The Photo That Started It All
On 27th May 2023, I snapped what I thought was just another picture for my 365 Day Nature Photo Challenge — a simple lakeside shot of a green umbel flower standing tall against the water. When I shared it, my cousin said: “That would look great on a canvas.” She was right. I had one printed and sent it to her, and in that small moment an idea was born: what a shame it would be if my year of photos just ended there. So I decided to turn the challenge into something lasting — a book. A Simple Idea, A Big Impact
At first, it was just about preserving the photos for myself and my family. But as I worked, I realised something special was happening. People weren’t just liking the pictures — they were telling me they felt cheered up by them, inspired to get outside, or simply glad to pause for a mindful moment in their day. That feedback gave me the push to keep going. The project grew, and eventually became not one but two books: My Years in Photos and My Second Year in 366 Photos. Each contains a photo for every day of the year, with a line or two of wording — sometimes thoughtful, sometimes a bad dad joke — but always a reminder to stop and notice the beauty around us. Everyday Nature, Everyday Joy
What I love most is that none of my photos are taken in exotic places. They come from local walks in Clumber Park, gardens in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, or even quick dog walks close to home. And that’s the point: you don’t have to travel far to find beauty. Nature is everywhere if you look for it.
Why I’ll Keep Going
The joy I get from taking these photos is more than matched by the joy of knowing they make a difference. And every single penny from book sales goes to two charities close to my heart: Bassetlaw Hospice and the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. That’s why I’ll keep posting a photo a day for as long as I can. Because sometimes, all it takes is one photo to change everything.
👉 Find the books here