REG GRAHAM R.I.P.
It is with great sadness that Longacre Press wishes to pass on the news of the death of one of its authors, photographer Reg Graham. In Reg the New Zealand literary and artistic community had one of its greatest friends and enthusiasts.
Reg spent most of his working life involved with education. He also had a lifelong interest in photography. During the fifteen years since his retirement Reg was able to indulge in what became a passion – photographing people, especially those involved in the arts - in a variety of activities and moods, but always in a situation familiar and pertinent to his subject.
Using a small 35 mm camera and fast film, or more recently a digital camera, he worked with existing lighting, believing that a good rapport with his subject seemed more assured if there was as little photographic paraphernalia as possible.
Reg’s kindly, gentle ways quickly put his subjects at ease and this resulted in some exceptional and intimate portraits of many of our best-loved writers and creative people. It is a tribute to Reg that many of his subjects became firm friends.
A collection of Reg Graham’s portraits Click! Portraits of New Zealanders was published in 2006. Reg is survived by his wife, Judith, two children, and two grand children.
Reg spent most of his working life involved with education. He also had a lifelong interest in photography. During the fifteen years since his retirement Reg was able to indulge in what became a passion – photographing people, especially those involved in the arts - in a variety of activities and moods, but always in a situation familiar and pertinent to his subject.
Using a small 35 mm camera and fast film, or more recently a digital camera, he worked with existing lighting, believing that a good rapport with his subject seemed more assured if there was as little photographic paraphernalia as possible.
Reg’s kindly, gentle ways quickly put his subjects at ease and this resulted in some exceptional and intimate portraits of many of our best-loved writers and creative people. It is a tribute to Reg that many of his subjects became firm friends.
A collection of Reg Graham’s portraits Click! Portraits of New Zealanders was published in 2006. Reg is survived by his wife, Judith, two children, and two grand children.
Reg Graham was a Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand, one of the highest honours to be bestowed upon a photographer.
4 comments:
Reg was a wonderful photographer and a true gentleman. He had grace and charm which put his subjects at ease and enabled him to capture the essence of the person. He was a passionate supporter of the arts and as well as enjoying his portraiture, photographed shows and did publicity photographs for theater. He was in the prime of his skills and his death is a great loss to the arts community. Sincere condolences to Judith and his family.
Vanda Symon,
Dunedin
I totally agree with your comments.And what a legacy he has left.
We have some wonderful images of my father and Janet Frame thanks to Reg. This is very sad news. Condolences to his family and friends.
He taught me English at Kings High. He installed a love of poetry and photography in me. I went on to direct film at the National Film Unit, produce arts documentaries in Sydney for the ABC. Went to London an gave out Arts Grants for the GLC. I often remember him for starting me off into the Arts. Thanks Reg.
Dale McCrea.
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