Hi, I'm Graeme 👋, a photographer based in Skirling, Scottish Borders, Scotland, available for photography services across the surrounding areas.
I once dreamed of becoming a successful rock musician, and that passion still lives within me, although today my performances take place in the sky and through my camera. Ballooning and photography are my versions of rock music, just performed on a very different stage.
Life took an unexpected turn after a road accident in 2014 left me disabled, yet it also opened new doors. In 2019, I found myself drawn to photography, a passion I had started exploring before the pandemic but truly embraced during the quiet months of 2020.
Getting my hands on a full-frame professional camera before lockdown, I spent countless late nights learning the equipment and editing software, often feeling as though I was cracking a complex code. My work soon earned several awards, boosting my confidence and reminding me that I wasn't simply playing with fancy gadgets – I could create something meaningful and make a difference through photography.
I experimented with horse and human photography and, thanks in part to my wife's involvement in equestrian circles, this became a rewarding niche. My work in this area has earned awards and appreciation, encouraging me to continue developing my skills and creative approach.
Incredibly, I returned to flying in 2022. Despite living with a disability that requires me to manage chronic pain, I remain passionate, determined and committed to doing the things I love. I also work hard to overcome the challenges I face with writing due to limited fine motor skills in my right hand.
When I'm not behind the camera, I'm soaring through the sky as a hot air balloon pilot for my company, Scotair Balloons, or flying with Kenya's Governors' Balloon Safaris, capturing the wild beauty of the Masai Mara.
However, nothing compares to the thrill of photographing Scottish landscapes. The rugged coastlines, dramatic mountains and misty hills continually inspire me and provide endless opportunities to capture something special.
I'm a photographer, a balloon pilot and a nature lover, always chasing the next great shot, whether I'm on land or in the sky.
"Live it. Embrace it. Push yourself. Succeed."
