A Life in Photography

I was born in Manchester, England, and have been taking pictures for as long as I can remember. Growing up in rural Lancashire, I developed a deep love for nature and the landscape. My time in high school in Scotland fuelled my passion for the visual arts, and photography became my way of expressing the thoughts and experiences that shaped me.

After high school, I studied Fine Art Photography at Manchester Polytechnic, earning my BA Hons degree. Over the next three decades, I honed my craft, working on major campaigns for national and international organizations. But in the late 2000s, I felt a pull to shift my perspective and take on a new challenge. I moved to the Lake District—a place that has always held a special place in my heart—and it’s here that I found my authentic voice as a photographer.

This move allowed me to focus on what inspires me: landscape documentary photography. In 2011, I founded my own publishing company, Ian Lawson Books. From photo editing to final production, I wanted to oversee every step. It’s been a rewarding journey, and today, my work is entirely self-initiated, focusing on the places and people I care deeply about. My books are a testament to the stories and landscapes that have become a part of me.