Hi! my name is Sebastian (You can call me Seb!) …welcome to my Blog. I'm a photographer from Worcester, Worcestershire, England. Thanks for dropping by! I hope you enjoy my work.
It’s been a pretty miserable, wet Saturday (the kind of day where you mostly stay inside and listen to the rain doing its thing). But when I stepped out for a minute, this red rose caught my eye. It was completely covered in raindrops, every petal holding onto its own little bead of water.
…As you know I always notice these things, and my brain tells me to get the camera, it just felt like a perfect moment for a macro shot. One of those everyday things that suddenly looks a bit magical when you actually notice it and the creative brain see’s an image before it’s even taken.
….So I grabbed the camera and spent a few minutes getting close, following the curves of the petals and trying to capture the way the droplets sat on them.
I love this set of images, exactly what I wanted to achieve, looks wise! A splash of colour doing its best to brighten up an otherwise grey day.
……Somehow this one’s crept up on me quickly, but a week today I’ll be heading back over to Ireland, from the Monday to Friday, starting in Dublin, then catching the train down to Cork. Another little adventure, and one I’m really looking forward to.
Life’s been busy lately, so I’ve accidentally kept quiet about it, without meaning to, but the excitement’s definitely kicking in now. There’s something really cool about going back to places that are part of your family’s story. I’ve wandered the east, in Dublin, I’ve been out to the west in Galway, and now it’s finally time to head further south to Cork. Feels like I’m slowly stitching my way around Ireland, one little adventure at a time. I don’t really have fully formed plan yet but I definitely plan on:
Chatting with a few locals to get their recommendations
Visiting the Food Market
Maybe book onto a city tour to get my bearings
Wander around with my camera and see what catches my eye
Visit Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral!! (Really excited for that!)
I haven’t decided the rest, that’s part of the fun…. but I know a few days in Cork with my camera feels like exactly what I need. Can’t wait to share the photos and the stories when I’m back. 😁📸
My friends, this is a LONG one, but for good reason…
This week I hit two more huge blogging milestones! 🤯
People from 150 countries have now visited my site… and I’ve just noticed I’ve tipped over 100,000 views. (Almost a year since I wrote a post saying 50K to go! Works out about 160 ish views a day since then average – so it’s a slow, but continuous build, if you break it down) 😁
This all absolutely blows my mind.
And the thing is, these milestones don’t feel like they belong solely to me. Without sounding cringe, they belong to us – and let me explain that….
Without people choosing to spend a few moments of their day reading my words, looking at my photos, leaving comments, sharing encouragement, or simply supporting from the sidelines, none of this happens. I completely understand that time is valuable, and the fact that people give some of theirs to this little corner of the internet means more to me than I can properly put into words.
Over the last few years, I genuinely feel like I’ve somehow built a small pocket community here filled with some incredibly kind, talented, creative people. I value so many of you just as much as my everyday “real life” friends.
That’s why I say this isn’t just my achievement it’s yours too.
You are the views. You are the support. You are the motivation when mine runs low. You are the escapism on difficult days. You are the kindness, the encouragement, the conversations, the inspiration.
So yes, while this is a celebration of my own blogging journey, it’s also a celebration of all of you too. My little WordPress family.
Photography has always been deeply tied to my life, but it hasn’t always been an easy journey.
When I was around 15, I had a lot of unfortunate things happening in my life, including some terrible loss within my family. Everything felt uncertain and messy, and I was desperately trying to find my feet. During all of that, the one thing that truly made me feel better was photography.
I loved it.
I wanted to study it at college, so I put together a portfolio with very little knowledge but a huge amount of passion. I used my last pocket money to print the photos and carefully put everything together.
Looking back now, were the photos amazing? No, probably not. But I was 15 years old and eager to learn.
I took the portfolio to the college and, long story short, the teacher told me it “wasn’t good enough” and described it as blind, mindless snaps. He also questioned whether I’d even be able to afford the course because it was “expensive.”
To be fair, he did say I could redo the portfolio and try again, but at that age, with everything happening around me and very little support at the time, I was crushed. I walked home crying and never went back.
I ended up going to another college and didn’t pursue photography there at all as they didn’t do it. I sat through “typical” A levels, uninspired and bored…
For a while, I left photography behind.
Then years later, I finally bought myself what felt like a “proper camera” and enrolled onto a professional photography diploma. This time, I went in with fire in my belly. I wanted to learn everything. I wanted to prove something to myself (and to that teacher 😅)
I completed the diploma, learned my camera inside and out, and that was when I finally started putting my work out there and creating this blog properly.
And wow… how things have changed since then.
Since those days, I’ve photographed weddings, been published, worked events, become a multiple sports club’s photographer, won competitions, continued shooting commissions, and even use photography within my work life in different ways.
I’ve done far more than that 15-year-old version of me ever imagined possible.
But throughout all of it, this blog has always been here.
