Case Study : Handpicked Hotels
Case Study: Editorial Photography for Hand Picked Magazine by Handpicked Hotels
Capturing Atmosphere, Craft and Storytelling on Location at Rhinefield House Hotel, New Forest
The Brief:
We were commissioned to photograph a major editorial feature for Hand Picked, the flagship magazine by Handpicked Hotels, producing imagery to illustrate multiple articles for their 2025/2026 edition. Shot over two full days, the brief was to create elegant, atmospheric editorial photography that celebrated location, culture, craftsmanship, and experience across their iconic properties.
Our Approach:
Working closely with the wonderful Susie Campanella, creative Editor and Head of Publications, the shoot was meticulously planned yet fluid, allowing space for spontaneity, light, storytelling, and of course the weather.
With two days packed with ambitious ideas, the aim was to deliver a cohesive visual narrative that reflected the magazine’s refined tone while bringing each article vividly to life.
Woodland Strings – A Dusk Performance in the New Forest
The first feature, Woodland Strings, required a location-led shoot set within the grounds of the beautiful Rhinefield House. Following a detailed location scout, we identified the perfect woodland clearing to stage the main scene.
As daylight faded, we photographed the Bossard String Quartet nestled amongst the trees, performing at dusk as soft evening light filtered through the forest. The shoot demanded speed, precision, and creativity—balancing composition, ambient light, and performance in a narrow window of time.
Alongside the hero image, we captured individual portraits of the musicians with Rhinefield House as a backdrop, including what would become the front cover of the magazine. While the images convey elegance and atmosphere, what they can’t fully express is the magic of experiencing a private performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons deep in the woods—an unforgettable and genuinely special moment.
Stories in a Glass – Whisky Editorial Photography
Day two shifted focus indoors, capturing Stories in a Glass, an editorial exploring some of Scotland’s finest whiskies. Set within the luxurious interiors of Rhinefield House, the photography focused on detail, texture, and ritual.
Working closely with the hotel team, we photographed precise pours and beautifully styled glassware, highlighting the craftsmanship and heritage behind these exceptional spirits. Their collaboration was invaluable—especially when working with such rare and precious drinks.
Spice and Ice – Cocktail Photography with Character
A quick unit move brought us to the final feature, Spice and Ice, celebrating a bold cocktail serve balancing the rich, aromatic notes of Hennessy with fiery ginger and fresh lime.
Once again, seamless teamwork with the hotel staff allowed us to capture the perfect serve—stylish, vibrant, and full of character. (Despite being my favourite tipple, sadly it was all for the camera.)
The Result:
Across two full-on days, the shoot delivered a rich library of editorial photography spanning lifestyle, interiors, people, drinks, and atmosphere—each image crafted to support Handpicked Hotels’ storytelling and brand identity.
Great location, a brilliant creative team, generous collaboration from the hotel staff, and ambitious ideas made hard work feel like a joy. The final images now appear in the latest edition of Hand Picked magazine, available throughout Handpicked Hotels across the UK.
A dream commission—and one we’re proud to see in print.
Client: Handpicked Hotel Magazine
Photographer: Giles Christopher
Producer/Styling: Abigail Cockroft
Art Director: Susie Campanella
