Photoshoots for families in an accessible photo studio
A Special Day in the New Forest
At Our Bench, we offer guests the option of a relaxed photoshoot with Helen, either at the cottages, in our nearby accessible studio, or on location in the New Forest. Helen is a part-time photographer at
Renouf Design
and one of the photographers for
Butterfly Wishes,
a national organisation that captures special memories for families of children with life-shortening conditions.
Many of our guests tell us that they rarely have photographs of the whole family together. As a photographer with years of experience working with disabled guests, carers and families with additional needs, I offer relaxed and accessible photoshoots that capture real moments and genuine smiles. There is no rush, no pressure and no expectation — just the chance to make memories in a beautiful setting.
For many families, the photoshoot becomes just as important as the holiday itself. It is a chance to slow down, be together, and capture moments that everyday life does not always allow time for. There is no rush, no pressure, and everyone is included at their own pace.
We are so grateful for what you offer through your holiday properties. We had an amazing time when we came in September last year, better that we could have hoped for. You gave us the opportunity to create wonderful memories that we talked about regularly afterwards and will continue to remember going forward.
Kathyrn
How it works
- No charge for the session: the photoshoot is our gift to Our Bench guests.
- Online gallery after your holiday: delivered via Renouf Design. Password protection is available on request.
- Choose your favourites: select 6 to 8 images to keep, print and share.
- No obligation to buy more: additional digital images are usually £19.99 each, with prints from £10 delivered to your home.
- Permission always asked: if you are happy for us to share an image on our website, we will ask first. If you dislike any images, we can remove them from the album.
All photoshoots are designed around your comfort and mobility. We choose locations that are wheelchair-friendly, quiet and easy to access, or we can stay in the cottage gardens if that feels easier. I work at your pace, allowing time for rest, positioning, sensory breaks and anything else you may need.
If you would like to arrange a photoshoot, please let us know when you book your holiday or on arrival (subject to availability). Since 2020, we have also had access to an accessible photography studio less than two minutes’ walk from the cottages, which makes photoshoots possible whatever the weather and can sometimes allow last-minute sessions during your stay, alternatively we would be delighted to meet you in the forest or at the beach, or even at a local attraction - so we can capture memories of moments shared together.
If you are unsure whether a photoshoot feels right, that is completely okay. Sessions can be kept short and gentle, with breaks whenever needed. We follow your lead and what feels comfortable for you and your family.
Some of the magical memories we have captured
Families often tell us they nearly did not book a photoshoot, unsure if it would feel right at the time. Almost without exception, they later say it is one of the most meaningful parts of their stay. Some return year after year, building a visual record of time spent together that becomes priceless.
Ruth and her New Forest respite holiday
Ruth, her friends Elizabeth and Geoff, and her carer Florence came for a week’s stay in Bench Cottage. Ruth’s sister arranged a photoshoot to capture memories together and fulfil Ruth’s wish to create images for her personalised Christmas card. We even created Christmas in July, complete with Santa hats.
Ruth and her friends captured during their New Forest holiday
The Green family from Australia
Toni, Em, and Beth travelled from Brisbane for a four-week stay over Christmas. Toni had recently lost over 40 kilos, and it was wonderful to capture her alongside her incredible daughters, making the most of their time together in the New Forest. You can read more about their visit here.
The Green family celebrating Christmas in the New Forest
The Peterson family studio session
The Peterson family, Mum, Dad, Oliver (7) and Louisa (2), joined us in the Renouf Design studio. Louisa had missed out on baby photos due to hospital stays, so we created fresh memories for them all to enjoy.
The Peterson family photographed in our accessible studio
The Adachi family’s holiday adventure
The Adachi family, Eunmi, Yosuke, Kai (9) and Haru (7), visited during August when the heather was in full bloom. Their photos were captured near Whitefield Moor, close to Brockenhurst.
The Adachi family enjoying their New Forest holiday
Over the years, we have learned that these photos often become far more important than anyone expects at the time. Their families now tell us how grateful they are that these moments were captured. What begins as a simple holiday photoshoot can become a treasured part of a family’s story.
Henry and his mum’s horse
Ten-year-old Henry came with his parents and their horse. Despite wet weather, we captured unique photos of them together in the forest, with Mum arriving on horseback for the session.
Henry and his mum with her horse in the New Forest
Bob and Rowena
Bob and Rowena celebrated 50 years of friendship and their 49th wedding anniversary during their stay. Instead of their favourite walk, they chose photos in the cottage garden, where they had made new friends next door.
Bob and Rowena celebrating 50 years of friendship
The Jackson family
Four generations of the Jackson family stayed in Garden Bench. We visited Woodside Gardens with almost two-year-old Kenny, capturing precious multi-generational memories. In 2025 they returned for another photoshoot at Ober Water, enjoying the accessible forest walk.
The Jackson family enjoying Woodside Gardens
The Jackson family enjoying the Ober Water accessible walk in 2025
Hannah’s Hampshire holiday
Hannah stayed in Bench Cottage with her carers. She explored Exbury, local attractions, and enjoyed cooking in our accessible kitchen. Her carers requested a photoshoot to surprise her parents with a special anniversary photo.
Hannah smiling during her New Forest holiday
Wetwheels adventure
Jane and Henry celebrated Henry’s 70th birthday with a Wetwheels boat trip from Lymington, followed by a studio photoshoot. It was a joy to capture their adventurous spirit on this special trip.
Jane and Henry on their Wetwheels boat trip from Lymington
And many more
We have also photographed sisters, three generations, just the girls, and quiet moments with carers and friends. Every family looks different, and every session is shaped around what matters to you.
Holidays pass quickly. The memories do not have to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the photoshoots suitable for wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility?
Yes. I choose locations that are step-free, wheelchair-friendly and easy to access. If preferred, we can stay in the cottage gardens where everything is familiar and comfortable.
How long does a photoshoot take?
Most sessions last around an hour or two, but there is no strict time limit. We go at your pace, allowing time for rest, positioning or sensory breaks whenever needed.
Can you work with guests who have additional needs or who find photography stressful?
Absolutely. I have years of experience working with disabled guests, autistic guests, carers and families with complex needs. Sessions are calm, flexible and completely pressure-free.
Do we need to travel far for the photos?
No. We can stay in the cottage gardens, or choose a nearby accessible spot in the New Forest. The aim is to make the experience enjoyable, not tiring.
Photoshoots are available for all guests staying in our accessible holiday cottages, or you can book direct with
Renouf Design.
Last updated: March 2026