Even during quieter years when I barely used it, it remained constant in the background.
A lot of my own determination and passion helped heal that 15-year-old kid who simply wanted a chance to learn and create. you guys have played a huge part in that healing too.
More than you probably realise.
I don’t share every part of my story on here, but over the years I’ve struggled badly with anxiety at times, and this little space this community has genuinely been a comfort and a safe place for me.
So as I head into this weekend smiling at these two milestones, I just want to say thank you.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for the support. Thank you for the encouragement. Thank you for sticking around. 🙏
People often tell me that my work or words inspire them, but honestly, the feeling goes both ways.
Some people around me don’t really understand my attachment to WordPress because they’ve never used it themselves… but they truly don’t know what they’re missing.
Hi everyone! hope you’re all keeping cool if you’re here in the UK, because this heatwave is hotttttt!!☀️
This photo is just for attention for Blog Share #5, and I went for a black & white, almost HDR‑style edit to make the details pop a bit more. ☺️
The building in the shot is Glenmuick Parish Church in Ballater, a proper Victorian landmark. It was completed in 1874, built from local granite, and designed in that classic Scottish Gothic style with the tall spire and narrow arched windows. The clock tower is one of the most recognisable features in the village, and the church itself was part of the wider growth of Ballater during the Victorian era, especially as the area became closely associated with Balmoral and the Royal Family.
If you joined in with Blog Share #4, you’ll remember the idea: Use the comments on this post to share a link to your blog or your latest post, and tell us a little bit about what you write about and, if you want, a bit about you. It’s a simple way for people to discover new blogs, connect, and maybe get a few more eyes on their work. A bit of WordPress networking, it’s a great way to support each other!
Looking forward to seeing what you’re all creating this week…. I’m just catching up now!
For about a year or so now, I’ve returned to blogging after a bit of a hiatus. No grand plan just sharing my photography, a place to get my thoughts out and have some conversations with the wonderful people I’ve met through blogging.
A few weeks after posting Tiny Hearts, I suddenly noticed an unusual influx of likes and comments rolling in. At first, I thought it was strange. The post had already been sitting there quietly for a while, then all at once it seemed to find new life and reach new people.
Then yesterday… boom. 💥
An email from the WordPress editors landed in my inbox telling me my post had been featured on Freshly Pressed.
What lifts my spirits most is knowing that the post stood out simply because it was real. I’m not trying to be anything other than myself on here. I’m just thinking out loud, sharing photographs I love, writing about things on my mind, and connecting with fellow bloggers from around the world. I found my people, who appreciate my work and make me feel good, you help drive me to pick up the camera, that’s huge anything else that arrives along the way is just a massive bonus.
In a world where it’s easy to feel like you have to constantly perform, grow fast, or chase numbers, this reminded me that authenticity still matters. Our genuine creativity matters. Sharing something honest matters.
You never really know who your words or photographs might reach.
So if you’re a smaller blogger, or someone wondering whether anybody is listening keep going. Keep posting the things you care about. Keep creating even when it feels like you’re just speaking into the void sometimes.
Because occasionally, without warning, something you made from the heart finds its way further than you ever expected.
And that’s a pretty special feeling.
Thank you to everyone who reads, comments, supports, and chats with me here. You’ve made returning to blogging feel welcoming again, and I appreciate it more than you know. Also thank you WordPress for the feature, you allow me to get my voice out there and your feature made my week!
Are you well? I hope so. Sorry for posting a little less lately, I’ve been quite busy with life but still trying to keep posting regularly, I like connecting with you all and sharing photography stuff and beautiful scenes if I can find them.
Speaking of which I wanted to share this scene from that visit to Scotland a few weeks back. I thought it would be criminal not to let you see this one 😅 I took it while having a walk around Braemar. You can almost hear the rushing water through the image. The air felt so fresh and brisk there, it really cleared out the lungs 🫁
There were snow capped mountains 🏔️ in view and I’m sure this icy river came directly from them then travelling through the village and downhill!
I feel I’ve been blessed in life to be able to see and experience such sights in this amazing world and to be able to share them with you feels great too. I know a lot of you appreciate these things.
Oh, also just to mention, my ‘tiny hearts’ post seems to have blown up a bit in the last few days so I’m thinking it might have been reblogged or shared somewhere as it was a late spike after sharing it a few weeks ago! But I just wanted to say thanks so much for all the kind words on that one. Pleased you enjoyed the post!
Hi guys hope you’re doing well? Time is flying by lately isn’t it?
