Back in school whenever we had to read in the library I always got told off because I would be reading the one Manual Mag that was in there and not a story book.
It got to the point where I had to hide it in front of the biggest book I could find so it looked like I was reading something different. I studied that book and examined every photo inside of it just wishing one day I could get one of my photos published in it.
At the start of this year Stephen hit me up and said he was getting a story in the upcoming Manual Mag and asked if I could take some photos of him after seeing a few of my shots on Instagram. Not gonna lie I tried to play it cool but inside I was frothing because I had a chance to hopefully get one of my photos in a Magazine I grew up reading.
Now the latest issue is released and I get to see my photos across 3 pages. To some people this isn’t much but to be honest it’s a low key bucket list moment for me and it’s only made me more motivated to do more! I even feel like a cheesy fan boy writing this but I know my 13 year old self would be proud.
Make sure you go out and get yourself the newest issue.
Thank you
@stephennickolls@manualmagazine@davidread@kingsleyattwood for the inspiration 🫡
Stoked how this photo turned out considering I almost got a board to the back of my head from all the attempts! Thank you Liam for not knocking me out 🫡
@liamrobert.studio | BS Smith
One of my resolutions this year was to open up more.
I struggle a lot with being proud of myself or being happy with what I’ve done. I put a lot of pressure on myself and I’ve realised a lot of people probably think like this too.
So here’s my way of saying, well done! You’re doing great, I know you’re trying your hardest and you should be proud of where you are! 👏🏽
Walked past the old stomping ground the other day and of course all the memories came flooding back.
This place will always be special to me and everyone involved. It’s a feeling you can’t explain.
Mangawhai Bowl Bash 2026 - This year I wanted to sit back and enjoy it from the stands. I purposely didn’t bring the fisheye so I physically couldn’t go and shoot, however I did end up bringing my Fujifilm because I knew I’d get the itch.
It was also very cool sitting back and watching the kids with their cameras getting amongst it! Reminds me how I was when I first started.
Another great year at @mangawhaibowlbash
All shot on @fujifilmxseriesnz X100VI
2025 was a crazy, hectic, fast paced, wild ride. While it was probably one of the best years of my life, I still need to learn to take a step back and take it all in.
This year, 2026 is for living in the moment 🫡
A crazy year to say the least! Happy to say the trusty Fujifilm saw a fair few places, so here’s some of my favourites from 2025 📸
All taken on a Fujifilm X100VI 🤝
#fujifilm #fujifilmx100vi #fujifilm_xseries #travel #film #photography #europe #earthminimal #stademagazine #thecoastdispatch #onearthmagazine
