In October 2025, I was commissioned by Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) Birmingham office to photograph the launch of their newly refurbished city-centre workspace. As a portrait photographer working in Birmingham and across the Midlands, I regularly document corporate environments, but this project was particularly special because it brought together architecture, art and people in one cohesive story.

The centrepiece of the newly redesigned breakout area is the striking diptych mural “Bellingham Bridge” by local artist James Fellows. Originally exhibited at Birmingham School of Art, the artwork reflects the city’s industrial heritage while acknowledging its evolving multicultural identity. The bridge acts as both structure and metaphor – symbolising connection, transition and progress.

My brief covered three key elements: documenting the refurbished interior, capturing staff naturally interacting within their new working environment, and creating a compelling environmental portrait of James Fellows within the space.

As a Birmingham portrait photographer, I believe strong environmental portraits are about context as much as character. Rather than isolating the subject, I aim to place people within meaningful surroundings that tell a deeper story. In this case, the mural wasn’t just a backdrop – it was central to the narrative. Careful composition allowed the scale and texture of the artwork to remain impactful while ensuring James remained the clear focal point.

From a technical perspective, balancing interior lighting with the colour and detail of the mural required a considered approach. The goal was to preserve the atmosphere of the refurbished office while subtly shaping light to bring depth and dimension to the portrait. Architectural lines, negative space and perspective all played a role in reinforcing the scale of the artwork and the openness of the new breakout area.

Beyond the portrait session, the launch event itself was full of energy. Colleagues gathered to celebrate a thoughtful retrofit of their existing Birmingham office rather than relocating – a sustainable and forward-thinking decision. Capturing candid interactions alongside more composed corporate portraits helped reflect both professionalism and personality within the organisation.

As a corporate photographer in Birmingham, I often work with businesses looking to showcase not only their people but also their working environments. Projects like this demonstrate how powerful that combination can be. When portrait photography and architecture work together, the result feels authentic, confident and rooted in place.

If you’re seeking a Birmingham portrait photographer to document a corporate launch, create environmental portraits of artists or executives, or capture people within architectural spaces, I’d be delighted to discuss your project.