Brand Content Studio Manchester: How Soaked Umbrellas Built an Aesthetic Campaign at Abstract
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
There is a beautiful irony in launching an umbrella company in Manchester. If there is one city on earth that knows exactly how a cheap brolly fails you at the worst possible moment, it’s this one.
When founders Meg and David launched Soaked Umbrellas in January 2025, they were completely fed up with throwaway culture. They didn't just want to make another accessory; they wanted to build a durable, sustainable design tool engineered to fight landfill waste.
Fast forward 18 months, and they’ve done exactly that. Handpicked by Mary Portas for Thrive Street, featured in The Guardian and Manchester’s Finest, and stocked in cultural staples like the Manchester Art Gallery and The Whitworth, Soaked is officially shaping the future of the high street.
Recently, the Soaked team took over Abstract for a dedicated content day. The goal? To show exactly why modern independent labels are moving away from DIY setups and upgrading to a professional content studio in Manchester to scale their brand storytelling.
Photography Studio vs. Content Studio: Why Brands Need Both
When choosing a commercial photography studio hire, e-commerce brands often think they have to choose between a traditional, technical photography setup and a lifestyle-driven social media content studio.
The reality? To launch a successful campaign today, you need a hybrid space. An umbrella is a mechanical, architectural object. To sell it online, you have to prove it works. But to build a brand, you have to tell its story.
Our session with Soaked Umbrellas perfectly demonstrated how a multi-functional creator space moves the needle.
1. High-Efficiency Multi-Format Content
Instead of just shooting static product catalog images, the Soaked team maxed out our space to create multiple assets simultaneously:
Behind-the-Brand Interviews: Our in-house content creator and model, Rubi, sat down with Meg for an in-depth video interview on our mezzanine level, chatting about the realities of tackling throwaway culture.
High-Energy Reels & TikToks: Rubi stepped in front of the lens to capture dynamic, short-form video content showcasing the brand's signature automatic open/close functionality.
E-Commerce Product Styling: We got creative on the cyclorama studio setup, contrasting the sleek, industrial lines of the umbrellas against the clean, infinite curves of the cove.
2. The Natural Light Advantage for E-Commerce
One of the main reasons agencies and e-comm labels look for a daylight photography studio in Manchester is color accuracy. Soaked Umbrellas feature stunning, vibrant canopies designed by local independent artists, alongside recycled RPET fabrics.
Artificial lighting can easily flatten these premium textures. Our seven expansive skylights acted as a massive natural diffuser, capturing the true tones, wind-resistant frames, and fabric quality with surgical precision.
Furthermore, because our unique seventh skylight sits directly over the makeup and styling zone, the team could check exactly how skin tones and product materials translated under true daylight before moving to the main set.
Why Manchester Creators are Choosing Abstract Studios
Whether you are an independent brand like Soaked or a fashion giant, production logistics can make or break your day. Here is what to look for when booking a photography studio hire in Manchester:
Space for the Whole Team: Abstract comfortably hosts up to 20 people, giving production crews, clients, and models plenty of breathing room.
Acoustics & Privacy: By separating our high-energy shooting floor from our break-out spaces, brands can shoot high-quality audio interviews on one level while prep happens on another.
In-House Creative Support: Don't have a full crew? Abstract provides the "quiet infrastructure" - from space logistics to in-house creators like Rubi, to help bring your brief to life.
"We’ve been blown away by how positively people have connected with the mission. The city’s creativity and community spirit continue to inspire how we approach design and storytelling." - Meg, Co-founder of Soaked Umbrellas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the studio for both photography and video interviews?
Yes. Abstract is engineered as a hybrid content creation studio. The acoustics, distinct aesthetic zones, and natural lighting layout make it just as efficient for shooting high-end 4K video interviews and Reels as it is for commercial e-commerce lookbooks.
Do you have space for product prep and styling?
Absolutely. We feature a dedicated dressing, styling, and makeup area positioned directly beneath a specialized skylight, ensuring accurate color-matching for cosmetics, fabrics, and skin tones.
Is there parking and accessibility at the studio?
Yes. We offer a private courtyard which serves as an urban extension for lifestyle shoots, loading equipment, and secure parking.
Plan Your Next Brand Shoot at Abstract Studios
Ready to take your content beyond the grid? Whether you need a crisp product photography studio in Manchester or a dynamic space to film your next social campaign, Abstract provides the atmosphere and infrastructure your brand deserves.
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