After years of navigating typical studio settings that often feel overwhelming or overstimulating, Cam Smart, the studio’s founder and an autistic photographer, is determined to offer something different: a photography experience that feels gentle, unhurried, and truly inclusive.
“As someone who is autistic myself, I know how stressful a photo studio can feel — from the bright lights to the noise and unpredictability,” Cam explained. “So I’ve redesigned this space with care, comfort, and calm in mind — because everyone deserves to feel seen and celebrated.”
The newly adapted space includes:
- A simplified and clutter-free layout
- Adjustable, soft lighting to reduce sensory overload
- A quiet zone for guests to take breaks
- One-to-one sessions by appointment to ensure minimal waiting and no crowds
To mark the studio’s transformation, Focus Photography is hosting a grand reopening mini-event later this summer. The event will offer free photo sessions and two printed photos per guest, along with sensory-friendly activities in a quiet, accessible room downstairs and a free goodie bag to take home.
In addition to celebrating the studio’s reopening, the event will also serve as a fundraiser to support an important accessibility upgrade at JHAC. All money raised will be strictly dedicated to repairing the building’s lift, a crucial facility that serves not only Focus Photography’s customers but also visitors and other businesses operating within JHAC. Ensuring the lift is fully operational is essential for providing safe and easy access for people with mobility challenges, including those with physical disabilities, older visitors, and families with young children. By contributing to this cause, attendees will be helping to make JHAC a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who uses the space.
To avoid overwhelming visitors, photography sessions will take place one at a time, while the event space features soft music, refreshments, and a live video stream of the ribbon-cutting ceremony — allowing everyone to feel part of the moment, whether in the room or watching from a distance.
The event will also be livestreamed on the Focus Photography Facebook page, helping to spread the word about the importance of accessibility in local business.
“This isn’t just a reopening,” Cam added. “It’s a reimagining of what a studio can be when you put people’s needs first. I want families who may have avoided traditional settings to know: this space was made with you in mind. Everyone is welcome.”
Each child attending the event will also receive a free goodie bag to take home, filled with sensory-friendly treats and surprises to continue the welcoming experience beyond the studio visit.
Looking ahead, Cam also plans to make the studio available for hire to other photographers—both students and professionals alike—offering a welcoming, SEND-friendly environment for creative projects, workshops, and portrait sessions. Importantly, the studio aims to keep costs low to ensure it remains accessible and affordable for everyone in the community.
Focus Photography has recently launched Community Cuddles — a new initiative that gives every child visiting the studio a teddy of their own to take home and keep.
To support this, the studio is seeking donations of new or gently-loved teddies and cuddly toys. Donations can be dropped off at Jelleymans Heritage Arts Charity, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
The event is free to attend.
Tuesday, 22 July, 12 noon – 2pm
Jelleyman’s Heritage Arts Charity, Puxton Lane, DY11 5DF
For more information or to follow the journey of the studio’s transformation, visit Focus Photography on Facebook or contact Cam on 01562 310 053 / 07464 283 975, or by email at focusphotos23@gmail.com