Creator of
The Lazy Photographer Location Guide
The Lazy Photographer
Publishing high quality location guides
In October 2022, Ste was lying on a sun lounger in Malta dreaming of being a full-time photographer and researching ways of how he could make his dreams become reality. There are so many incredible photographers out there that he knew he would never make enough money from selling images alone, he never liked the idea of video blogs, they are extremely time consuming and the money available from YouTube wasn't what it once was. Ironically it was whilst he was watching a YouTube video of a famous UK photographer that gave him the idea of writing a book.
Ste had always loved to write but never had a specific project in mind, but he was intrigued by the idea of a photography book. But what to write about!? There are many photography books in circulation, covering all topics from learning to photography journeys, however an idea came to mind. It was when Ste thought about what a photographer’s biggest struggle was, more than anything else, he felt it was places to go. You can be the best photographer in the world but if you can't find a meaningful and inspiring subject then you have nothing to photograph. That is where the idea of a location guide came from, after boring his partner to death with all his ideas throughout the rest of their holiday he had a firm idea of what he wanted to do.
Ste is modest, he's better than a half decent photographer but he had a talent for finding locations which by-passed his ability to sell images. So if he could share the things he does which maximise the limited time he had on photography shoots with others then he felt as though could share the vast knowledge he had collected. Not everyone shares where they are on social media posts or within YouTube videos, but Ste had a knack of being able to find amazing locations or track them down. What better information to share. There are, however, many location guides out there, so he needed a niche. As a landscape photographer, he loves taking photos, he also loves mountains but by his own admission he's not crazy about hiking. So, he thought about a location guide where the locations required minimal effort, with roadside and short walk locations with an accurate way of finding them.
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The Lazy Photographer Location Guide was born, little did he realise the amount of work that he had ahead of him but committed to the idea he started work as soon as he got home so that he could bring his idea to life.
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The following 18 months were tough, Ste often struggled with the need to photograph for the book and not necessarily waiting for those ideal weather conditions he often scoured apps looking for. It was just taking too long. He did at times question if he was doing the right thing after all it was a big commitment both of time and financially. Ste will tell you that as a photographer the greatest reward is printing your work and seeing it framed but after receiving his first book proof that feeling multiplied a thousand times!
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There is a famous quote on the fridge in Ste's home which he always takes inspiration from 'The future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams'.
We are pleased to say that the last 18 months has been well worth the effort, as you can see the book looks very professional.
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So, what's with the title 'The Lazy Photographer'? This is a good question and one we asked Ste directly.
There are a few reasons that stuck out, firstly Ste's loves taking photos but doesn't like long walks or hikes. Not because he is a lazy person but more down to the time, he has available. If you were ever out with him you would find that a simple walk may take a few hours as he will stop every few minutes to take photos, retake photos, change lens... You get it!
Ste simply doesn't have the time, nor does he get any enjoyment from hiking. He accepts that some photos can only be taken from the top of a mountain but that doesn't mean there are no other opportunities.
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The other major reason for the title was making it easy to find places to visit and more importantly how to get there and where to park.
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The location guidebooks will give you the most important information you will need, amazing locations, how to get there, where to park, best time to visit. He has also collaborated with what3words, using their geocode system which is accurate to 3 meters, so he never gets lost. and neither will you. Lazy or ingenious!?
There are amazing photography location guide books out there already. So, what makes this book different?
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Whilst guidebooks inspire, they often don't provide all of the information you need and will use post codes or grid references which can be challenging. Postcodes rely on nearby residential properties and grid references are time consuming. The what3words code and QR codes Ste has created will take you directly to the closest parking position at the desired location.
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In addition, Ste has designed a quick reference guide which immediately tells you everything that you need to know, whether there's parking, whether you must pay, if there are facilities, if its suitable for kids or dogs. Literally everything you need, that you won't find in any other book!
With only a few small amendments required to the proof, Ste has released it for print which will see the first in 'The Lazy Photographer's Guide' series released shortly. The first guide will focus on the beautiful areas of North Wales, but the journey will not end there. Ste has plans for future guide books with work underway covering the wonderful areas of The Lake District and the Scottish Highlands so watch this space.