Capturing More Than Just Buildings

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a commercial photographer is the opportunity to develop long-standing relationships with clients and witness their ambitions become reality.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with many businesses on projects that extend far beyond a single photography assignment. These relationships allow me to document not just individual buildings or construction projects, but the bigger picture — the growth of businesses, the regeneration of areas and the investment that helps local economies thrive.

One such example is Merchant Park in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, a development I’ve had the privilege of photographing for almost two decades.

Where It All Began – A Helicopter and a Camera

My relationship with Merchant Anglo began back in 2007, when I was commissioned to help document a site they hoped would one day attract Hitachi to the area.

At the time, the development was still very much about ambition and potential. The photographs would provide a visual record of the site and help demonstrate the scale of the opportunity.

Of course, aerial photography was a rather different experience back then.

Long before drones became an everyday part of a commercial photographer’s equipment, capturing aerial images meant climbing into a helicopter, being securely strapped in, and photographing the landscape through an open doorway as the pilot circled the site.

It was certainly an exciting way to work, although I can’t say I miss the cold air rushing through the cabin!

Today, drone technology allows me to capture detailed aerial photographs and 4K video footage with far greater flexibility, consistency and efficiency — thankfully with both feet firmly on the ground.

Watching Merchant Park Grow

Fast forward nearly 20 years, and the transformation of Merchant Park is remarkable.

What began as a site with enormous potential has developed into a collection of modern, efficient commercial buildings, helping attract businesses, investment and employment opportunities to County Durham.

Working with Merchant Anglo throughout this journey has given me a unique perspective on the development. I’ve been able to document the changing landscape, the construction of new facilities and the steady expansion of the business park.

It’s particularly encouraging to see continued investment in the area, even during challenging economic conditions.

Merchant Park, Unit 1 – Built for the Future

The latest development I’ve had the pleasure of documenting is Merchant Park, Unit 1, a modern warehouse facility designed and constructed with efficiency, sustainability and the needs of contemporary businesses in mind.

The building incorporates a range of features designed to support its long-term operation and reduce energy consumption.

Air-source heat pumps provide heating and hot water for the office accommodation, locker rooms and modern shower facilities. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure supports up to six vehicles simultaneously, while provision for future photovoltaic (PV) installations offers the potential for further energy savings.

These features reflect the increasing importance of sustainability in modern commercial property development, where operational efficiency and environmental considerations are becoming just as important as the buildings themselves.

Documenting Construction from the Ground Up

My involvement with Merchant Park, Unit 1 began at the earliest stages of construction and continued throughout the development.

Using a combination of drone photography, traditional DSLR cameras and modern pocket cinema cameras, I’ve captured the project as it progressed from an active construction site into a completed commercial facility.

Each method provides a different perspective.

Aerial photography reveals the scale of the development, its surroundings and the progress of construction from above. Ground-level photography records the architectural details, construction milestones and workmanship, while video helps bring the entire process to life.

Together, these provide a comprehensive visual record of the development, giving clients valuable material for marketing, stakeholder communications, project documentation and future reference.

It’s also incredibly satisfying to compare the earliest photographs of a site with the finished development and see just how much has changed.

The Value of Long-Term Construction Photography

Construction photography is about much more than recording a building at completion.

Regular photographic documentation provides a visual history of a project, capturing milestones that might otherwise be forgotten once the construction teams have moved on.

For developers, contractors and commercial property owners, these images can become valuable assets, supporting everything from marketing and investor presentations to corporate archives and future planning.

Having worked with Merchant Anglo since 2007, I’ve been able to provide something particularly valuable: continuity.

The ability to look back over almost two decades of imagery and see the evolution of an entire development is something that a single photography assignment simply cannot replicate.

Looking Ahead

It’s been a privilege to work alongside the Merchant Anglo team for so many years and to witness the growth of Merchant Park from its earliest stages.

I’m proud that my photography has played a part in recording that journey, and I look forward to continuing our relationship as further developments bring new businesses and opportunities to the region.

And while the equipment and technology have changed considerably since that first helicopter flight in 2007, one thing remains exactly the same: my enthusiasm for capturing the progress, people and projects that shape the places around us.

Commercial, Construction and Drone Photography in Newcastle and Across the UK

At Philip Hunton Photography, I provide professional commercial photography, construction progress documentation, architectural photography, aerial drone imagery and video production for developers, contractors and businesses throughout the North East and across the UK.

Whether you’re documenting a construction project from the ground up or showcasing a completed commercial development, I can help create a comprehensive visual record that tells the story of your project.

Get in touch to discuss your next project.