4 minute read
Antigua through my lens by Roddy Grimes-Graeme
Roddy Grimes-Graeme is an Antiguan photographer. He has been shooting commercial films and stills since 1998. His interests are focused on charter sailing, sailboat racing and underwater life. We caught up with Roddy to learn more about his passion for photography.
What made you interested in photography?
When I was four, we moved from Guyana’s muddy creeks to Antigua’s crystal seas, and my brother and I were fascinated to be able to see everything in the clear water here. Our first swim at Long Bay started my lifelong immersion in all things marine. My first photography motivation was to bring home images of what I saw while I was on or in the water to friends and family who could not get out there themselves.
I first learned on my dad’s Nikon equipment, and when I went on to do a Marine Biology degree at Dalhousie in Nova Scotia, I found myself using photography in fieldwork, which helped sharpen my skills.
How has your photography changed now that you are a commercial photographer?
I see my role as showing how a yacht, villa, hotel or even a person fits into nature, as well as how the sunlight reveals the relationship between the subject and whatever part of the natural world it exists in. Commercial work aims to encourage sales, so you must be able to balance technical ability to describe the product while also conveying a sense of wonder that makes people desire it. Mixing the technical with the artistic to create something special is my primary motivator in commercial work.
What is the best part of your job?
You learn a bit about a wide range of things and people when you have to explore them visually in order to tell their story. Above all, though, I love having the chance to get into natural places with a camera and explore them. Getting the shots you envision in that realm is very difficult, so it’s a never-ending quest.
What makes Antigua such a great place for photographers?
Antigua is great for photography because of its Caribbean light and remaining natural spaces - especially coastal ones above and below the waterline. However, if we want it to keep being great for photographers, we all need to support policies that protect our coastline. We can have development and do this simultaneously, which is something we really need to do.
Amongst your photos, is there one that stands out as your personal favourite?
This changes all the time, but at the moment it would probably be an air-to-air shoot I did in North Dakota with a Mustang and a Spitfire over a Badlands canyon in wintery sunset light. It still seems like a dream that I got to do that.
What would be your dream shoot?
I’d have to say going somewhere completely remote and shooting nature and wildlife. It almost wouldn’t matter if it were polar, jungle or underwater, but I’d like to see somewhere completely wild - a bit like I remember Antigua’s waters used to be when I was younger.
Where is your favourite spot on the island?
I’m afraid I can’t reveal that...
To view more of Roddy Grimes-Graeme’s work, check out: Instagram.com/roddyacqua or www.roddygrimesgraeme.com
