Co-Op LIVE Arena -
Architectural Photography Case Study
As a professional architectural photographer based in Manchester, I was recently commissioned to photograph the Co-Op Live Arena — the UK’s largest indoor arena and a major new addition to the city’s skyline. This project formed part of a wider portfolio for a leading property developer showcasing their latest landmark developments.
The Brief
The client required high-quality architectural photography to document the arena's design, scale, and integration into the surrounding urban landscape. These images would be used for marketing, investor presentations, and press releases, so precision, composition, and a strong visual impact were key.
My Approach to Architectural Photography
To best capture the architecture of the Co-Op Live Arena, I planned the shoot around optimal lighting conditions — aiming for golden hour light to emphasise the structure’s form and materials, and for a night-time session to capture the amazing use of light across the arena’s circumference..
I focused on three core aspects:
Architectural scale: Wide shots that capture the full scope of the arena
Context: How the arena sits within Manchester’s built environment
Detail: Clean, sharp images that highlight architectural materials and finishes
I carried these same principles through to photographing the arena’s interiors. Carefully selecting angles to show the scale, accessibility and detail of the public areas, right through to the luxurious finish of the VIP bars and private boxes.
Results
The final photography delivered a cohesive set of striking images that highlighted the arena’s architectural design, scale, and urban context. The client was delighted with the outcome, and the images have been featured in both their property portfolio and digital marketing campaigns
