The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards Podcast’s first episode, featuring legendary British photographer Rankin and indie icon and Gossip band leader, Beth Ditto is out now and available to listen to here and watch on the Abbey Road YouTube channel, alongside a bonus episode with the podcast’s presenters Charlotte Patmore and Katy Cummings. Subsequent episodes will be released every two weeks, exploring the diversity of music photography across various areas - from style and identity to the relationship between artist and photographer.

The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards podcast is presented by acclaimed music photographers Charlotte Patmore (Clairo, Sam Fender, Lola Young) and Katy Cummings (Two Door Cinema Club, You Me At Six, The Hunna) and has been created to further the studio’s commitment towards its artistic and photographic communities. The podcast celebrates and showcases the craft and imagination in music photography, further highlighting Abbey Road’s position as the home of creativity.

Speaking about the launch of The Abbey Road Music Photography Awards Podcast, Abbey Road’s Managing Director, Sally Davies says:

“In 2022 we launched the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards to celebrate and showcase global creativity in music photography. Three years on and the awards has grown into a year long programme of events and initiatives that not only recognise the creative arts and the photographers behind the lens but also highlight its importance as an artform. We understand how important it is to support our growing community of photographers and the podcast was designed with this in mind. A new addition to the annual calendar it provides insights, inspiration and stories from the established creatives within our network who share their journeys and experiences”.

The first episode of the podcast brings together two long-time collaborators - legendary British photographer and MPA co-founder Rankin and indie icon and Gossip frontwoman, Beth Ditto, who join the hosts for an electrifying conversation. They delve into their creative journey, exploring an iconic 2009 Dazed & Confused cover shoot and reflect on their long-standing working relationship, sharing insights into the artistry behind capturing powerful moments, how to bring out the best in an artist and the unique dynamic between music and image.

Speaking about working together, Beth says, “Rankin has done so much for me and Gossip”, to which Rankin adds, “When I did Beth’s cover, I thought, this is going to be big. She jokes about it but it’s one of my best pictures”. Rankin further comments: “Being one of the first guests, alongside my good friend Beth, is an honour because these conversations matter! If you are looking to pursue a career in music photography, or interested in the craft, it’s seriously worth watching”.

For episode two, Charlotte and Katy are joined by photographer and visual artist Alia Romagnoli (Hope Tala, Raveena, Bombay Mami) for an insightful conversation on how she found her style and identity as a photographer. Alia discusses how her unique aesthetic is influenced by her South Asian background and how her work intersects with LGBTQIA+ themes.

In episode three, Charlotte and Katy head backstage at Love Supreme Festival in Glynde, East Sussex, where they are joined by singer, songwriter and producer Joel Culpepper and his go-to photographer, Michal Augustini. Exploring the creative approach and relationship between artist and photographer, listeners will hear about the collaborative process. Hear how live performance photography shapes an artist's narrative, the ideation of photoshoots and capturing the moments when Joel's music influences Michal's lens. Find out what makes a great artist and photographer collaboration, and how they work in tandem to shape visual and musical storytelling.

London-based music photographer and GIF artist Kate Bones joins as the guest for episode four, discussing the journey of finding your creative niche. Kate, who originally studied fine art sculpture, shares how she transitioned into portraiture through moving image. Known for her kaleidoscopic, hyper-real 3D animations, Kate explores the fusion of analogue and digital technologies, constantly pushing the boundaries of the GIF medium. Her work has been featured in Dazed, Wonderland, and Love Magazine and she has collaborated with artists including Mabel, Beth Ditto, and Ms Banks. Tune in to hear her approach to blending stills and motion and how she carved out a distinct space in the world of contemporary photography and digital art.

The final episode in the series is with renowned music photographer and 2024 MPA judge Pooneh Ghana (Noah Khan, Olivia Rodrigo & Fontaines D.C.) who takes the listener on a journey through life on the road as a music photographer. Born and raised in Texas and immersed in the vibrant Austin music scene, Pooneh has turned her passion for both music and photography into a career she loves. In this episode, Pooneh opens up about her creative process, the inspiration behind her work and how travel has inspired her photography.