I spotted this little blue flower this evening just as the sun was dropping, the light from the sunset hit the wooden fence panel behind it in an intense golden orange glow. One of those moments where your eyes go, “Oh hello…” …Photography mode instantly activated!! I legged it inside, grabbed the camera, came back out, and this is what I ended up with…
What made me laugh afterwards is that I’ve been learning about the colour wheel recently, a food photographer I follow was talking about it and suddenly it all clicked when I looked through the viewfinder and these colours came into focus. Blue sits opposite yellow/orange, which means they complement each other and create that really striking contrast. And here it was, happening right in front of me in the same week I’d been learning about these things….. it’s like nature was doing the homework for me in real time haha. It’s funny how once you start learning these little things, you begin noticing them everywhere. Makes the whole process even more enjoyable when you get to put it into practise.
Anyway, thought I’d share this one with you, see what you think of the colour combo? Taken with my Canon 5D Mark IV coupled with the 100mm macro! ☺️
Good evening you lot! 😊 I’ve been doing more plant photography at work lately, and it’s definitely spilled into my own time. Once you start noticing the tiny shapes and colours, you can’t really switch it off, although I’ve always been a ‘noticer’ of nature and all things wild, it seems to be a bit more prominent (especially with flowers) since that extra plant focussed photography through work. These amazing looking little heart-shaped blooms, pulled me right in, so of course the camera came out.
Perfect little heart shapes, like nature showing off without even trying. It still amazes me how something so small can be so precise and delicate. That’s the bit I love most about photographing plants: so many varieties I haven’t even started to scrape the surface after photographing probably a good few hundred now…. and still get these moments of “how is this real?” 🤯
….Sharing things like this with you guys has become something that I love to do and I can’t thank you enough for all the confidence, inspiration and belief you have helped install in me. I’ve had people on here say they look through my blog with their family, in hospital, to give them a happy lift, while studying, some people say they just check in because they enjoy my work….and that makes me happy – because if this space can give someone a bit of happiness, a bit of colour, inspiration, calm or just a reason to look a little closer at things in their own world, that’s what it’s all about. Of course it’s also documentation for my own journey but to connect with you guys the way that I have is incredible and means a lot to me, a massive bonus.
Plenty more plant stuff to come I think I’ve fallen down the plant rabbit hole now, and honestly, I’m quite happy down here. 🙂
(This plant is Dicentra spectabilis aka Bleeding Heart)
There’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately… and I figured the best thing to do is put it out into the world, that’s the first step, right?
By the end of 2026, I want to be able to say I’ve photographed a menu in some form, or created social media content for a pub, restaurant, café somewhere that actually lives and breathes food.
I’ve always loved food. Not just eating it (although… definitely that too😆), but the way it looks, the colours, the textures, the story behind a dish. Over time I’ve started capturing bits of my own cooking, experimenting with food photography at home (that’s given me a start to finding my own food photography “style”, but it’s not quite the same)…. Although I’ve also had a taste with a previous a small menu shoot and an other little bits here and there a few years back.
But now I want more of it…the real good stuff, I really feel confident in my ability and know that I could produce some really nice imagery for any establishment that would offer me an opportunity! 😁
I want to be in the proper environment; chefs creating something special, plates being styled with care, looking like art. There’s something about working with food that feels creative in a completely different way, and it’s something I’ve wanted to lean into for a long time.
Living in Worcester, 🇬🇧I’m surrounded by so many great food spots. Independent places, passionate people, incredible dishes it’s all right there. And I keep thinking… why not?
…So this is me putting it out there.
I genuinely believe that if you say what you want, back yourself, take action, believe in your craft, that’s when things start to happen. I’m going to put together my best shots (some of the ones you’ve seen here included), reach out to a few places, and see what comes back. No overthinking it just going for it. Because at the end of the day, if I don’t try, I’ll never know.
I’m excited about this. It’s been in the back of my mind for ages, and it feels good to finally give it a bit of my time!
So yeah… that’s the goal.
If you’re reading this, wish me luck and send some of those “go on Seb” vibes my way. 😁
Kept this one a bit quiet but, say HELLO to Stanley!!… the newest member of the clan. He’s living at Mum’s, just like Fred did, and walking through that door yesterday felt strangely familiar and completely new at the same time! After losing Fred before Christmas (thanks for your support back then) there was a Fred‑shaped gap in the family, and I think we all felt it more than we said out loud – although I was very vocal about his sudden departure wrecking me hah, it was rough. He’ll always have his place, nothing touches that.
But then along came Stan….
And … what a character. I’ve just met him this weekend and within about five minutes I’d had cuddles, a full face inspection, and a couple of enthusiastic puppy bites for good measure (no feet or hands are safe from the needle teeth!). He’s got that mix of innocence and chaos that only a young dog can pull off one minute melting into your arms, the next trying to chew your hoodie strings like it’s his life purpose. 😀
He’s already proving to be a natural in front of the camera. Fred was my original little model, and he’ll always be part of the story, but Stanley… well, he’s definitely ready to take up the role!
It feels good to have that spark back in the house the noise, the movement, the tiny paws skittering across the floor. Not a replacement, just a new chapter. And a very cute one at that.
Sebastian Stead - My Photography Blog 