DONALD GRAHAM SOUL SEARCHER
One Of A Kind, An Exclusive Interview With The Artist
The internationally esteemed photographer Donald Graham fluidly transitions between themes of fashion, the natural world, and striking portraiture, among others, in his multifaceted photographic career. Yet, the captivating imagery within his newest publication, One of a Kind, stands out against the rest. Immersed in robust essences of authenticity, intimacy, and classical timeliness, the work centers on both celebrities and everyday subjects. Graham spoke with PROVOKR in an exclusive interview on his work, ideals, and bright future outlook.
Sunny Sunday: What is your favorite aspect of photographing portraits, and what about it is most challenging?
Donald Graham: I’m a people person, meaning I am genuinely interested in listening to people’s stories and learning from them. Portrait photography is an opportunity to communicate something authentic about a person that everyone can understand and relate to. I also seek to find something unique in each person so that the portraits I make show a good diversity of insights into the human condition. The toughest part is that sometimes, no matter how long or what I try with the subject, there is nothing authentic that is communicated.
SS: What photographic advice do you wish you could have given to yourself at the beginning of your career?
DG: My advice to photographers — firstly, do what you love. Secondly, if you want a successful career, after you know what you love, find the person [or people] who do what you love better than anyone in the world. Then go to them and do whatever is necessary to work for them for three years. If you work for free, so be it. It will be the greatest learning experience of your career and you will see firsthand how and why they are successful. In addition, success is about relationships and you will have an opportunity to forge relationships that can last a lifetime and launch your career in a way that nothing else can.
SS: With the pandemic occurring in the past year, how has it influenced your outlook on or your craft of photography?
DG: The amount of assigned work dropped dramatically, giving me a chance to work on what I care about most. I made personal photographs almost every day. This last year broke a lot of habits with the result that I seek to create a simpler life focused on the things that make my life fuller and happier.
SS: What most excites you for the future, either personally, photography-related, or both?
DG: Going forward, I like the changes in my work and personal life that this last year has helped create. Simplifying my life is a great thing. Letting go of rigid goals and listening to my heart on a daily basis to lead me is a new and deeply satisfying way to walk through life. It’s a great chapter.
To learn more about his work, visit https://donaldgraham.com. You can find information for One of a Kind here:
