  The $\gamma p \to K^+ \Lambda(1520)$ reaction mechanism is investigated
within a Regge--effective Lagrangian hybrid approach based on our previous
study of this reaction [Physical Review C89, 015203 (2014)]. Near threshold and
for large $K^+$ angles, both the CLAS and LEPS data can be successfully
described by considering the contributions from the contact, $t$-channel $\bar
K$ exchange, $u$-channel $\Lambda(1115)$ hyperon pole, and the $s$-channel
nucleon pole and $N^*(2120)$ resonance contributions. However, for higher
energies and forward $K^+$ angles, systematic discrepancies with data appear,
which hint the possible existence of sizable quark-gluon string mechanism
effects. We show how the inclusion of a $\bar K$ Regge--trajectory exchange in
the $t$-channel leads to an efficient description of the $\Lambda(1520)$
photoproduction channel over the whole energy and angular ranges accessible in
the CLAS experiment.
