The Creative Blood Podcast

Creator of Rapid Eye and Photobook Café Lee Williams on Creating a Photographic Universe

Creative Blood

Welcome inside the world of Lee Williams, the creator behind two of London’s photographic institutions- Rapid Eye Darkrooms & the Photobook Cafe - both of which we are proud to say are our neighbours, right here in the heart of Shoreditch. 

Typically, you’d find our guest for this episode, Lee Williams, behind the scenes, coming up with ideas that foster community and natural habitats for creative humans working in fashion, advertising and film- alongside (unknowingly) being recognised as a mentor to them. 

In this episode, we’re taking you even deeper into Lee’s personal story and how he’s turned his passion into not one, but two thriving businesses. 

From leaving his native Wales and working weekends in an East London darkroom,  to receiving a £250 grant from the Princes Trust that led to him setting up his very own, Lee exposes his ambition behind a beloved community institution. And then right back to the present day - on why he encourages photographers to talk about their work during the printing process at Rapid Eye, and how his interest in the concept of  “third spaces”  led to the creation of the Photobook Cafe…

It’s also important to mention the two powerhouse women at the helm of both Rapid Eye and Photobook Cafe, making it all actually happen - Lee’s wife Sebi & London nightlife legend Farika Holden. A massive shout-out to you both!

Consider this episode your warm and cosy entrance into Lee’s roots, mindset and above all, passion for photography. It’s a truly rare insight into his photographic universe. 

Follow @rapideye.darkroom & @photobookcafe

EPISODE INSIGHTS

  • Why following your curiosity can lead to everything falling into place
  • Why analogue photography is more relevant than ever
  • How personal projects feed passion and help build community

Thoughts on the episode? DM us @creativebloodworld


EPISODE CREDITS

Hosted by Laura Conway

Produced by Scenery Studios

Show music by Ben Tarrant-Brown


People on this episode