For several months - aside from Martina - I was very hesitant to share the news with anyone, including my own family. However, after numerous emails, phone calls, and even a couple of visits to the reserve - where they met the directors, Gareth and Georgina - any lingering concerns I had were completely dispelled. Keith and Eddie were endlessly patient with my many questions and my admitted inexperience in the publishing world. Each time, they reassured me that they had been through the process many times before and that everything would be fine.
I genuinely cannot imagine how anyone could - or would want to - undertake such a project alone. From my perspective, they were worth every penny. The time, expense, and considerable stress they will have saved me will make their involvement invaluable. They would manage the budget, oversee editing and sequencing, handle the design, and even accompany me to the printers to sign off the plates before the book goes into production. To say it's a minefield would be an understatement!
Eddie and Keith in one of the hides
Admiring the panorama from The Barn
A typically chilly winter's day on the marsh
I’ve always liked to stay ahead of the game, so when inspiration struck several months ago, I began straight away - drafting the introduction, writing the accompanying captions, and contacting those whose permission was needed.
Although it will no doubt require some refinement, having completed the bulk of the writing has given me the clarity - and the time - to focus fully on the images and the overall structure of the book.
Publication Date
A date has been scheduled with the printers for late June, with the launch planned for August
Sequencing
Four full days at The Royal Geographical Society (I know, tough right?), and the sequencing stage has now been completed! Given the sheer quantity of images we have had to deal with, there were times when I thought I would never get the opportunity to say this! It still feels slightly strange. Thus far, this has been the most challenging aspect of the process, while also the most exciting. Thirty-five years of photography distilled into approximately 200 pages. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it ultimately determines the book’s flow, rhythm, and the emotional connection readers form with the landscape and wildlife of Elmley.
In between sessions, I would have small prints made and tape them to my office wall to ‘live’ with them for a while before our next sequencing session. So much was gained from this process. Seeing the work every day, in passing, in quiet moments and discussing with Martina allowed subtle shifts in perspective. As a result, we identified additional images to include and made slight adjustments to the sequence. With those refinements in place, I felt genuinely pleased with the way the book was taking shape.
Spreads
The flatplan is now with our designer, Eddie. Over the next couple of weeks we expect to receive the first completed spreads, which will give us a clearer sense of caption font size and placement, and not after that, once more spreads are ready, I should have enough - cover design included - to share on the website and begin taking those all‑important pre‑orders!
The Elmley 100
A little under two days ago, I set up The Elmley 100. This is a limited group of 100 supporters helping bring the Elmley book to life - an opportunity to be part of the story from the very beginning and to follow the journey as it unfolds.
It's already more than half full, and everyone's exceptionally generous support will play a vital role in transforming over 30 years of photographing Elmley into a beautifully crafted coffee-table book. If this is of interest, please click on the link below
As a founding supporter, benefits include...
Your name listed on The Elmley 100 page in the book
Exclusive behind-the-scenes insights
Access to a private Facebook group with real-time updates
Early previews of images and layouts
Priority notification when pre-orders become available
For not-so-exclusive updates as the book develops, you can find me on the following channels:
