The Lay of the Land: A Self-Taught Photographer's Journey to Find Faith, Love, and Happiness

The Lay of the Land is a visual memoir by Joe Greer, combining thoughtful essays and more than 100 gorgeous landscape photos. It explores the trauma of his early life and what photography has taught him, such as how to find his light, slow down, appreciate the world, love, and heal. It is a love letter to the natural world, faith, and finding your calling in unexpected places.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

A captivating visual memoir by the renowned photographer on Instagram, Joe Greer, combines thoughtful essays with over 100 breathtaking landscape photos, showcasing both fan favorites and never-before-seen treasures.

"Each photograph truly captures a split-second decision to freeze a moment in time. It's a profound contemplation of the story you wish to convey, allowing the rest to unfold naturally. Click." - from the introduction

Joe Greer's journey as a photographer was unexpected. Raised in Florida by his aunt and uncle following his mother's passing when he was just four years old, he led a seemingly ordinary childhood, attending church camp and harboring dreams of attending college. However, nearly fifteen years later, a family secret would shake the foundations of his existence.

In search of understanding and direction, Greer embarked on a path to become a pastor at Spokane's Moody Bible Institute. It was there that he stumbled upon Instagram, igniting a passion for photography that would forever change his life. His captivating images of the lush, wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest landscape garnered a massive following, reaching over three-quarters of a million fans and continuing to grow.

"The Lay of the Land" is Joe's story, told through words and images. In this stunning compilation, he reflects on the trauma of his early life and the profound lessons photography has imparted: the ability to find his light, cultivate a sense of mindfulness, appreciate the world around him with a deep reverence for nature, which nurtures and amplifies his creativity and faith, the transformative power of love, which led him to his wife, Madison, and the healing journey that photography has facilitated.

For Joe, photography has served as a means of finding purpose, deepening his understanding of his faith, and expressing himself authentically. It has been a channel through which he connects with his inner self and the world around him. Through his lens, he captures moments of beauty, vulnerability, and resilience, inviting viewers to share in his journey and find solace and inspiration in the world's natural wonders.

Weight: 772g
Dimension: 185 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063111783