Grahame Camm has been married to Coral for forty-one years. Grahame is Hereford born and bred, living in the city all his life. Family was and still is important to Grahame and he is passionate about his home town, football and wildlife. “Born into a loving family, who taught me right from wrong. I love my county and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I played local football in my younger days and, for a special birthday of mine, thirteen of my team-mates turned out, that meant a lot to me,” says Grahame. “They made it a night to remember. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I feel blessed to have some real, genuine friends.” Wye Life really wanted to find out more…
Where do you live now Grahame?
I currently live in Breinton parish on the outskirts of town. A three bedroom dormer bungalow in a quiet cul-de-sac.
We can walk from my house into open countryside and over a couple of fields takes me to the river Wye. It is a quiet parish, well looked after and unspoilt.
What do you do for a living? If you are retired, please tell us about your career…
I am retired, taking early retirement after working for the local authority for 28 years in the bereavement sector.
I was the Superintendent of the local Cemetery and Crematorium, a very responsible job but very rewarding. I like to think I had a good relationship with all the people who used our facilities. Clergy, Stonemasons, Funeral Directors and members of the public.
Do you have any pets? Please tell us about them…
We used to have two Collie/Lab cross dogs but since we lost them have not had any more.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love music and follow football.
How long have you been interested in photography? What inspired you?
I have always been interested in wildlife and the great outdoors. I was so inspired by the late wildlife expert Johnny Kingdom who hailed from Exmoor. A man I had the pleasure to meet and whose enthusiasm definitely rubbed off on me. A colourful and lovely character. He was probably my biggest influence. I have a couple of signed copies of his books, which I treasure.
What equipment do you use?
I recently upgraded to a Canon 7D Mk2 and my main lens is a Tamron 150 – 600mm. F/5-6.3. I also have a couple of smaller Canon lenses.
I am self taught and recently had an article published on Herefordshire Wildlife Trust website, along with four of my pictures, which I was very pleased about. I have also sold quite a few of my pictures locally.
I am linked with The Framing Workshop, 1-11 Whitecross Road, Hereford. HR4 0DE. Telephone 01432 355502. The owner John Bilbao, mounts and displays my work in his shop. He has several of my prints for sale now. He has been so kind and helpful to me.
What is your favourite subject matter?
Without doubt my favourite wildlife are deer, a real passion of mine. I think they are magnificent animals. This photo took me three hours to capture.
What is your favourite image?
I have sought permission to film on private land. One of the landowners bought one of my pictures and it is on the wall in her office. How rewarding is that!
Talking about photographers, whose work do you particularly admire and why?
I really admire the Danish photographer Morten Hilmer – he is someone I aspire to be like. When I am out in the field I try to copy his technique. Experts make it look so easy, when I know from experience it is anything but! He has filmed in extreme conditions. You check out his videos on you tube.
Do you eat out, if so where do you recommend?
The Fisherman’s Arms at Docklow, The Bush Inn at Canon Pyon and Burghill Valley Golf Club are my favourite places to eat. We both like simple, home-cooked food and find the service at all these places superb.
Readers are always looking for recommendations for tradespeople. Do you have any suggestions?
We generally use Badham & Sons Builders and have found their work to be excellent. A lot of my neighbours have used them on our recommendation.
Where do you shop? Do you support independent businesses?
We normally shop locally and use independent people wherever possible.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
Devon and Cornwall, the Pembrokeshire coast are regular haunts. Beautiful coastlines with amazing views!
Do you like music? What’s your favourite type?
For my sins I absolutely love 70’s rock music. Thin Lizzy, Rolling Stones, Queen, The Who.
My favourite song of all time is Layla by Derek + The Dominoes. Blues music is another favourite; Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, B.B.King.
Favourite televison?
Any program on wildlife is a must for me.
Do you read?
I tend to enjoy autobiographies, particularly ex footballers.
Do you have a favourite movie or genre?
Without doubt my best film would have to be Spartacus, closely followed by The Alamo.
I like films that stir the soul, people against oppression. The actors of the 1950s were so believable in their roles. Kirk Douglas, what an actor!
Please describe yourself in three words…
Compassionate. Loyal. Content.
All images copyright Grahame Camm.
…
Would you like to be featured in Wye Life? We’re always looking for people to interview for the my Wye Life section of the magazine/website.
If you would like to be considered, please send an email to hello@goodlifepublishing.co.uk and tell us about yourself. Put My Wye Life in the subject bar.
Leave A Reply