The brief was to capture the space where every pair of Hiut jeans is made, a place defined by craftsmanship, detail and purpose.

My approach was to show both the wider factory environment and the smaller moments that bring it to life. Wide shots revealed the layout, machinery and natural light of the space. Close images focused on workstations, materials and the hands of the makers at work.

The photographs were used to tell Hiut Denim’s story of authenticity and craft. They showed how the brand’s philosophy is rooted in a sense of place, where the building itself is part of the narrative.

Why Professional Photography Matters

Architecture is an investment of time, skill and vision. The right photographs protect that investment. They give architects a portfolio to showcase their work. They give developers the marketing tools they need to sell. They give interior designers the chance to highlight their unique contribution.

Smartphone images or quick snapshots rarely do justice to a building. Angles distort. Light is lost. Detail fades. Professional architectural photography gives clarity, accuracy and impact. It allows a design to be seen as it was meant to be seen.

FAQ: Architectural Photography in Wales and the UK

What does an architectural photographer do?

An architectural photographer captures buildings, interiors and spaces with accuracy and creativity. The aim is to show both design intent and lived experience.

Do you cover projects outside Wales?

Yes. While I am based in Cardiff, I regularly work across the UK. Recent projects have taken me from South Wales to London, Manchester and rural Scotland.

Can you photograph both interiors and exteriors?

Absolutely. A complete story often requires both. Interiors show detail and function, exteriors show context and form.

How long does a typical shoot take?

It depends on the project. A single residential property may take half a day. A large commercial build may need several sessions to capture it at different times of day.

Closing Thoughts

I have always had a love of architecture and interiors. The way spaces are designed, the way light moves through them, and the way people experience them has always fascinated me.

If you are an architect, developer or designer looking for professional architectural photography in Wales or anywhere in the UK, I would love to help. Based in Cardiff, I work locally and nationwide. Get in touch to discuss your next project.

Alex Lloyd Jenkins | Photographer in Cardiff

Alex Lloyd Jenkins is a commercial photographer based in Cardiff. He specialises in brand, lifestyle, interiors, food and architectural photography. With a background as a creative director, he understands what works visually and how to connect with an audience. He has 25 years of experience working with businesses and agencies across Wales and the UK.

www.alexlloydjenkins.com
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