Member Profile: Gray Graffam

Capturing Life's Moments Through the Lens

Introducing Gray Graffam, an esteemed member of the DMCC community! In just his second year with the club, Gray's contributions have already left a lasting impression, not only as a talented photographer but also as a dedicated volunteer. Currently serving as the club's Vice President of Competitions, Gray's unwavering commitment is truly commendable.

In the world of photography, each click of the shutter tells a unique story, and for Gray, his photographic journey embodies a tale of passion, creativity, and lifelong learning. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Gray to delve into his remarkable journey as a photographer, his diverse experiences, and the profound significance of photography in his life.

Gray's fascination with photography ignited in 1973 when he acquired his first Canon DSLR camera. From that moment, he was captivated, and his photographic odyssey commenced. Over the years, he meticulously honed his skills and developed a profound appreciation for the art of capturing moments.

Gray's desire to improve his craft and learn from fellow photography enthusiasts led him to the DMCC.

Beyond pursuing the title of "Master Photographer," Gray's primary goal is to continually enhance his craft, embarking on a perpetual journey of self-improvement and artistic expression.

Although Gray possesses expertise in various forms of photography, he finds it challenging to pick a single favourite genre. His professional background as a museum curator included object photography, but his heart resonates most with portraiture. However, what truly fuels his passion is the excitement of embracing fresh and intriguing challenges that come his way.

Following a fulfilling career, Gray now savours his retirement. However, it could be best described as "semi-retired" due to his continued involvement in mentoring University of Toronto students who have gone on to create startups valued at millions of dollars. Gray, with characteristic modesty, refrains from seeking a share of their success but remains an invaluable source of guidance and counsel.

In Gray's family, there is a loving wife and two accomplished sons. His elder son is a professional chef, while the younger one showcases his musical talents. With the addition of two grandsons, the household exudes creativity and talent.

Travelling is an integral part of Gray's life, having spent nearly a decade in Latin America during his career. While he cherishes the memories of Costa Rica, he has also ventured to distant lands, including Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, and various European destinations. In recent years, the mesmerizing beauty of the Canadian Rockies, specifically Banff and Jasper in Alberta, has captivated his heart.

The most significant wellspring of inspiration in Gray's artistic endeavours, including photography, was his late brother, a gifted wildlife painter. Their shared passion for art fostered a profound connection and admiration. Gray also acquired a substantial collection of his brother's artwork, ensuring his memory lives on through their shared artistic odyssey.

Gray thoroughly relishes his time with the DMCC and eagerly anticipates contributing to the club's success by attracting more members to partake in their collective achievements.

Furthermore, with his profound passion for portraiture photography, Gray's upcoming DMCC workshop promises a unique opportunity for fellow members to explore the art of capturing the essence of a subject through their lenses.

You can find Gray's photographic work on Instagram, under gray_graffam and Facebook, gray.graffam

Member Profile: Gray Graffam
by Doris J. Bies, DMCC Member

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