Surgeon's passion develops into a radical new career
THE sharp eye that Graham Dunn once employed during surgery in a hospital theatre is now being employed as a professional landscape photographer.
It was a radical switch in career – and one that can be judged with the publication of his first fine art photographic book, focusing on the Peak District.
With a foreward by the Duke of Devonshire, it will be launched on Wednesday at the same time as an exhibition at Chatsworth.
Up to three-and-a-half years ago Graham's future was on a very different course. He was an ear, nose and throat surgeon and had spent one-and-a-half years at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.
Eventually his passion for photography, especially for landscape photography, proved too strong.
"I was just becoming more disillusioned with life in hospital. My priorities were changing with having a young family. Something needed changing and it ended up being the job.
"Photography is something I have always enjoyed. For a while it was a fantasy at the back of my mind. Then I was introduced to the right people at the right time and given the encouragement to give it a go."
Graham, aged 35, admits it took a long time to make up his mind. "It's not an easy process but I haven't had second thoughts since.
"I feel I made the right choice. I am very passionate about landscape photography and there's a great opportunity with the Peak District on the doorstep."
The book is designed not as a text book but as "a visual tour" of the national park, reflecting the variety of terrain and its beauty, mystery and, at times, remoteness.
Four distinct areas are highlighted – the Northern Peak, the Eastern Peak, the White Peak and the South Western Peak.
Graham, who lives in Stumperlowe Hall Road, Fulwood, with wife Joanna and children Luke, five, Max, two, and Toby, four months, says: "It's not necessarily the easiest place to photograph in the world but it's got such a great variety. There's a bit of everything in there and a lot of it is very accessible, which is great.
"I've been building a collection for about three years and about two-and-a-half years ago I decided a book would be an exciting project and it's evolved from there."
Largely self-taught, Graham has no regrets at dropping his medical career and picking up his camera.
"I love being self-employed. I love the creativity and the freedom of photography. I hope that the book and the exhibition will open up some more opportunities to develop my passion and specialise in landscape work."
lPeak District – a landscape guide is published by Graham's own company, Limestone Publishing, and costs 25 (22, including p&p from.grahamdunn.co.uk).
The exhibition is in the Cavendish Rooms and Carriage House restaurant at Chatsworth throughout July and August.
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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