As a commercial photographer from Bristol, I was thrilled to be tasked with a unique project—capturing the exterior of Selfridges in Birmingham’s Bull Ring. The building is one of the UK’s most distinctive architectural icons, and photographing its striking façade presented both challenges and exciting opportunities to showcase its bold design.

Designed by the visionary architecture firm Future Systems, the Selfridges building is clad in 15,000 shimmering aluminium discs, which reflect both light and movement in a way that makes the building seem alive. My assignment was to capture the building’s modern, futuristic form and the way it dominates the surrounding landscape of Birmingham’s Bull Ring.

From the outset, my goal was to focus on how the building’s fluid, organic shape contrasts with the more traditional architecture nearby. The Bull Ring is an eclectic blend of historic and modern, and Selfridges stands at its heart as a symbol of the city’s forward-thinking spirit. To convey this, I experimented with different angles and perspectives. Wide-angle shots from a distance showed how the building redefines the skyline, while close-ups highlighted the fine details of its aluminium discs, which seem to ripple like waves.

Lighting was a critical element in this project. The exterior of Selfridges transforms throughout the day, depending on the natural light and weather conditions. I planned my shoot across different times of the day to capture a range of moods and lighting effects. Early morning provided soft, golden light that gently highlighted the curves of the building, creating a warm and almost surreal atmosphere. The building seemed to glow, its reflective discs catching the first rays of sunlight.

By mid-afternoon, the sunlight became stronger and sharper, casting bold shadows and accentuating the building’s futuristic appearance. This allowed me to create dramatic images that emphasised the contrast between light and dark, enhancing the structural lines and the play between smooth curves and sharp angles. For me, this part of the day really captured the high-tech, almost space-age feel of the building’s design.

The most striking images, however, came in the evening and night. The exterior lighting of Selfridges created a magical, almost otherworldly effect. Against the deep blues and blacks of the night sky, the building’s reflective surface and external illumination made it seem to float above the city. The aluminium discs, which during the day appeared sleek and modern, took on a glowing, ethereal quality when lit at night. These shots were particularly satisfying because they showcased a side of the building that is often overlooked—the way it transforms after dark.

Another key aspect of the project was situating Selfridges within its urban environment. The building is not just a standalone architectural wonder—it’s part of Birmingham’s vibrant cityscape. I wanted to ensure that the images conveyed how Selfridges fits into the larger context of the Bull Ring and Birmingham. I framed the building against the backdrop of the city’s streets, capturing the movement of people and cars around it. The juxtaposition of the bustling urban life with the serene, futuristic form of the building created a sense of dynamic tension that I found fascinating.

Overall, this assignment allowed me to push my creative boundaries as a commercial photographer based in Bristol. Capturing such an iconic structure in its best light required technical precision, patience, and a deep appreciation for the architectural artistry involved. Selfridges is more than just a retail space; it’s a work of art and a statement of modernity. Being able to bring its bold exterior to life through my photography was a creatively rewarding experience and one that highlighted the intersection of architecture, design, and urban culture.