Winning a place on a major expedition proved to be the start of a career for Leonard Smith, photographer and young entrepreneur.

Greenland - where it all began. As an 18 year old, Leonard Smith returned from a trip of a lifetime with over 1400 slides of some of the most spectacular landscapes possible : glaciers, ice walls and even the midnight sun.

Wide acclaim of this work led to his decision to turn professional. Soon afterwards, Len found favour with independent retailers as he sought to market his work, with his first range of 8 card designs published in 1985.

Interest grew as more and more people heard about Leonard Smith and his business called "Lens Ideas". Leonard is so grateful to all the official and unofficial advice and support he has received in establishing his business. He has worked from day one with his wife and business partner Issy who is gifted in languages and has a natural enthusiasm for excellence in customer service and marketing. The fledgling business has grown and along with outlets across the UK its cards are distributed throughout many parts of the world.

Today, Leonard Smith's work is becoming collectable in its own right and the publishing business has grown to be one of the most respected names in the UK greeting card industry.