Beyond the Cove: A Day of Infinite Possibilities at Abstract Studios

On one of the coldest January days last year, I headed to Abstract Studios for two back-to-back sessions. These shoots perfectly captured why I’ve become obsessed with this space—not just as a photographer, but as a creator who thrives on variety.

In many studios, you can feel boxed in by the four walls and whatever props happen to be lying around. But Abstract is different. It’s a space that sparks ideas the moment you step through the door. I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview while the studio was still under construction; even then, watching the raw ambient light pour through the skylights, I knew this was going to be my new home base.

Light Like Nowhere Else

As a photographer, I’m constantly chasing how light behaves. At Abstract, the way it bounces and fills the room creates a soft, even glow that usually requires massive scrims or complex flags to achieve. I’ve shot here using purely natural light and achieved results that look like they took hours of lighting prep—without touching a single piece of equipment.

But the real magic for me? It’s the "hidden" Abstract: the industrial ironwork, the yard, and the unexpected corners that turn a standard studio hire into a full-scale location shoot.

Morning with Tink: From Neon to Sub-Zero

We started the morning on the infinity cove. I’m particularly drawn to editorial shots that include the skylights themselves; they frame the subject in a way that feels architectural and grand.

We moved through several distinct "looks" in just a few hours:

• The Edge: Using the neon studio sign in the window as our only light source for a grittier, noir aesthetic.

• The Elements: Tink was an incredible sport. We hauled an armchair into the yard and fired off shots in the sub-zero air, then hit the ironwork stairwell for an industrial vibe.

• Intimate Portraits: We wrapped the morning in the changing space—it looked very different back then, but the intimacy of the light was perfect.

  
  

Afternoon with Rodrigo: Hard Light & High Attitude

After a quick thaw, my good friend Rodrigo arrived. Having worked together many times, we have a creative shorthand that allowed us to lean into the studio’s versatility immediately.

We balanced a commercial fashion collaboration with our own creative exploration. Rodrigo braved the Manchester cold for more atmospheric outdoor shots before we headed back inside to play with hard light. By switching to high-contrast shadows and bringing in the "Liam Gallagher chair," we transitioned from soft natural light to a sharp, high-attitude editorial set.

One Location, Six Different Moods

By the end of the day, my memory cards were full of what looked like half a dozen different locations. We moved from soft and intimate to hard and edgy, all within the same building.

The studio isn't just a backdrop for me; it’s a collaborator. I’ve shot at Abstract many times since that January day, and I still get that same rush of excitement every time I unlock the door. I actually kicked off this year with another double shoot over a weekend, and I’m already planning the next.

Work with Jamie Norman If you’re looking for a photographer who knows how to push the limits of a space like Abstract, I’d love to hear from you. Whether it's editorial, fashion, or something experimental, let’s create something.