The Iris Studio: Capturing the Essence of the Eye

A tale of creative photography and keepsake art is being told at Stonham Barns Park - a part of the Cosgrove Leisure Parks UK group – where a person’s unique iris can be kept as a forever photo. Inspired by the intricate beauty of the human iris and the connection between friends, couples and families, Ashley Rose and his partner Jemma Hadden set out to create a studio unlike any other: Iris Studio. The journey began when the couple came across iris photography while on a family holiday, they both loved the details and personal touches of the artwork. They were amazed by the patterns - swirls, bursts, and flecks making each and every eye as unique as a fingerprint. They have made it their mission to supply customers with keepsakes to celebrate the people we cherish. To realise their vision, Ashley and Jemma have invested in a specialised camera and lens system, designed to capture the iris in extraordinary detail. Unlike standard portrait photography, this setup needed precise lighting and colour calibration. The goal was not just clarity, but to reveal the natural hues and textures hidden within each eye. After a lot of training and trial and error, they landed on a system that could freeze the intricate beauty of the human iris.

Explains Ashley, ‘When captured, the raw image is edited to enhance the natural colours of the eye and by adding more light this transforms the iris into a kaleidoscopic masterpiece. Each image can be finished with a unique artistic flair - sometimes subtle, sometimes bold -depending on the subject’s personality or the wishes of those commissioning the keepsake.’ The finished images are usually printed on acrylic material, giving the artwork a gallery-style sheen which ensures its durability for years to come. Ashley and Jemma, who live in Ipswich with two of their daughters, have six children between them and three grandchildren. They both attended Claydon High School. Ashley has worked as a mechanic for most of his career – starting out as an apprentice in his father’s business and then latterly employed by the major truck dealerships in the region as a senior technician. Continues Ashley, ‘It’s a new way to display emotion which captured our attention from the moment we saw the images. We knew we wanted to be a part of this portrait revolution and so invested in the camera equipment and learned the technology behind the art. It has always been my dream to move into photography, and this feels very right to take the first step with an outlet at Stonham Barns Park Retail Village. It is a hub for creatives of all kinds based in the relaxed and rural setting. We are excited to see where this new venture takes us.’ The prints serve as reminders of the uniqueness and connection between people. The vibrant colours and abstract patterns make each piece a conversation starter and a cherished family keepsake. For further information, visit www.iris-studio.uk or email [email protected]

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